Mechanical / Product Development Engineer

Bale Defence Engineering Systems; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bale Defence is seeking a Mechanical / Product Development Engineer in Port Macquarie, NSW to contribute across the full product lifecycle—from concept through to production and ongoing support. You will work directly with manufacturing on prototypes, testing and real-world performance, gaining hands-on ownership of meaningful defence projects.

The role requires an engineering degree, proven mechanical design experience and proficiency with Autodesk Inventor, with emphasis on DFMEA,

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Engineering or related discipline.
• Proven experience in a mechanical design/product development role.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably Autodesk Inventor.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and Design for Manufacture (DFM).
• Professional Engineer registration (or equivalent) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Engineering Manager in developing complex sub-system design from concept through to production.
• Design, develop and integrate mechanical products and systems to meet customer, operational and manufacturing requirements.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies and detailed manufacturing drawings using Autodesk Inventor.
• Conduct component/sub-system level analysis to inform project plans, DFMEA and V&V activities.
• Support prototype development, testing and product trials to validate design performance.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure designs are practical and transitioned into production.

Skills

3D CAD

Engineering analysis

Manufacturing liaison

Problem solving

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Mechanical / Product Development Engineer

Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position

Job Description

About Bale Defence Bale Defence is a proudly Australian, engineering business based in Port Macquarie, NSW. Since 1979, we have been designing, manufacturing and supplying high-performance equipment that supports the Australian Defence Force and allied military organisations around the world. Join a Growing Australian Engineering Success Story Due to continued growth and an expanding portfolio Bale Defence is seeking an experienced Mechanical / Product Development Engineer to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing Australian manufacturer where your ideas can directly influence product development, innovation and future capability. You\'ll have the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful engineering projects, expand your technical expertise, and grow your career as the business continues to evolve. Position Overview

The Mechanical / Product Development Engineer will contribute across the entire product lifecycle, from requirement generation, concept development and design through to verification, validation, production implementation and ongoing product support. Unlike many engineering roles that are limited to design office work, this position offers direct involvement with manufacturing, prototyping and testing activities. Working closely with our in-house production team, you will see your designs progress from concept to finished product, gaining valuable hands-on experience and immediate feedback on real-world performance.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys combining technical design expertise with practical problem-solving and is motivated by taking ownership of products that have a tangible impact on defence and maritime operations. Accountabilities

• Support the Engineering Manager in the development of complex sub-system design and lead component level design from concept through to production.
• Design, develop and integrate mechanical products and systems to meet customer, operational and manufacturing requirements.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies and detailed manufacturing drawings using Autodesk Inventor.
• Conduct component/sub-system/system level analysis to ensure suitable input into project plans, options development, DFM, DFMEA, safety, environmental and V&V activities.
• Support prototype development, testing and product trials to validate design performance.
• Collaborate closely with production teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable and successfully transitioned into production.
• Identify and manage technical risks while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Essential Qualifications & Experience
• Degree qualified in Engineering, related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in a similar mechanical design, product development or engineering role.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably Autodesk Inventor.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawing standards, manufacturing processes and Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles.
• Desirable Skills, Experience & Attributes
• Experience working within regulated industries such as Defence, Aerospace, Maritime or Heavy Manufacturing.
• Professional Engineer registration (or equivalent).
• Practical, hands-on approach with a genuine interest in seeing designs developed, tested and manufactured.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity and commitment to continuous professional development.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Why Join Bale Defence?

• Work on innovative products supporting Defence and maritime customers worldwide.
• Be involved in the complete product development lifecycle, from concept through to production and support.
• See your designs become real-world products through close collaboration with manufacturing and testing teams.
• Join a growing Australian company with genuine opportunities for career and professional development.
• Live and work in the beautiful Port Macquarie region.

If you\'re passionate about engineering, enjoy solving complex problems, and want to see your ideas transformed into products that make a real difference, we\'d love to hear from you. For more information about Bale Defence, visit https://bale-defence.com/

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