Job Description

About us

PlasmaLeap Technologies is an Australian clean-chemicals company focused on transforming how essential fuels and fertilisers are produced. We develop modular plasma reactors powered by renewable electricity that use air and water as inputs, enabling low-emissions, distributed chemical production.

Our technology is designed to address some of the hardest-to-abate sectors, including agriculture, energy, and transport by offering a scalable and commercially viable alternative to traditional, fossil-fuel-based processes. By decentralising production, we aim to improve supply chain resilience and support global food and energy security

If you want to build deep tech that solves climate and food security in the same breath, and you want to do it fast, with urgency, ownership, and real execution, then you will fit right in.

The opportunity

We are looking for an R&D Prototype Engineer to rapidly design, build, and iterate early-stage hardware systems This is a hands-on role at the core of our innovation engine, focused on turning ideas into working prototypes, testing them in the real world, and driving fast learning cycles.

You will work across mechanical, thermal, and system-level challenges, collaborating with electrical, mechanical, plasma, and process engineers to accelerate development through experimentation.

What you’ll do

Core Focus: Rapid Prototyping & Iteration

• Design, build, and test prototypes of electromechanical systems at speed
• Translate concepts into physical hardware within days/weeks, not months
• Iterate quickly based on test results, failure modes, and new insights
• Own build–test–learn loops and drive continuous improvement

Hands-on Engineering & Lab Execution

• Actively build hardware in the lab: assembly, modification, debugging, rework
• Create jigs, fixtures, and test setups to accelerate development
• Work directly with technicians and engineers to get systems running fast
• Diagnose real-world failures across mechanical, thermal, and system interactions

System Integration (Mechanical + Electrical + Process)

• Integrate components into working systems (mechanical structures, fluid systems, thermal management, electronics interfaces)
• Solve practical integration challenges: sealing, alignment, vibration, thermal expansion, accessibility
• Ensure prototypes are robust enough for meaningful real-world testing

Thermal & Physical Problem Solving

• Tackle high-power thermal challenges through practical design and testing
• Prototype and evaluate cooling solutions (airflow, cold plates, heat exchangers, etc.)
• Instrument systems and validate real-world performance

Design & CAD (fast and pragmatic)

• Create CAD models and drawings to support rapid fabrication
• Balance speed and precision appropriately
• Work across a mix of fabrication methods: CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing, off-the-shelf components, welding

Support transition toward scalable designs

• Capture learnings from prototypes to inform future product designs
• Collaborate with manufacturing/DFM engineers as designs mature
• Help identify which concepts are worth scaling vs. discarding

What we’re looking for (must-haves)

• Strong hands-on experience building and testing physical hardware
• Proven ability to move quickly from concept → prototype → test → iterate
• Comfortable working across mechanical, thermal, and basic electrical/system integration
• Practical problem solver; able to debug real systems, not just design in CAD
• Fast, pragmatic CAD skills (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar)
• Experience working in fast-paced R&D or startup environments (or similar intensity)
• Bias toward action: you build first, refine later

Highly valued (nice-to-haves)

• Experience with high-power or high-voltage systems
• Welding/Fabrication experience
• Thermal system design (cooling loops, airflow, heat exchangers)
• Experience with fluid/gas systems (piping, sealing, pressure systems)
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (CNC, sheet metal, casting, etc.)
• Experience designing test rigs and instrumentation setups
• Exposure to plasma systems, chemical systems, or energy hardware

What success looks like in this role

• Prototypes are built quickly and tested frequently
• Issues are identified early through real-world testing
• Iteration cycles are fast, with clear learning each loop
• The team moves faster because hardware exists, not just designs

Why you should join PlasmaLeap Technologies

We Move Fast – Build, test, and learn outside your comfort zone alongside curious, driven teammates

We Make an Impact – Work on meaningful challenges that decarbonise industry and improve global food security

We’re Getting Recognised – Backed by world-class investors and gaining global traction

We Own It – High ownership, low bureaucracy, real engineering

We Test What Matters – Real systems, real conditions, real validation

We Reward Talent – Competitive salary, equity, and support for growth