Mechanical Designer

About the Role

Vitruvium seeks an experienced Mechanical Designer based initially on-site in Warwick, Queensland, with the potential for hybrid or remote work after six months. The position focuses on bridging design concepts and actual manufacture, particularly in sheet metal, weldments, and product development, including occasional in-house manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

The Mechanical Designer leads projects from initial briefs through to finalized drawing packages. They interpret various briefing formats—ranging from detailed technical packs to open-ended problem statements—to develop accurate 3D models and drawings tailored for efficient manufacture. Core duties include design decision-making in line with client goals, communication with clients and suppliers, and managing upstream design tasks prior to handing projects to the drafting team. Overseeing and guiding the drafting team's productivity through clear modelling, guidance, and reviews is fundamental.

Project Scope and Process

Project types include industrial equipment, customized fabrications, product innovation, and reverse engineering. The role demands a design-for-manufacturing mindset from the outset, taking into account material choices, fabrication techniques, assembly sequences, and supplier capabilities to deliver practical and profitable designs.

Requirements

• At least five years’ experience in mechanical design complemented by a solid drafting background combining design judgment with strict documentation practices.
• Proven expertise in design-for-manufacturing, particularly with sheet metal, weldments, and machined elements, plus an understanding of design-for-profitability.
• Preferably skilled in Onshape; SolidWorks knowledge is acceptable and transferable; Rhino experience is advantageous.
• Experience managing offshore or remote drafting teams, inclusive of creating written specifications, conducting structured quality reviews, and ensuring quality control.
• Confident in making design decisions based on broad specifications and open to challenging those that are technically or commercially flawed.

Who Should Not Apply

This position is not suited for designers who only prefer executing fully specified work without collaboration or who are inflexible in adopting company systems and standards. The candidate must be experienced enough to work autonomously while integrating effectively within an established team environment.

Work Conditions

The role requires the candidate to be on-site in Warwick, QLD for the initial six months to gain essential tacit knowledge and comply with company systems and standards. After this period, hybrid or remote flexibility may be negotiated based on performance and operational requirements.

Compensation

The annual salary range is $85,000 to $110,000, reflective of experience and fit.