Mechanical Engineering Lead - Space Systems

Randstad; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Defence seeks a Mechanical Engineering Lead to guide a space systems team in Canberra. You will oversee opto-mechanical and electro-optical product development, provide technical leadership, and ensure governance across the discipline.

The role requires an experienced engineer with CPEng eligibility and a track record in leading multidisciplinary teams through concept to sustainment, in a defence/aerospace context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with eligibility for CPEng registration.
• 12+ years of mechanical engineering experience in defence, aerospace, or heavy industries.
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary technical teams and delivering complex programs.
• Active Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in Mechanical, Systems, or Engineering Management.
• Formal credentials or certifications in leadership or project management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority leading complex opto-mechanical and electro-optical system developments.
• Provide mechanical design expertise, conduct design reviews, and oversee FEA, structural, thermal, and vibration analyses.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical engineers across resource allocation, recruitment, and performance reviews.
• Manage project lifecycles, risks, schedules, and budgets while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement, design governance, DFM/DFA/DFC practices, and engineering methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory obligations, and engineering governance processes.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Postgraduate qualification in Mechanical, Systems, or Engineering Management

CPEng registration or equivalent

Leadership or project management credentials

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Lead - Space Systems

At Randstad Defence, we're proud to be partnering with Electro Optic Systems (EOS)-a leading force in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced defence systems- currently seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join their space team in Canberra. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a team of highly competent engineers working on complex opto-mechanical and electro-optical systems and products.

The candidate must be an Australian citizen and be eligible for a security clearance.

About the role:

The Mechanical Engineering Lead guides a dedicated engineering team in designing, developing, verifying, and delivering sophisticated opto-mechanical and electro-optical products and systems. This role encompasses technical leadership, people management, and overall engineering governance across the discipline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the senior technical authority leading complex opto-mechanical and electro-optical system developments.
• Provide mechanical design expertise, conduct design reviews, and oversee FEA, structural, thermal, and vibration analyses.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical engineers across resource allocation, recruitment, and performance reviews.
• Manage project lifecycles, risks, schedules, and budgets while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement, design governance, DFM/DFA/DFC practices, and engineering methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory obligations, and engineering governance processes.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (or accredited equivalent) with eligibility for CPEng registration.
• 12 plus years of mechanical engineering experience across product development, manufacturing, defence, aerospace, or heavy industries.
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary technical teams and delivering complex engineering programs from concept to sustainment.
• Active Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Postgraduate qualification in Mechanical, Systems, or Engineering Management.
• Formal credentials or certifications in leadership or project management.

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.