Senior Machine Design Engineer – Custom Production Equipment

About Syenta  

Syenta is pioneering a new era in semiconductor manufacturing with our groundbreaking Localised Electrochemical Manufacturing (LEM) technology. Our platform enables advanced packaging by combining patterning and metallisation into a single tool. We achieve high-speed, high-resolution metallisation at lower costs and energy use, while minimizing emissions and waste. 

Founded in Australia, we are building a world-class team of engineers and scientists tackling some of the toughest challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. Our collaborative, people-first culture empowers individuals to take ownership, innovate, and deliver breakthrough results. 

About the Role 

We are seeking a Senior Machine Design Engineer — Custom Production Equipment to take ownership of designing, building, and commissioning custom manufacturing equipment from concept through to stable production. This role requires end-to-end responsibility: mechanical design, electrical and controls integration, build, commissioning, and handover. 

The ideal candidate has personally delivered real machines to production floors, has multi-disciplinary fluency across mechanical, electrical, and controls, and understands the risks and trade-offs at each stage. You will work on high-precision, custom production equipment including process, assembly, or PCB-handling machines, helping Syenta scale its manufacturing capabilities. 

Responsibilities 

End-to-End Machine Design & Delivery 

• Lead full machine lifecycle: mechanical structure, electrical/pneumatic systems, controls architecture, and safety systems  

• Develop and own the machine design specification from requirements capture through FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing)  

• Select and specify components across disciplines: motion systems, sensors, actuators, frames, enclosures, PLCs, HMIs, vision systems  

• Produce complete documentation packages: assembly drawings, electrical schematics, BoMs, maintenance manuals, and operator instructions  

Build, Commissioning & Handover 

• Manage the build process: internal fabrication, external vendor coordination, system integration, and commissioning  

• Collaborate with production, process, and quality teams to ensure machines meet throughput, yield, and uptime targets  

• Provide post-deployment support, iterate on performance, and transfer knowledge to operations and maintenance teams  

Safety & Compliance 

• Ensure machines comply with relevant safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, AS 4024)  

• Conduct risk assessments and implement safeguards to maximise operator safety and uptime  

Requirements 

• 8+ years designing and delivering custom manufacturing or automation equipment end-to-end  

• Strong mechanical design capability: structural design, mechanisms, pneumatics, tolerancing; proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, or Fusion 360)  

• Solid electrical and controls integration experience: panel design, motor/drive selection, PLC/HMI programming or close collaboration with controls engineers  

• Direct commissioning and production handover experience; has personally walked machines through FAT, SAT, and into stable operation  

• Familiarity with machine safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, AS 4024)  

• Experience with PCB-related equipment (handlers, testers, dispensers, pick-and-place, laser systems) is highly regarded but not mandatory  

• Excellent problem-solving, initiative, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills  

Preferred Experience 

• Electrical CAD: EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical  

• PLC/Motion Control: Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley, or equivalent  

• Vision systems: Cognex, Keyence, or equivalent  

• Machine safety calculation tools: SISTEMA or equivalent  

• PDM/PLM: SolidWorks PDM, Vault, or similar 

Why Choose Syenta? 

We’re passionate about building a diverse, people-first company. Our culture of collaboration and mutual respect fuels innovation capable of redefining an industry. At Syenta, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership, lead high-impact teams, and shape the future of semiconductor manufacturing. 

What We Offer  

Salary Range: $110k – $150k 

• Early-stage equity opportunities 

• 12% superannuation contributions 

• Flexible leave policies and a strong work-life balance 

• Professional growth in a high-impact, fast-growing deep-tech startup 

• Team events and collaborative culture, including company-wide gatherings in Australia