Methods Engineering Manager - QTMP

Downer; Torbanlea; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Downer Rail & Transit Systems is seeking an experienced Methods Engineering Manager to lead production optimisation at our new Torbanlea facility, delivering safe, efficient and repeatable processes for a near-startup operation.

You will lead a team of methods engineers, drive lean manufacturing, production readiness and continuous improvement across the project, partnering with stakeholders to balance lines, optimise tooling, and embed capability with the Zero Harm safety program.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience leading production realisation from start-up to series.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and CI programs.
• Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• RPEQ qualification is highly regarded

Responsibilities

• Lead the optimisation of manufacturing systems and processes to deliver the rolling stock to specification on time.
• Oversee the design, implementation and operation management of specialist manufacturing equipment, tooling, jigs and fixtures.
• Drive production readiness for series production across the facility.
• Deliver a lean production facility layout with effective process and material logistics flow.
• Establish and improve standard times, takt times and production methodologies.
• Work with stakeholders to deliver balanced production lines that optimise the utilisation of plant, equipment and resources.
• Lead the change implementation management process.
• Support operational and process safety outcomes in partnership with the Zero Harm team.
• Collaborate with Production and Learning & Development teams to align workforce capability with build process skills.
• Mentor, coach and develop a growing team of engineers with technical leadership

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Manufacturing readiness

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Education

Mechanical engineering

Mechatronics

Industrial engineering

Job description

As we transition from initial production into series manufacturing at our new purpose-built facility in Torbanlea, we're seeking an experienced Methods Engineering Manager to lead production optimisation, manufacturing readiness, and continuous improvement across the project

The Opportunity

Leading a team of Methods Engineers, you will be responsible for establishing, optimising and sustaining safe, efficient and repeatable manufacturing processes.

This role requires technical expertise in rail manufacturing, encompassing a wide scope of responsibility from structural welding to electrical installation and production inline testing.

Working across multiple functions and organisations in the Joint Venture project environment, your leadership ability is pivotal.

You’ll act as a key escalation point for driving efficient manufacturing methodologies across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the optimisation of manufacturing systems and processes to deliver the rolling stock to specification on time.
• Oversee the design, implementation and operation management of specialist manufacturing equipment, tooling, jigs and fixtures.
• Drive production readiness for series production across the facility.
• Deliver a lean production facility layout with effective process and material logistics flow.
• Establish and improve standard times, takt times and production methodologies.
• Work with stakeholders to deliver balanced production lines that optimise the utilisation of plant, equipment and resources.
• Lead the change implementation management process.
• Support operational and process safety outcomes in partnership with the Zero Harm team.
• Collaborate closely with Production and the Learning and Development teams to ensure workforce capability aligns with manufacturing build process skills requirements.
• Mentor, coach and develop a growing team of engineers while providing technical leadership and direction.

About You

We're looking for an experienced engineering leader who combines strong manufacturing knowledge with exceptional people leadership skills.

You may come from rolling stock manufacturing; however, we are also interested in candidates from other heavy manufacturing environments, including defence or industrial equipment manufacturing operations.

To be successful, you'll bring:

• Degree qualification in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading production realisation in a production start-up to series production.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement programs.
• Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• Qualified as an RPEQ will be highly regarded

Why Join Us?

Help shape a new manufacturing facility while working alongside an experienced leadership team.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Play a key role in one of Australia's largest rollingstock manufacturing programs.
• Shape the future of a new manufacturing facility and production system.
• Lead meaningful continuous improvement initiatives with genuine influence.
• Join an experienced and collaborative leadership team.
• Access career development opportunities, employee benefits and wellbeing programs.

About Downer

Downer Rail & Transit Systems delivers integrated rollingstock, maintenance, manufacturing and asset management solutions across Australia. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and high-performing workplace where our people can thrive and build rewarding careers.