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 Mechanical R&D Engineer to lead the end-to-end mechanical design of our custom semiconductor manufacturing machines. This role owns the full machine design lifecycle – from concept through detailed design, prototyping, validation, and production-ready equipment.
The ideal candidate has a proven track record of taking machines from blank page to operational production equipment, thrives in a fast-paced, startup environment, and brings a broad skillset across mechanical systems, materials, and manufacturing processes. You will collaborate closely with controls, mechatronics, and software engineers to deliver integrated, high-performance manufacturing solutions.
This is a high-impact role, critical to scaling Syenta’s in-house production capabilities and reducing reliance on external vendors.
Responsibilities
Mechanical Design & Delivery
- Lead end-to-end mechanical design of manufacturing equipment, from concept through to production release
- Develop and maintain CAD models, engineering drawings, and BOMs
- Select materials, components, and vendors; manage procurement for mechanical subsystems
- Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
- Conduct tolerance analysis, FEA, and other engineering analyses as required
- Support prototyping, commissioning, and continuous improvement of equipment
- Contribute to design reviews, documentation, and mechanical engineering standards
Collaboration & Cross-Disciplinary Integration
- Work closely with mechatronics, controls, and software teams to deliver fully integrated machine solutions
- Communicate mechanical design decisions effectively across teams and stakeholders
- Provide technical guidance and input on equipment architecture and systems integration
Process & Standards
- Establish mechanical design standards, best practices, and workflows for the team
- Maintain high-quality documentation, including CAD, drawings, BOMs, and specifications
- Support continuous improvement of design and manufacturing processes
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- Proven R&D background with a track record of taking concepts from blank page to working hardware
- Proficient in 3D CAD; platform agnostic (OnShape experience advantageous)
- Engineering drawings to ISO 2768
- Fluent in GD&T tolerancing – ASME Y14.5 and/or ISO GPS
- Tolerance stack analysis
- Pneumatics design and component selection
- High-precision linear and angular motion system design
- Material specification and selection
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFM/DFA)
- Rapid prototyping experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Material selection experience in clean-room contexts
- Experience with micro-fluidics and viscous flows
- Clean-room practices; design for cleanliness
- Experience working with metrology frames and vibration-isolated structures
- Experience in startups or fast-paced engineering environments
- Experience with simulation and analysis tools (FEA, tolerance analysis)
- Familiarity with PLM systems, JIRA, or Confluence
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 (negotiable)
- 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
