Senior Hardware Engineer for Autonomous Ecosystem Restoration Systems

Nabat is a climate-tech startup based in the UAE using advanced technology to protect and restore natural ecosystems with precision and scale! We operate at the intersection of ecological & environmental sciences, GIS, AI, and robotics. Our mission is to enable data-driven, science-backed ecosystem management and restoration at the speed and scale necessary to address the critical challenges of climate change, deforestation, land erosion, and biodiversity loss. Our comprehensive solution - consisting of ecosystem management software, precision aerial seeding drones, AI & ecological models, and restoration services - is already being used to plant millions of mangroves in the UAE. But we’re just getting started, as we build our platform to serve the needs of coastal, marine and arid ecosystems around the world.

If this mission resonates with you, let’s talk.

📍Relocation to the UAE is required – generous relocation benefits and visa sponsorship (for the employee and their family) will be provided.

🔹Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the design, prototyping, development, and validation of next generation, autonomous systems for mapping, monitoring and restoration of natural and man-made ecosystems and habitats
• Take ownership of building new hardware such as multi-modal sensor payloads, restoration/seeding mechanisms, and other mechatronic systems that integrate with aerial and underwater drones, UAVs, ROVs. This would include the design of components like mechanical actuation, sensors, power electronics, motor drives, embedded control.
• Work closely with internal and external teams on design of firmware, software, mechanical, and systems engineering and define interfaces, integration, and reliability.
• Prototype and test hardware components; conduct performance, reliability, and safety tests; iterate designs based on data.
• Select components, specify suppliers / manufacturing partners; optimize for manufacturability, cost, size, power, and reliability.
• Develop documentation: schematics, CAD models, BOMs, mechanical drawings, test plans, design reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers; lead technical decisions in your domain; help set standards, best practices, and ensure quality.
• Participate in project planning: timelines, risk assessment, trade-offs, resource requirements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety / regulatory / quality standards as required by product domain.

🔹What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Extensive hands-on experience (e.g. 5-8+ years) in hardware / mechatronics engineering: designing electromechanical systems, power electronics, motors, sensors.
• Strong skills in mechanical CAD (e.g. SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent), electronics design (schematics, layout), and firmware / embedded control theory.
• Experience with control systems, signal processing, sensor fusion, motor control, motion control.
• Prototyping and lab-testing skills; ability to iterate rapidly.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes: machining, injection molding, sheet metal, PCB fabrication, assembly.
• Experience with reliability testing, thermal, vibration, mechanical stress, lifecycle testing.
• Good software skills for embedded systems, scripting, tools (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, Python) desirable.
• Strong problem solving, communication skills; able to work across disciplines.
• Initiative, self-driven, comfortable in fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Nice to Have (Bonus)

• Previous experience in robotics, drones, autonomous systems, or similar mechatronic products.
• Knowledge of industrial standards and safety certifications.
• Experience with simulation tools (FEA, thermal, mechanical dynamics).
• Experience scaling from prototype to production.
• Familiarity with cost optimization and supply chain constraints in hardware.

🔹Why join Nabat?

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:

• Join a well-funded early-stage tech startup at the intersection of some of the most exciting, disruptive and innovative technologies in the world - geospatial AI, remote sensing, drone robotics, ecology & agricultural science.
• Design, build and shape a product from the ground up using your unique skills and expertise.
• Work with a truly international and world-class R&D team both within Nabat and in collaboration with 1200+ researchers, scientists and technologists in the larger Advanced Technology Research Council (https://www.atrc.gov.ae/), Technology Innovation Institute (https://www.tii.ae/), and VentureOne (https://www.ventureone.ae/) ecosystem.
• Relocate to Abu Dhabi – one of the safest, most livable, expat-friendly cities in the world - with an “all inclusive” relocation package for you and your family, that includes work & residence visa sponsorship, business class flights, orientation tour, school and house search, and luxury hotel stay until you find your new home.
• Make a real and direct impact to solving the most critical challenges of our time – climate change and ecosystem loss!

🔹What is the hiring process like?

We believe in making your hiring and onboarding seamless and transparent. Here is what to expect from us:

• Initial screening call with a member of our Talent team to ensure expectations and experience aligns.
• First interview with hiring manager about the role and ask questions – Taha Ghaznavi, Chief Product Officer, Nabat.
• Second interview with technical team member(s) to assess your capabilities. Might include a coding test and/or small case study.
• Third interview with a senior leader to assess culture fit and give you the opportunity to meet your future stakeholders.
• Hiring decision and conditional offer.
• Background check and final offer.
• Relocation to the UAE and onboarding!

Apply with your CV and tell us what makes you & your experience a great fit for Nabat.