Lead Engineer

at; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering company in Melbourne is seeking a Lead Engineer to oversee the local engineering function and manage the design, development, and validation of innovative products. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and at least 10 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with safety regulations and leading the engineering team to achieve high performance and quality standards. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable water management solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' relevant engineering experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong ability to read and produce engineering drawings.
• Previous leadership experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the local engineering function.
• Oversee design, development, validation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure engineering designs meet safety and quality objectives.

Skills

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Mechanical design

Stress analysis principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software (Creo and/or SolidWorks)

Job description

MOVE FORWARD WITH US

Join Franklin Electric on our mission to empower communities with sustainable water management solutions, where your expertise will play a vital role in shaping a better future for generations to come.

Franklin Electric is a diverse team of innovators making a positive global impact since 1944. We offer innovative water and energy solutions, ensuring access, treatment, and efficient management of this vital resource. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our innovative products, industry leading quality products, exceptional customer service, employee development, and passion for social responsibility.

What you will be doing:

The Lead Engineer is responsible for leading and managing the local engineering function while remaining technically hands‑on. The role oversees the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of new and existing products, ensuring all engineering outputs align with operational, commercial, safety, and quality objectives.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 8‑10 years of relevant engineering experience.

The position provides direct supervision to engineering staff and works closely with workshop, production, and sales team to ensure designs are robust, compliant, manufacturable, and delivered efficiently. Strong communication skills and a practical, workshop‑engaged approach are essential.

Engineering Leadership & Management

Lead, supervise, and develop the local engineering team to achieve performance, quality, safety, and delivery targets.

Plan workloads, allocate resources, and set priorities to meet project schedules and business requirements.

Review, approve, and take technical accountability for all engineering designs, drawings, calculations, and change documentation.

Provide technical leadership and guidance while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and safety‑focused engineering culture.

Design & Technical Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and improvement of:

• Trailer‑mounted pump systems
• Sound‑attenuated pump packages

Create, review, and approve engineering designs for new and existing products across the full product lifecycle.

Develop and review 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and design documentation in accordance with industry and company standards.

Perform and/or review stress and structural analysis of 3D models, including load cases relevant to transport, lifting, operation, and environmental conditions.

Ensure appropriate completion of dimensional analysis, DFMEA, and product validation activities where required.

Research, interpret, and ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, safety regulations, and statutory requirements.

Contribute to production process definition, cost optimisation, and design‑for‑manufacture (DFM) initiatives.

Act as the key technical interface between engineering, operations, sales, suppliers, and customers as required.

Maintains a high level of accuracy in design‑related costings to support pricing, quoting, and profitability objectives.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Engineering holds responsibility for design quality and QA outcomes, ensuring products meet internal quality standards and external regulatory requirements.

Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of engineering QA procedures, checks, and design review processes.

Participate in root‑cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives related to quality or field issues.

Ensure engineering documentation, specifications, and revisions are accurate and controlled.

Manufacturing & Workshop Engagement

Work closely with workshop and production teams to resolve design, manufacturing, and assembly issues.

Ensure designs are practical, safe, cost‑effective, and manufacturable.

Support material selection, fabrication methods, and supplier engagement in collaboration with procurement and operations.

Provide hands‑on technical support during prototype builds, production runs, and general enquiries.

Documentation & Change Management

Maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and design records.

Manage and approve Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).

Assist in developing and maintaining engineering specifications, standards, and technical documentation.

Who we want:

Hard‑working winners. Confident, competitive, and results‑oriented professionals who create a track record of success.

Dedicated achievers. People who thrive in a fast‑paced environment and will stop at nothing to ensure a project is complete and meets regulations and expectations.

Effective communicators. People who can interpret information clearly and accurately to concisely communicate results and recommendations to stakeholders.

Collaborative partners. People who build and leverage cross‑functional relationships to bring together ideas, information, use cases, and industry analyses to develop best practices.

What you need:

Skills & Abilities

Strong technical leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across engineering, workshop, and management teams.

Advanced ability to read, interpret, and produce engineering drawings, including application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Solid understanding of mechanical design, stress analysis principles, and manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, casting, and assembly.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability with a practical, hands‑on approach.

Ability to balance technical rigor with commercial, operational, and time constraints.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (required).

Minimum 10 years' relevant engineering experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Previous leadership, supervisory, or senior engineering responsibility advantageous.

Computer Skills

Advanced: CAD software (Creo and/or SolidWorks preferred), spreadsheets, presentations.

Intermediate: Word processing and data management systems.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Combination of office and workshop‑based work.

Regular standing, walking, and interaction with equipment and personnel.

Occasional lifting of items up to 5 kg.

Exposure to workshop environments, noise, mechanical equipment, and occasional outdoor conditions.