Aquila is building the future of energy, and it's made of light.

We're a fast-growing deep tech company based in Sydney on a mission to democratise energy accessibility. How? By building the world's first wireless energy network powered by light. Think of the internet, but instead of data, we're transmitting power. Our first frontier: laser beams that keep drones flying indefinitely and factory robots charging without ever stopping.

We're backed by world-class investors who believe in what we're building, with over $7 million (AUD) in funding from Blackbird, Possible, Icehouse, Startmate and the Australian Government. 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet as we commercialise our technology and raise our Series A. If you're reading this, your timing is impeccable. We're a team of builders, engineers and dreamers solving problems no one has solved before.

Everything we do is guided by five core values:

- Move at lightspeed: We test, iterate and ship fast. Speed is a feature.
- Physics over precedent: The only limits we accept are the laws of physics.
- Design THE network: We're here to build the largest energy infrastructure the world has ever seen.
- Care deeply, own fully: We operate with a founder mindset where every person drives real business outcomes with empathy and accountability.
- Laser set to max: We take calculated risks to push the frontier forward, because playing it protected won't change the world.

At Aquila, we shape roles around exceptional people. If the mission excites you but you don't tick every box below, apply anyway. We'd love to hear from you.

The role:

As a Mechanical Engineer at Aquila, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology that has the potential to change how we distribute energy around the world.

Our receiver modules are subject to high thermal loads and diverse environmental conditions. You will design and execute novel solutions for heat management and receiver module operations, facilitating the movement of as much power as possible through the smallest area possible under windy, dynamic conditions. Further, the role will include building precise mechanical systems that facilitate safe, long-range, wireless optical energy transmission.

This role fundamentally involves applying your aptitude, curiosity, and energy to solve insanely challenging mechanical problems and doing the most brilliant work of your life.

You will:





- Design, manufacture and test precision mechanical test equipment in complex optomechanical systems
- Develop thermomechanical systems capable of managing intense, continuous heat loads on compact aerospace-grade modules, pushing the limits of what passive and active thermal management can achieve.
- Own the full mechanical design of our laser turret and associated hardware in 3D CAD, translating concept into manufacturable, field-deployable assemblies.
- Sourcing and designing linear or rotational stages for fine adjustment of laser beams and mirrors over long distances.
- Sourcing, designing and reverse engineering high-precision electro-mechanical systems for primary optics
- Design jigs, mounts, and IP rated enclosures that make precision optical equipment robust, repeatable, and field-ready.
- Contribute to the development of dynamically adjustable optics on the primary laser system, working across mechanical, optical, and controls boundaries.
- Reverse engineer and design high-precision gimbals for our primary optics, combining off-the-shelf ingenuity with custom solutions to hit performance targets no catalogue product can meet.
- Roll up your sleeves and help with whatever is required in a dynamic startup environment

You will bring:

- Evidence of exceptional skill in mechanical engineering, with around 3-5 years experience in designing and integrating actuated mechanical systems such as gimbals and precision motion stages.
- Proven experience designing robust mechanical components and assemblies for small to mid-scale production, with expertise in electromechanical assemblies.
- Proven experience in fast paced design and prototype fabrication (including hands-on build and test.)
- Strong fundamental understanding of thermal analysis, structural analysis, and fluid dynamics, as well as relevant skills in CAE.
- Strong fundamental understanding of thermal analysis - including heat sink and enclosure design as well as structural analysis and fluid dynamics,



supported by relevant CAE skills (Ansys, Simscale).
- Excellent proficiency in SolidWorks or Onshape.
- Experience leading projects from initial development through manufacturing and sustainment, including vendor engagement and procurement management.
- Familiarity with high level programming language (MATLAB, python, or similar)
- Experience in a highly constrained industry - defence, aerospace or maritime would be a huge plus

Aquila Perks & Benefits:

- Everyone is an owner. In addition to excellent base compensation, every 'eagle' owns equity in the company, so we all benefit from our hard work and future success.
- Generous paid parental leave. We offer eight weeks of parental leave above the government-allocated amount.
- Relocation budget & support. Support for interstate or overseas team members and their families (including pets!)
- Flexible working hours and location. While we often enjoy shooting lasers around in our fully decked-out laser facilities, if there are days when we can work from anywhere, then we feel free to work from anywhere!
- Generous Personal Leave. At Aquila, we recognise that sometimes you need time off to recuperate, look after your mental health, or deal with an emergency. We provide unlimited (within reason) personal leave to empower you to bring your best self to work every day, and you are always paid for days taken off as personal leave.
- We care about our people: At Aquila, we don't focus on what our people can do for us; we focus on what we can do for our people. As part of our commitment to our people, we provide an annual $1k budget for side projects, health, gizmos and gadgets you want to develop, skills you want to learn, and ways you want to grow outside work.
- Company-wide social events: offsite hiking and/or skiing through beautiful Australian landscapes, annual end-of-year celebrations, and much more!
- Great, decked-out office! An inclusive community and culture in a welcoming office with lasers, cutting-edge hardware, snacks, and actual tech you can go tinker with (within the bounds of safety).
- Aquila welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and has around 40% female representation on our team (which for deep tech is better than most!). Join our team and help us build an infinitely scalable energy network that powers a more abundant, limitless, and sustainable future.

📌 Mechanical Engineer (Sydney)
🏢 AQUILA
📍 Sydney