Position Summary At Aquila, we are an early-stage SME lighting up the future—literally Imagine creating an energy network of pure light, no wires attached, and zero limits. Our team is working on truly novel work, at the limit of what’s possible with current technology. Our ability to observe and quantify rapid high-frequency dynamics of systems that are invisible to the human eye presents continuous challenges that we need to overcome to iterate and improve our core product. As Aquila moves into our next phase of R&D, we are looking to prioritise building custom novel test setups that will grow with our company and enable our team to work faster than ever before. As our Mechatronics Test Engineer, you’ll build this core infrastructure to test, validate, and characterise our system performance. Think high-precision cartesian gantry systems following ultra-fast and precise motion profiles, closed-loop free-space-optics alignment systems, and safety cutoff test systems that can make repeatable movements on the microsecond scale… We have many hard problems to solve, and we need an exceptional, multi-talented mechatronics engineer to support our teams in doing the best work of their lives. This isn’t your ordinary test engineer role; you will be a core part of the R&D team, working alongside us to revolutionise how the world connects with energy. Company Mission and Values At Aquila, we dream big and innovate boldly. Our mission? To unleash the power of an infinitely scalable energy network, transforming how renewable energy moves from source to user, everywhere and anywhere. What fuels us (aside from lots of coffee) is our set of fun and fierce values: Pessimistic Optimism: Challenges? Bring them on We're experts at turning setbacks into setups for success. (Think: Making lemonade out of life's lemons) Universal Stewardship: We care deeply about our community, planet, and beyond. (Planting trees for future shade—literally and figuratively) Radical Authenticity: At Aquila, you do you. We champion genuine passion and fearless originality. (Yes, dance like everyone's watching) Endless Evolution: We're always growing, learning, and becoming stronger. (We love rolling stones uphill; it’s our workout) We’re curious explorers, relentless learners, bold innovators, and absolute champions of integrity. Team Structure You’ll join our professional and driven engineering team, which is passionate about building the fastest and safest optical power beaming systems on the market. You’ll work within our Control Systems team, which consists of talented embedded firmware, electronics, and mechatronics engineers, developing novel active control systems to enable revolutionary beam alignment, safety, and power conversion. You will also collaborate closely with our equally dedicated hardware team, which specialises in turning ambitious concepts into tangible realities using cutting-edge free space optics and photovoltaic technologies. Our streamlined, efficient team structure includes daily standups to keep communication clear and concise and weekly training sessions to promote continuous learning and cross-team knowledge sharing. Role Responsibilities Full end-to-end ownership of the design, build, and operation of fast and precise actuated gantry and gimbal systems to enable performance characterisation of our targeting and safety systems. Work from first principles to design novel and effective systems to quantify and capture high-frequency data of SWIR beam profiles to support Aquila’s energy-beaming technology. Lead the development and implementation of robust automated testing software aligned with modern software development standards. Develop control software for test systems using high-level programming languages (preferably Python). Work alongside Embedded Software Engineers to interface with toolchains and microcontroller firmware to enable automated testing. Design, build, and assemble practical testing jigs and fixtures using rapid prototyping tools, alongside coordinating with external manufacturers. Utilise foundational knowledge of analogue electronics to support the design and interfacing of testing systems with external components. Analyse performance data using statistical methods and best practice data analysis tools to draw actionable insights. Document and communicate technical testing results clearly and effectively, supporting company-wide understanding and transparency. Role Expectations Proactively use their mechatronics skillset to develop and design infrastructure to empower our team to validate systems and make effective data-driven decisions. Establish and maintain high standards for internal testing; initially focusing on the R&D process, while looking forward towards our transition into a qualification testing phase. Effectively manage testing projects to alleviate bottlenecks and accelerate the critical path. Effectively document test methodologies and results, enhancing knowledge accessibility across teams. Continuously drive forward our core R&D through enabling us to observe the unobservable, quantify the unquantifiable, and thoroughly understand some of the hardest engineering problems. Selection Criteria Essential Skills and Qualifications Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics, Mechanical, Software, or Electronics) or equivalent hands-on industry experience (3-4 years). Demonstrated experience with designing, manufacturing, and assembling complex mechatronics systems. Proficiency in a high-level programming language (Python preferred) with practical experience automating testing of mechatronics systems. Basic knowledge of analogue electronics and practical application in a testing context. Basic familiarity with core industry standard electronic communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.) Familiarity with industry standard statistical analysis, data science methodologies, and relevant software tools (Python, R, etc.). Strong documentation skills, including creating clear and informative test plans and reports. Proficiency using standard rapid-prototyping tools (3D printer, laser cutter, etc.) Proficiency using standard engineering workshop hand tools, and familiarity with basic machine tools Some proficiency with SMD and THT soldering Less Critical, but nice to have Proficiency in C/C++ (ideally in a modern embedded context) Proficiency and understanding of Digital Signal Processing fundamentals PCB design experience Familiarity with an electronics communication bus standard (ideally CAN) Soft Skills Detail-oriented, yet pragmatic, driven to accelerate our R&D and help us accomplish our goals faster Ability to distil complex technical information into accessible insights Thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment Autonomous yet collaborative, working closely with stakeholders, but able to consistently drive forward projects on their own At Aquila, diversity and inclusivity empower our creativity and innovation. We encourage all qualified applicants, especially those who enhance the diversity of our team, to apply.