Electric Drive System Engineer

TL;DR

Electric Drive System Engineer: Developing electric powertrain solutions across the full system lifecycle from concept and design through to testing and integration with an accent on batteries, motors, inverters, gearboxes, and associated components. Focus on architecting end-to-end energy and drive systems, supplier selection, mechanical design of transmissions, and thermal management for operational reliability.

Location: Based in Christchurch Office & Lab, New Zealand (flexible working options available)

Salary: NZD135,000 - NZD160,000

Company

Engineering firm working with international clients in adventure recreation, construction, and roadside hardware on ideation, R&D, testing, compliance, and accreditation.

What you will do

• Design, develop, specify, and verify electrical motive powertrain systems for vehicle propulsion and mechanism actuation.
• Determine drive and duty demands, establish performance specifications for powertrain development.
• Architect end-to-end powertrain systems including battery, charging, motors, actuators, and mechanical transmissions.
• Select battery technologies and chemistries, collaborate with suppliers for specification, design, and procurement.
• Select motor controllers, motors, and actuators; resolve issues with suppliers for customization and configuration.
• Engineer mechanical transmission systems and thermal management for integrated performance and reliability.
• Support control strategy development by defining propulsion behavior and interface requirements.

Requirements

• Detailed knowledge of battery technologies, especially Li-ion chemistries and application suitability.
• Experience understanding application drive requirements under real-world conditions.
• Proficiency in engineering modelling tools for predicting electric drive system performance.
• Knowledge of BLDC motor controllers and motors for four-quadrant control.
• Engineering low voltage drive systems up to 60 kW motive power.
• Knowledge of mechanical transmission systems and ability to specify and engineer them.
• Bachelor of Engineering in mechanical or mechatronic engineering, or equivalent.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary, KiwiSaver, profit share bonus, annual leave, sick pay.
• Medical insurance for family, life insurance, wellness allowance, Employee Assistance Programme, onsite gym.
• Sociable culture with team lunches, events, coffee, fresh fruit, snacks.
• Training support and access to career development courses.
• Flexible working arrangements to suit lifestyle.