Mechatronics Engineer – Build the Future of Fishing with Maidenfleet
Location: Nelson, New Zealand – The heart of Australasia’s largest fishing port
Salary: Competitive + Equity + Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Start Date: ASAP
About Maidenfleet
Maidenfleet is not just another start-up—we are set to revolutionize one of the world’s great primary industries. Commercial fishing has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of the Industrial Age, but we’re here to rewrite the rules. Our AI-powered autonomous harvest system will reshape sustainable seafood harvesting, optimize efficiency, and eliminate waste.
We’re at Day One of building a category-defining company that will disrupt a multi-billion dollar global industry. If you're a world-class Mechatronics Engineer, this is your chance to get in at the ground floor of what will be a future titan of industry.
We're driven by a vision of a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable seafood industry, and we're gearing up to build our first commercial prototype. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to shape the future of fishing, lead game-changing innovation, and build something truly monumental.
The Role – Mechatronics Engineer
We are searching for an exceptional Mechatronics Engineer to lead the design and integration of mechanical and electronic systems for our MK1 harvest system—a ground breaking AI-driven harvesting technology. This mission-critical role will have you working hands-on to build, test, and refine the core systems that power our technology stack.
If you are obsessed with robotics, automation, and mechanical-electronic systems, this is your dream job.
What You'll Be Doing
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Design, prototype, and build the MK1 harvest system, including robotics, actuators, and electromechanical components.
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Hands-on fabrication and assembly of mechanical and electronic subsystems.
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Integrate sensors, automation, and AI-driven controls into a real-world marine environment.
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Develop fluid, motion, and mechanical systems that operate in harsh ocean conditions.
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Work alongside AI, computer vision, and software engineers to create an autonomous harvesting platform.
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Test, refine, and optimize system performance with rapid iteration cycles.
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Solve some of the hardest engineering problems in modern sustainable fishing.
Who We’re Looking For
Maidenfleet isn’t for just anyone. We need visionaries, builders, and problem-solvers who thrive in uncharted territory.
You should have:
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Proven experience in mechatronics, robotics, automation, or marine engineering.
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Strong hardware-software integration skills (sensors, actuators, embedded systems).
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A deep understanding of motion control, dynamics, and marine mechanics.
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Experience designing mechanical-electrical systems for rugged environments.
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Hands-on ability to prototype, test, and iterate quickly.
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Familiarity with autonomous systems, AI-driven robotics, or machine learning (bonus but not required).
We hire obsessively curious, relentless problem-solvers who want to build the future. If you don’t meet every single requirement but believe you should be on this journey, apply anyway.
Why Nelson?
This role is based at our headquarters in Nelson, New Zealand, home to Australasia’s largest fishing port and the beating heart of the seafood industry. Nelson isn’t just a workplace—it’s a lifestyle.
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Marine Innovation Hub: Be at the centre of the region’s rich maritime and seafood industry.
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Outdoor Paradise: With world-class hiking, mountain biking, and water sports right on your doorstep.
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Sunniest City in New Zealand: Enjoy stunning beaches, national parks, and a vibrant community.
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Great Food & Wine: Nestled between renowned vineyards and fresh local seafood markets.
If you want cutting-edge work without sacrificing lifestyle, Nelson offers the perfect balance.
Why Maidenfleet?
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Industry Revolution: Disrupting a multi-billion-dollar industry with cutting-edge automation.
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Early-Stage Leadership: Get in at the ground floor and shape the future.
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Hard Problems, Big Impact: Solving critical sustainability and efficiency challenges in global seafood.
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Competitive Pay + Equity: Be part of our long-term success.
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Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: This is not just a job—it’s a career-defining moment.
Ready to Build the Future?
If you want to define the next era of sustainable fishing, push the boundaries of mechatronics, and work with some of the smartest, most driven people in the industry—we want to hear from you.
APPLY NOW