14d ago
14d ago
Job description
SunDrive's proprietary technology enables the use of copper instead of silver for solar cell electrodes. This technological breakthrough has significant benefits, including greater efficiency, lower cost, a scalable supply chain and more environmentally friendly production.
Founded in 2015, SunDrive is backed by some of Australia's top venture capital firms (Blackbird, Main Sequence, Virescent and Grok), tech founders and the Australian Government (CEFC and ARENA). SunDrive has quickly grown from a UNSW PhD project in a garage to producing the world's most efficient commercial-sized solar cells.
We're always keen to connect with emerging engineers from a range of disciplines who are excited about developing technology with real-world impact. By joining our Graduate and Intern Engineer talent pool, you'll be considered for future opportunities to learn alongside experienced engineers and contribute to real-world R&D, manufacturing and commercial engineering projects.
If you're curious, hands-on and excited by the opportunity to help bring SunDrive's novel technology from R&D into commercial deployment, we'd love to hear from you.
Please note: This is an expression of interest only, and we do not currently have an open position. By applying, you'll join our talent pool and may be contacted if a suitable graduate or internship opportunity becomes available.
About You
- You are currently studying or have recently completed a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, such as mechanical, mechatronics, electrical, software, chemical, process, materials or photovoltaics engineering
- You have a hands-on approach to problem-solving and an interest in applying your knowledge in a practical environment
- You are curious, proactive and keen to continue developing your technical skills.
- You are comfortable learning and collaborating in a fast-paced R&D environment
- You may have gained relevant experience through university coursework, internships, team projects, competitions or personal projects
Bonus Points If You Have
- Experience or an interest in solar technology, advanced manufacturing, automation, electronics, embedded systems, software or materials science.
- A passion project you would love to share.
SunDrive Benefits
Meaningful Work & Ownership
- Access SunDrive's Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) - real ownership in SunDrive's growth (permanent employees only)
- Work on breakthrough solar technology with global impact.
- Be part of a tight, high-performing team where your ideas matter
Learning & Growth
- Company-wide L&D Fund for courses, coaching, and technical development
- Dedicated weekly learning time
- 2 days of paid L&D leave per year
Leave & Flexibility
- Unlimited rollover on annual and personal leave
- Parental Leave: 13 weeks primary / 6 weeks secondary caregiver leave.
- Paid antenatal leave and support for early arrivals, surrogacy, and return-to-work planning
Health & Wellbeing
- Free, confidential EAP support for employees and immediate family
Financial & Everyday Perks
- EV-only novated leasing
- Weekly transport (tolls and public transport) allowance up to $45
- Tuesday lunches covered
- Snacks and drinks onsite for your convenience
SunDrive Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, cultural background, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Australian laws.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support at any stage.
Pay & benefits
Equity
Paid time off
Parental leave
Learning budget
Wellbeing
About this role
Posted
23 Sep 2026
Updated
23 Sep 2026
Job type
Internship
Workplace
On-site
Sectors
Working hours
UTC+10:00
Experience
Entry
Employersundrivesolar.com
LinkedInSunDrive
About SunDrive
Company Overview
Name
SunDrive (privately held)
HeadquartersSydney, Australia
Founded2015
SizeApproximately 50-60 employees (source: linkedin.com)
What They Do
SunDrive is a Sydney-based solar technology company specializing in the development of advanced solar-cell manufacturing technologies focused on copper metallisation processes that replace silver in high-efficiency solar cells (source: sundrivesolar.com). Their core innovation lies in a direct copper plating technique that produces thinner metal lines, allowing more light to enter the cell, thereby improving efficiency while significantly reducing material costs due to copper's abundance and lower price compared to silver (source: sundrivesolar.com). The technology supports the use of thinner silicon wafers, further lowering bulk silicon costs, and offers enhanced conductivity that reduces resistive losses in solar cells (source: sundrivesolar.com). SunDrive’s products are not finished solar panels but rather a manufacturing technology stack aimed at solar cell makers, module manufacturers, and equipment partners seeking to produce lower-cost, higher-efficiency solar cells (source: sundrivesolar.com). Their approach is designed to be licensing-friendly, enabling broad industry adoption and scalability (source: arena.gov.au).
Projects & Track Record
SunDrive’s landmark achievement is the development of commercial-size, high-efficiency silicon solar cells produced at their Sydney facility, including a 2021 milestone where they achieved one of the highest efficiencies globally for commercial-size cells (source: bloomberg.com). They reported a 26.07% efficiency for a silver-free commercial-size silicon PV cell and a 26.41% efficiency for a full-size silicon cell using heterojunction technology compatible with mass production (source: sundrivesolar.com). Their Kurnell pilot and commercialisation facility, officially opened in 2025 by the Australian Prime Minister and Minister for Climate Change and Energy, marks the transition from laboratory research to pilot production (source: sundrivesolar.com). ARENA has supported SunDrive’s path toward a 300 MW commercial-scale production tool, with modules produced at the facility undergoing in-field testing to validate early market acceptance (source: arena.gov.au). Industrial partnerships include collaborations with Suzhou Maxwell Technologies and Jiangsu Vistar Equipment Technology to advance commercialisation, as well as a memorandum of understanding with Trinasolar to establish a majority Australian-owned joint venture under the federal Solar Sunshot program (source: sundrivesolar.com, innovationaus.com). Additionally, SunDrive collaborates with Professor Anita Ho-Baillie and the University of Sydney on perovskite-silicon tandem cells, further expanding their technology portfolio (source: perovskite-info.com).
Recent Developments
In November 2025, ARENA committed up to AU$25.3 million to support SunDrive’s scaling and commercialisation efforts for its copper metallisation technology, focusing on process development, upgraded tooling, and in-field testing as part of the next commercialization phase (source: arena.gov.au, pv-tech.org). In December 2024, SunDrive announced a production yield exceeding 99% at its Sydney commercial pilot facility, with cells being converted into modules, marking a significant proof-of-concept milestone and demonstrating progress from a 1.5 MW prototype scale toward over 100 MW per year commercial capacity (source: pv-magazine-australia.com). Earlier in October 2024, SunDrive and Trinasolar signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a majority Australian-owned joint venture under the federal Solar Sunshot program, with the proposed manufacturing facility expected to create more than 300 skilled jobs (source: innovationaus.com). SunDrive has also received substantial government backing, including AU$11 million and AU$14 million in prior ARENA funding rounds to scale and demonstrate its copper-metallised PV cell technology (source: dcceew.gov.au, arena.gov.au).
Working There
SunDrive hires professionals primarily in advanced manufacturing, research and development, and commercialization roles, reflecting its focus on solar cell technology innovation, pilot production, and scale-up activities (source: sundrivesolar.com, arena.gov.au). The company’s collaborations with equipment suppliers, universities, and its pilot manufacturing facility suggest opportunities across engineering, materials science, process development, operations, and business development functions (source: sundrivesolar.com, perovskite-info.com). SunDrive operates from its Sydney headquarters with a physical office presence, and future growth is anticipated through its proposed local manufacturing venture, which could create over 300 skilled jobs, indicating significant expansion potential in manufacturing and operational roles (source: linkedin.com, builtin.com, innovationaus.com).
See how you’re connected
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