Careers at Makao

We don't have any open roles right now—but we always welcome thoughtful cold applications.

Many of our best roles have started with the right person reaching out at the right time.

‍If you believe your skills and values align with Makao, send us an email at careers@makao.com.au.

Then if it feels like the right fit on both sides, we'll be in touch to explore what working together could look like.

We’re a team of engineers, designers, and sustainability specialists from all over the map — Australia to North America and a few places in between. Different time zones, different backgrounds, different ways of seeing the world — but we’re all here for the same reason: to do work that matters.

We create straightforward, thoughtful solutions for a healthier planet. We pay attention to details, treat people well, experiment with new ideas, and never stop learning.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, that’s a solid start. If you’ve honed strong technical skills, even better.

But here’s the real test: do you care enough to wrestle with hard problems until they’re solved, and to stand by the details long after the ribbon’s cut?

At Makao, we assume you’d rather be accurate than fast, and right than popular.

You’re curious enough to ask “why” three times. Thoughtful enough to know when to stop. And driven enough to make the call when it matters.

So ask yourself:

+ Do you notice when something’s slightly off, and fix it before anyone else sees it?
+ Do you believe your decisions should stand up to scrutiny (now and in ten years)?
+ Can you see the big picture and care about the bolt pattern?

If the answer is yes — and if you believe your work should outlast you — then you’ll fit right in here.

It doesn’t matter where you live, what letters follow your name, or how you got here.

What matters is how you’ll contribute today, and whether your best work is still ahead of you.

Think calm, not frantic.

We believe good work happens in a low-distraction environment where you have the space, tools, and trust to excel.

You’ll work in small, independent teams — usually organised around specific projects or areas of expertise — and you’ll have people who’ve got your back.

We give feedback often, share ideas freely, and collaborate without the red tape.

We believe in work-life harmony and a sustainable pace. That means fewer meetings, fewer interruptions, and enough breathing room to do your best thinking.

A standard week here is 40 hours — because we know your best work doesn’t happen in burnout mode.

Perks? Competitive salary, flexible hours, a budget for professional development, generous leave, and — maybe the biggest one — work that contributes to a more sustainable world.

Not everyone will thrive here — and that’s by design. The work we do demands care, patience, and a willingness to think harder than most. If that sounds like you, keep reading. If not, you’ll be happier somewhere else.

You’ll fit right in if you:

‍Manage yourself
You’re a manager of one who can set your own priorities, stay on track, and deliver without hand-holding.

‍Spot the subtle
‍You notice when something’s slightly off and fix it before it becomes a problem.

Verify, then trust
‍You push an idea until you’re certain it will stand up in the real world.

‍Balance the zoom
You can step back to see the big picture, then dive into the bolt pattern when it matters.

‍Choose quality, always
You’d rather do it right the first time than patch it later.

‍Think in decades
You believe the best work outlives the people who made it.