Production Engineer
Vessev
The role
Vessev is creating a new era of how we move on water, and we need a dynamic production engineer to join our Build, Operations & Vessel team. The role will be fast-paced and demanding and exceptionally rewarding for the right person.
You might be just starting out in production, bringing decades of expertise, or transitioning from hands-on boat building. Either way, this role is for the person who enjoys taming chaos into order and we’ll mould the role to your experience. You naturally gravitate towards solving problems efficiently, whether that's looking for ways to automate processes or just simply demonstrating “a better way”.
You do not need to be an expert on hydrofoiling or electric vehicles, but you do need to be an adaptive learner, willing to muck-in, pragmatic, and have an eye for quality - this will have a much more significant impact on how you come up to speed on the technical details. Ultimately, we want someone who has an innate ability to problem-solve and can naturally work with people to deliver change.
Internally, you will work with the build team, and wider Operations and Vessel design team to harmonise the boat production process. We have the best talent on site - these are people who have built America’s Cup boats so the potential is there for you to harness.
We are making an iconic New Zealand company - something that is cherished by everyone who interacts with us. Our dream is for you to create something that you are insanely proud of.
What your day could look like
Troubleshooting production problems
Things are always going to happen, what matters is finding an outcome that leaves us in a better place than before. We have a team of brilliant minds so it’ll be up to you how to best leverage them to get to the crux of a production problem and identify a solution. Problems come from everywhere and anywhere - from custom customer requests to parts clashing from potential design omissions, so being able to hold multiple contexts and work nimbly to untangle the best path forward will be critical.
Continuously improving processes
Identifying and fixing problems is the first step but building a generational company means we have to relentlessly chase excellence. Our production environment is still in its formative stages, full of potential and growth, so the opportunity to leave an impactful mark is huge. Designing new jigs or tools to make efficiency gains or optimising workflows and facility set up are some ideas of where you could make a real difference. Ultimately, it’s your previous production experience that will put you in good stead to lead Vessev’s production maturity.
Keeping production moving
Aspirations and ideas are great but the reality is that we won’t achieve anything without a vessel actually on the water - we need to earn the right to be inspirational. Delivering our vessels when we say we will contributes to a well-earned reputation. You’ll be coordinating the build team, design, and wider technology teams to make sure we’re on schedule.
While this list encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, it reflects the significant opportunities within the Vessev team. As we continue to expand, you'll have the chance to specialise across these areas, contributing to personal growth and the company's success. The dynamic nature of this role offers a unique opportunity to shape and evolve with a rapidly growing company.
Requirements
You do not need to hit every requirement to apply. Within this role, problem-solving, drive, and critical thinking can be as important as experience.
2-10 years of experience - we’re willing to flex the role to your experience
Mechanical engineering degree or suitable marine production experience
CAD experience (2D and 3D)
Familiar with engineering change processes and implementation in production environments
Experience with composite moulding, or large part fabrication is advantageous
Marine knowledge is a bonus
CNC machining experience is a plus
If you have read up to this point, think Vessev is the right fit for you, but you don’t think this role is right for you, consider getting in touch with us.
We are growing fast.
Our company
Our purpose at Vessev is to propel a more liveable world - one with better commutes, fewer cars on the roads, additional routes to affordable housing, better connections with nature, clean air, and clean water. We're doing that by designing and manufacturing electric hydrofoiling vessels - the most performant electric vessels ever. Through extraordinary increases in efficiency and comfort - they unlock entirely new sustainable opportunities on our under-utilised waterways.
We value trust, honesty, and a certain can-do spirit that only comes from the desire to blow expectations out of the water. Above all else - we care about doing our best work. Our team have built America's Cup-winning racing yachts, delivered orbital rockets into space, created iconic international technology products, earned multiple PhDs, and helped build existing internationally renowned companies. We are backed by some of the best including Blackbird Ventures, Icehouse Ventures, and K1W1.
There are 33 million vessels in the world today, and nearly all of them are fossil fuel-powered. Demand for practical, sustainable solutions is growing exponentially in every sector, and marine is no exception. What we are creating at Vessev is the most performant way to move on the water and will have a large role to play in this once-in-a-generation transition.
We're not just making electric boats. We are making better boats that can make a genuine impact.
Together, we can propel a more liveable world.
Office first but not office only
Important events are nearly always held in person. That sense of connection and spontaneity cannot be replaced, and the work that we do is no exception. We believe in an office-first culture for the highly collaborative and world-class nature of what we do. “Flying boats to help save the world” will need more than Zoom calls to take flight.
Being in the office lets us build real relationships—not just through meetings but through the everyday interactions that create trust and a sense of teamwork. These connections allow us to disagree, give feedback and do meaningful and aligned work. Some of the best ideas come from quick conversations or impromptu brainstorming sessions. Being in the same space makes it easier to share thoughts and solve problems together. Working side by side helps us make decisions quickly, stay aligned, and keep pushing the ball forward.
With that being said, we are office first, but not office only. We place a huge amount of trust in our team to do what is best for Vessev. Ultimately, we are a sum that is greater than its parts and being together is what helps us reach extraordinary outcomes.
Why our people love Vessev
We are developing a foundational technology for the future of marine sustainability. There are fewer than 100 electric hydrofoiling vessels on the water today. We are at the earliest innings of this great transition and joining Vessev is a chance to make some waves (metaphorically speaking).
Genuine impact - the technology we are creating isn’t just green. It uses up to 90% less energy than conventional vessels and has used economic benefits to propel its adoption.
“First flights” are massive memorable events that we all share in and coming up we will have some huge events associated with our larger vessels.
A hugely talented and collaborative team to work with.
Our products are quite public - we're not just creating an iconic New Zealand company, we will be creating an iconic company on the global stage.
We offer 20 weeks fully paid parental leave for primary caregivers and 4 weeks fully paid secondary caregiver leave (conditions apply).
We offer attractive remuneration packages made up of salary, and generous employee stock ownership plans (role dependent)
Usage of our 1500sqm facility and tools for personal projects (conditions apply)
Being on the water is part of our job - our facility even borders the Tamaki River with outdoor seating available for daily use.
If the water is where you want to be, you will find no shortage of boaters, beach goers, sailors, foilers, surfers, and kiteboarders in our community.
Join our team
Vessev is committed to creating the best possible work experiences that we can - a place where everyone can do their best work. Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and under-represented groups of candidates tend to only apply when they meet every requirement. If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily tick every requirement on this job description, please still get in touch and apply to Vessev.
We’d love to chat to see if you’ll be an epic fit!
If this opportunity sounds like you, please apply below by sending through your cover letter explaining why you’re excited about this role and working at Vessev, along with your CV, and we’ll be in touch!
If you have questions please send them to [email protected]
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