Mechanical Engineer - Technical R&D

Norweld Australia; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Norweld Australia in Brisbane is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team and support R&D across vehicle tray, canopy and accessory range.

This hands-on role involves complex product design, engineering analysis, testing and prototype through to production release, with travel to our Cairns office and other sites.

You will work with the Engineering Manager, designers and manufacturing teams, applying SolidWorks and FEA to deliver safe, manufacturable solutions.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in mechanical engineering or closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated mechanical engineering experience in manufacturing, automotive or vehicle integration.
• Advanced SolidWorks capability across assemblies, configurations, sheet metal and weldments.
• Advanced finite element analysis experience using realistic loads and constraints.

Responsibilities

• Developing new and improved products and engineering solutions from concept through to approved production release.
• Developing and reviewing complex SolidWorks models, assemblies, manufacturing drawings and supporting technical documentation.
• Undertaking engineering calculations and advanced finite element analysis using realistic loads and constraints.
• Reviewing designs for safety, function, strength, material selection, manufacturability, installation and serviceability.
• Participating in hands‑on vehicle research, prototype fabrication, installation trials, testing and mechanical diagnosis.
• Developing vehicle-installation procedures and supporting consistent installation standards across Norweld locations.
• Interpreting and applying relevant vehicle regulations, codes and Australian Standards and coordinating specialist input where required.
• Defining, planning and documenting product testing, validation and design‑verification activities.
• Investigating product, vehicle, installation and manufacturing issues and developing appropriate corrective actions.
• Following approved engineering review, change‑control, documentation, approval and production‑release processes.

Skills

SolidWorks

Finite Element Analysis

Vehicle installation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

CAN bus

Vehicle integration

Job description

• Hands-on mechanical engineering role across product design and vehicle R&D
• Apply advanced SolidWorks and FEA capability from concept through to production
• Brisbane based, working closely with our Cairns Engineering and Manufacturing teams

WHO WE ARE

For over 50 years, Norweld has been making our customers’ dreams a reality. Through extensive research and development at our head office in Cairns, we have built a world-class reputation for delivering the ultimate tray and canopy packages. Designed and manufactured in Australia, we use the highest-grade materials and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to build the toughest products in the country.

We pride ourselves on offering a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace – one where we have fun, work as a team, deliver the ultimate customer experience and enjoy rewarding careers. Come and join the Norweld family!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Norweld is seeking an experienced and practical Mechanical Engineer to join our Brisbane-based Engineering team and support technical research and development across our vehicle tray, canopy and accessory range.

This hands‑on role will undertake complex product design, engineering analysis, testing and mechanical vehicle-integration activities, supporting products from initial concept and prototype through to approved production release and repeatable installation.

Working closely with the Engineering Manager, Head of Engineering, designers, tradespeople and Manufacturing teams, you will provide mechanical engineering input into product development, vehicle research, testing, regulatory compliance and technical issue resolution.

The position combines advanced SolidWorks and finite element analysis capability with practical manufacturing, materials and vehicle knowledge. It will suit an engineer who enjoys seeing products progress from the design environment into real‑world manufacture, installation and use. Travel to Norweld’s Cairns head office and other locations will be required.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing new and improved products and engineering solutions from concept through to approved production release
• Developing and reviewing complex SolidWorks models, assemblies, manufacturing drawings and supporting technical documentation
• Undertaking engineering calculations and advanced finite element analysis using realistic loads and constraints
• Reviewing designs for safety, function, strength, material selection, manufacturability, installation and serviceability
• Participating in hands‑on vehicle research, prototype fabrication, installation trials, testing and mechanical diagnosis
• Developing vehicle-installation procedures and supporting consistent installation standards across Norweld locations
• Interpreting and applying relevant vehicle regulations, codes and Australian Standards and coordinating specialist input where required
• Defining, planning and documenting product testing, validation and design‑verification activities
• Investigating product, vehicle, installation and manufacturing issues and developing appropriate corrective actions
• Following approved engineering review, change‑control, documentation, approval and production‑release processes

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The successful candidate will be a capable and practical Mechanical Engineer who can translate complex requirements into safe, functional and manufacturable products. Experience within vehicle accessories, automotive engineering, aluminium fabrication or low‑volume manufacturing would be highly regarded. Experience developing controlled installation procedures, leading product verification or coordinating external testing and certification providers would also be advantageous.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
• Demonstrated mechanical engineering experience within manufacturing, automotive, vehicle integration, fabricated products or a similarly practical environment
• Advanced SolidWorks capability across assemblies, configurations, sheet metal and weldments
• Advanced finite element analysis experience using realistic loads and constraints
• Strong knowledge of mechanical‑design principles, manufacturing processes, material specifications and material properties
• Experience taking products from concept through prototype, testing and production release
• Working knowledge of relevant ADR, NCOP, NHVR and VSB requirements and applicable Australian Standards
• Sound ADAS knowledge and CAN bus experience, including reading, testing, decoding and programming
• Hands‑on mechanical, fabrication, prototyping, vehicle‑installation or diagnostic experience
• Strong technical problem‑solving, design‑review and decision‑making capability
• A disciplined approach to engineering processes, technical documentation, design changes and approvals
• The ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with designers, tradespeople, manufacturers and other stakeholders