At Vessev, we’re defining a new category of marine transport: hydrofoiling electric vessels that are genuinely better for people and the planet. Our boats fly above the surface using advanced hydrofoils, control systems, and electric propulsion – designed and built here in Aotearoa.

With strong momentum, global growth, and major milestones ahead, we’re looking for a world-class engineer to join the Electrical Team.

We are entering serial production for the VS–9 and larger platforms are entering the initial construction phase so we’re scaling up our engineering, operations, and production teams to rise to this global challenge.

This is where you enter.

The role

As an engineer in the Electrical team at Vessev, you’ll be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge electrical systems that power next-generation marine technology. From concept to commissioning and operations, you’ll own the full lifecycle of electrical systems across multiple vessel classes. Think high-performance battery systems, power electronics, drive systems, next generation power distribution, and their integration with the other parts of the vessel.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a category-defining, Kiwi startup from the earliest stage. There’s so much scope to make this role your own, and we want you to create something you’re insanely proud of.

What your day could look like

Designing electrical systems

Our systems must perform to high standards in harsh environments. Your design work must be thorough and robust. It could be across many aspects of the vessel design, from the drivetrain, main battery systems, auxiliary energy or controls and will encompass not only the electrical design work, but also the mechanical work to ensure proper fit, can be installed and maintained.

Hands on testing

Designs are nothing if they are not tested. You might be building test rigs to validate a piece of electrical hardware, or performing testing on a prototype vessel. We're not afraid to get our hands dirty; in fact, we encourage our engineers to dive in and ensure that we are not met with surprises when our vessels hit the water.

Innovating

We are constantly pushing boundaries - you will be asking yourself every day how we can do things better. This might be identifying a better piece of equipment, or rethinking an approach to a problem. Or perhaps it is our engineering process that needs improvement. You'll be at the forefront of innovation, consistently challenging the status quo and driving us towards ever-greater achievements.

Embodying safety

Our vessels are built to meet safety standards for passenger transport. That means rock-solid safety by design. You might be documenting components, designing rigorous tests to prove system reliability, or orchestrating full-blown destructive testing (because who doesn’t love a bit of controlled chaos?), you'll play a key role in ensuring every system meets and exceeds safety standards.

About you

You don’t need to be an expert in marine, hydrofoiling, or electric transport. What matters most is that you’re intelligent, willing to muck in, and care about doing meaningful work.

Qualifications and experience

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related field

• Experience with electrical system design, analysis and optimisation

• An understanding of electrical design for production

Bonus experience

• Experience with electric vehicle drivetrains.

• Experience with lithium battery systems, particularly marine energy storage systems.

• Experience with vehicle based, or shore based EV charging systems.

• Knowledge of servo motors and drive systems.

• Harness design.

• Hands-on electrical experience.

• Proficient in Eplan

• Proficient in OnShape

• Proficient in data analysis using Python

• Marine industry experience.

• Experience in DFMEA

About us

We’re here to set a better world in motion – cleaner air, better commutes, and deeper connections with nature and each other. Our hydrofoiling electric vessels use up to 90% less energy than traditional boats, unlocking entirely new opportunities.

We’re backed by top-tier investors including Blackbird Ventures, and our team includes talent from the America’s Cup, SpaceX, Rocketlab, Halter, Apple, and leading climate startups. But titles don’t matter here – what matters is how we show up: with purpose, humility, and a restless optimism for what’s possible.

We’re office-first but not office-only. We believe in building together, in person, where the real magic happens. That said, we trust our team to do what’s right and we know life isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Why our people love Vessev

• We’re building something different – from how we move on the water to the kind of team and workplace we’re creating

• The chance to work on technology that can drive real, lasting impact in the world

• A team of hugely talented and collaborative people

• 20 weeks fully paid parental leave for primary caregivers, and 4 weeks for secondary (conditions apply)

• Competitive salaries that reflect the value of the work

• Being on the water is part of our job – from trips on our vessels to our offices that border the Tamaki River

• And if the water’s where you want to be, you’ll be in good company. You’ll find no shortage of boaters, beach goers, sailors, foilers, surfers, and kiteboarders here.

Apply now

To apply, send us your CV and a short cover letter that gives us a sense of who you are and why this role feels like the right fit.

Research shows that women and other under-represented groups often only apply when they meet every requirement – even though they could be an excellent fit. If you see yourself doing great work here, but don’t tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re building a team where everyone has the chance to do their best work.