AGV & Agricultural Robotics | Meraque Group
Location: Puchong, Selangor
Department: Product Development
Industry: Robotics, Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGV) & Agricultural Technology
Meraque Group is looking for a Junior Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering and R&D team in developing and deploying Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs) for agricultural applications.
This is a highly hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys working beyond the drawing board — from mechanical design, fabrication and prototype assembly to machine testing, troubleshooting and field deployment.
You will work closely with our R&D, Operations, Procurement and field teams to develop and continuously improve AGV platforms and agricultural implements used in real plantation environments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
AGV Research & Product Development
- Support the development of agricultural AGVs from concept and prototyping through fabrication, assembly, testing and field validation.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of AGV prototype units.
- Modify and improve mechanical components, structures and mechanisms based on testing and operational requirements.
- Identify mechanical weaknesses and recommend practical design improvements.
- Support prototype modifications and product improvement activities.
- Improve machine reliability, maintainability and operational performance.
Agricultural Implement Development
Support the mechanical integration, modification, testing and troubleshooting of AGV-mounted agricultural systems, including:
- Herbicide and pesticide spraying systems
- Granular and powder fertilizer spreaders
- Air-blast spraying systems
- Grass-cutting systems
- Other agricultural implements and attachments
Ensure proper mechanical integration between the AGV platform and agricultural implements for actual field operation.
Mechanical Design & Engineering
- Review and interpret mechanical drawings and assemblies.
- Use SolidWorks for drawing, assembly and basic mechanical design/modification work.
- Review dimensions, mounting arrangements, clearances and mechanical interfaces.
- Assist in converting engineering concepts into practical mechanical solutions.
- Modify designs based on fabrication limitations, testing results and field feedback.
Fabrication & Prototype Assembly
- Support fabrication of AGV frames, brackets, mounts, supports and mechanical components.
- Perform or supervise basic workshop activities such as: MIG welding, Cutting, Grinding, Drilling, Fitting & Mechanical assembly
- Assemble prototype AGVs and agricultural implements.
- Install engines, pumps, tanks and mechanical systems.
- Conduct mechanical inspections and initial commissioning.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on AGV mechanical systems.
- Troubleshoot engines, pumps, bearings, shafts, drive components, crawler tracks, undercarriage, hydraulic systems and mechanical linkages.
- Diagnose issues such as: Loss of speed or drive torque, Abnormal vibration, Mechanical wear, Component failure, Leakage, Overheating, Misalignment, Crawler/track problems
- Identify root causes and implement corrective actions to minimise machine downtime.
Hydraulic, Hydrostatic & Powertrain Systems
- Maintain and troubleshoot hydraulic and hydrostatic systems used in crawler AGVs.
- Work with hydraulic pumps, motors, tanks, hoses, fittings and filters.
- Support troubleshooting of hydraulic pressure, flow, leakage and crawler movement issues.
- Support AGVs using both hybrid drive and diesel-powered hydrostatic drive configurations.
Testing & Field Deployment
- Conduct mechanical and operational testing of AGVs.
- Perform testing following fabrication, maintenance or modification.
- Support AGV deployment and validation in plantation/agricultural environments.
- Conduct on-site mechanical troubleshooting and repairs.
- Evaluate machine performance under actual operating conditions.
- Record field observations and recommend engineering improvements.
Workshop, Spare Parts & Supplier Support
- Support maintenance of workshop equipment and tools.
- Identify mechanical spare-parts requirements.
- Source replacement and alternative components.
- Assist with supplier sourcing, quotation evaluation and technical discussions.
- Work with local and overseas suppliers, including China-based suppliers.
- Verify components against engineering requirements.
Documentation, Safety & SOP
Prepare and maintain:
- R&D test reports
- Field-testing reports
- Maintenance procedures
- Inspection checklists
- Workshop SOPs
- Fabrication/modification records
- Spare-parts documentation
- Risk assessments
- Support safe working practices during fabrication, maintenance, testing and field activities.
Team & Operational Support
- Coordinate with R&D, Operations, Procurement, suppliers and management.
- Provide technical input for equipment and component purchases.
- Support AGV site preparation, transportation and deployment.
- Provide basic mechanical guidance and training to AGV operators and R&D interns.
- Handle urgent technical and engineering issues when required.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Agricultural Engineering or a related discipline.
- Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply.
- Candidates with 1–3 years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience will have an added advantage.
- Strong interest in robotics, AGVs, agricultural machinery or autonomous systems.
- Basic knowledge of mechanical design and engineering principles.
- Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
- Practical knowledge of mechanical fabrication and workshop tools.
- Understanding of engines, pumps, hydraulics, mechanical drive systems or powertrain systems is an advantage.
- Willingness to perform hands-on work in workshops and field environments.
- Willing to travel to plantation/agricultural sites when required.
- Good troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.