Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the Role

Join eShepherd as a Senior Mechanical Engineer to contribute to creating cutting-edge virtual fencing technology used globally on farms. This role offers ownership over the full product lifecycle, from early concepts through prototyping, production, testing, and improvements based on field feedback. You'll work in a hands-on, collaborative research and development setting supported by Gallagher, a company known for scale and stability, allowing you to influence products deployed worldwide while operating with the agility of a growth-stage team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, and mechanisms for new and existing products.
• Own the design process from initial concept to production release.
• Develop practical solutions involving plastics, sheet metal, enclosures, and structural parts.
• Support prototyping, testing, design for manufacturing (DFM) reviews, and manufacturing readiness.
• Identify and investigate product issues in-market and lead root cause analysis efforts.
• Incorporate customer and field feedback into meaningful product enhancements.
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to optimize product performance and durability.
• Contribute to engineering best practices and assist junior engineers where needed.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in mechanical or product development engineering.
• Proven track record of designing physical products that have reached production.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, design for manufacture principles, and supplier collaboration.
• Experience with plastics, assemblies, mechanisms, or electromechanical products.
• Skilled at troubleshooting failures and applying structured problem-solving techniques.
• Competent in CAD software; Creo is preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience designing parts for plastic injection molding.
• A collaborative, practical approach paired with strong communication skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Background in research and development or fast-paced product development environments.
• Familiarity with electronics or mechatronics fields.
• Experience supporting products already deployed in the market.
• Previous work experience in companies that design and manufacture their own products.

Work Environment

At eShepherd, engineers work closely with tangible products used in rugged agricultural settings, emphasizing usability, dependability, and continuous improvements over theoretical perfection. The environment combines the dynamic pace of a growing agritech business with Gallagher's robust support.

Benefits and Perks

• Attractive salary and performance incentives.
• Opportunities for strong career development.
• Collaborative engineering culture promoting genuine product ownership.
• Life and Disability Insurance, KiwiSaver contributions, wellbeing support, and other staff benefits.
• Complimentary parking and a subsidized café facility at the Hamilton office.

Additional Information

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and the position may be filled prior to the advertised closing date. Candidates demonstrating strong practical engineering skills and a curious, product-focused mindset are encouraged to apply, even if all preferred criteria are not met.