Electrical Engineer (Marine & Robotics)

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Oceanova

Oceanova is a marine technology company developing innovative autonomous and remotely operated systems for underwater and surface applications. Our primary focus is on designing and deploying Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for biosecurity monitoring, hydrographic surveys, and marine infrastructure inspections. These systems integrate advanced sensor suites, high-efficiency propulsion, and real-time data transmission to provide scalable, cost-effective solutions for marine research, defense, and commercial operations.

We are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer to lead the development of electrical systems for our next-generation AUVs and ROVs. This role involves designing and integrating power distribution, control systems, and onboard electronics to ensure the reliable operation of our autonomous marine platforms in challenging underwater environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical architectures for AUVs, including power management, motor control, and communication systems.
• Work on the integration of sonar, optical cameras, and environmental sensors into the vehicle’s electrical and data processing systems.
• Develop and test high-efficiency propulsion and battery management systems optimized for long-duration missions.
• Ensure reliable underwater communication systems, including acoustic modems, RF, and satellite connectivity for real-time data transmission.
• Conduct system-level testing, troubleshooting, and validation of electrical components in lab and field environments.
• Collaborate with mechanical and software engineers to optimize system performance, ensuring seamless integration of electronics with vehicle control and navigation systems.
• Ensure compliance with marine electrical standards, waterproofing techniques, and EMC/EMI considerations for underwater operations.
• Assist in the development of custom circuit boards and embedded systems for advanced control and autonomy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in designing and implementing power electronics, embedded systems, and control circuits for electromechanical applications.
• Strong understanding of low-power and high-power electrical systems, including lithium-ion battery management and energy efficiency optimization.
• Familiarity with underwater electronics, waterproof connectors, pressure housings, and marine-grade electrical components.
• Experience with microcontrollers, FPGA/ARM processors, and real-time operating systems (RTOS) for embedded applications.
• Hands-on experience in PCB design, circuit simulation, and system-level integration.
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as CAN, I2C, SPI, RS485, and Modbus.
• Experience with designing for harsh environmental conditions, including saltwater corrosion resistance and thermal management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working on AUVs, ROVs, or marine robotics.
• Knowledge of underwater acoustic communication and sensor integration.
• Understanding of autonomy algorithms and sensor fusion techniques for marine navigation.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++ for system modeling and embedded programming.

Why Join Oceanova?

• Work on cutting-edge autonomous marine systems that have real-world applications in ocean research, defense, and environmental protection.
• Be part of a fast-growing startup with opportunities to contribute to the development of industry-changing technology.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including mechanical engineers, marine scientists, and software developers.
• Competitive salary and career growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.

If you are passionate about developing electrical systems for autonomous marine technology and want to be part of an innovative team pushing the boundaries of underwater robotics, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to info@oceanova.nz with the subject line “Electrical Engineer Application.”