Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Robotics Engineer

Mechatronics, Mechanical or Robotics Engineer – Adaptive Façade Systems

Applicants should have a degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical or Robotics Engineering, or a related field. 3+ years’ experience in prototype development, product development, research engineering or a similar role is preferred.

Term: 18 months, full time, fixed-term position

Start date: 1 November 2026

Remuneration: NZ$90,000 per annum 

Location: Wellington-based applicants are highly preferred; however, applicants from elsewhere in New Zealand are also welcome, provided they can travel to Wellington as required and have access to suitable technical facilities to support prototype development. 

About the Project

The Biomimetic Buildings project is a three-year research project funded through the MBIE Smart Ideas programme. More information on the project can be found here.

The project will develop a full-scale adaptive façade mock-up representing part of a commercial building façade. We envisage the prototype comprising nine motorised kinetic shading modules, each approximately 800 × 800 mm, arranged in a 3 × 3 array in front of the glazed façade of a controlled environmental test room, noting that this may be modified in consultation with the successful applicant for this position (i.e. you will have an opportunity to shape this design yourself). Two shading plates within each module, whose opening and closing is driven by motors controlled by an AI-based building management system,  regulate daylight, glare, external view, and solar exposure.

A multi-objective optimisation algorithm will determine the façade configurations needed to optimise building occupant comfort while simultaneously minimising the building’s energy use. Indoor and outdoor sensors will measure illuminance, temperature, relative humidity, CO2 concentrations (as a measure of “stuffiness”), glare, and system energy use. These measurements, system feedback, and control strategies, developed by an AI/ML Scientist (who will be employed simultaneously as part of the team), will guide the automated operation of the shading modules.

In situ controls allow occupants to express, e.g., their need for more/less light, warmer/colder conditions, better ventilation, reduced glare. During the pilot phase, when the AI-base control system is trained on simulation data, these inputs will be interpreted to coordinate the operation of the façade modules, lighting system and HVAC interface to maintain indoor environmental performance while minimising energy use.

The mock-up will be tested under real-world conditions to evaluate daylight, thermal, ventilation and energy performance, including the system’s response to occupant’s inputs.

About the Role

We are seeking a practical and experienced Mechatronics Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Robotics Engineer to lead the development of the physical façade system.

The project has an existing design concept for the adaptive façade modules, together with an initial understanding of how the modules may be connected, assembled and integrated into a larger façade system. However, this concept requires further technical development, and detailed design documentation before it can be manufactured and tested as a reliable automated system. The successful applicant will participate in this decision making.

The candidate will also develop the existing concept into a working automated prototype. The work will begin with developing, fabricating, and testing representative full-size modules. Findings from these module-level tests will then inform the manufacturing and assembly of the complete nine-module mock-up façade system.

The engineer will also consider how the system can be supported, installed, accessed for maintenance, and connected to glazing and building-support structures. Structural and mechanical engineering consultants will provide specialist advice on loads, supports, connections, movement mechanisms, safety requirements and future building integration.

The engineer will work with the AI/ML Scientist on the team to connect the existing control algorithms to the physical façade prototype and to test whether the shading plates and operable façade elements respond automatically to live sensor information, occupant inputs and room-level environmental conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the existing façade concept into a practical, reliable working prototype.

• Prepare CAD models, fabrication and assembly drawings, parts lists, and system-integration diagrams.

• Design and build components, fixtures and prototype parts.

• Select and integrate motors, actuators, sensors, controllers, and data-logging systems.

• Design the modules, supporting frames and connections for installation, maintenance and future building integration.

• Build and test representative full-size modules, using the results to refine the final design.

• Lead the fabrication, assembly, installation and commissioning of the complete nine-module façade prototype.

• Integrate the façade with the AI-base buildings management system, sensors, lighting, HVAC system and energy meters.

• Test system operation, response time, repeatability, mechanical stability and electrical performance.

• Ensure that sensor data, control commands, module movements, and power use are recorded reliably.

• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, sensor and control-integration issues and implement design improvements.

• Collaborate with consultants from the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), where required, to support preliminary prototype-level testing of the façade modules, including basic material, structural, fire, environmental and operational assessments.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have practical experience in:

• Electromechanical design

• CAD modelling and fabrication drawings

• Appropriate digital fabrication techniques, including material selection and production of functional prototype parts

• Motors, actuators, sensors, control systems and movement mechanisms

• Prototype fabrication, assembly and testing

• Troubleshooting, design iteration and performance improvement

• Electrical equipment and system integration

A master’s degree or PhD is desirable but not essential for applicants with strong practical prototype-development experience.

Desirable Experience

Robotics or kinetic systems, adaptive façades, shading systems or automated building systems, CNC machining, laser cutting or aluminium framing, laboratory or environmental testing.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who enjoys designing, building and testing physical systems and can turn an early design idea into a reliable prototype.

The successful applicant will be practical, organised and confident working independently. They should communicate clearly, work well with researchers, consultants, technicians and fabricators, and be willing to test, adjust and improve the design throughout the project.

Expected Outcome

By the end of the appointment, the project aims to have a tested full-size shading-module design, a complete automated nine-module façade prototype and controlled testing results to support future field testing, building integration and further development.

Application Process

Applications must be emailed to Negin Imani at negin@bodekerscientific.com by midnight on 11 October 2026. 

Please provide:

• A covering letter.

• A curriculum vitae that includes:

  • your experience and strengths in relation to the essential skills described above;

  • if relevant, links to relevant GitHub repositories or examples of your code, where available; and

  • the names and contact details of at least two referees.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to an interview, either in person or via Zoom.