Pre-Production Engineer

VQuip; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

VQuip, based in Scoresby, is seeking a Pre-Production Engineer to translate sales concepts into production-ready documentation. The role focuses on 3D CAD modelling, BOM development, and detailed shop drawings to streamline manufacturing.

You will confirm tolerances, weight distribution, and tooling needs, while coordinating with Sales, Estimating and the production team to ensure accurate, repeatable builds and clear handover for production readiness.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar.
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication and assembly design.
• Experience creating BOMs and production documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate 3D CAD models of vehicle fit-outs and components.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and vehicle constraints.
• Validate clearances, weight distribution and mounting integrity.
• Liaise with Sales and Estimating to refine design intent.

Skills

Advanced 3D CAD proficiency

Fabrication drawings

DFM (design for manufacture)

Process thinking

Lean principles

Communication with production staff

BOM management

Commercial awareness

Accountability for outcomes

Strong communicator

Education

Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Are you looking to work in a team that is small enough for your efforts to be recognised but big enough to keep you growing? This contemporary and friendly environment might just be the place for you.

Based in Scoresby, this position is ideal for a Pre-Production Engineer living in the South East or East of Melbourne keen work close to home and avoid the long commute through the city.

Become an integral team member for this growing, 100% Australian owned company and enjoy working with an experienced and supportive team who are passionate about quality and providing great customer service.

Vquip focuses on the design and fitting of components to light commercial fleets. We have a diverse range of customers and develop products and solutions for their fleets that best suit their individual work needs.

Our Pre-Production Engineer role is a fantastic role for someone looking to take the next step in their career.

The Role & Responsibilities

Position Purpose

The Pre-Production Engineer is a full-time, critical role, responsible for converting approved sales concepts into accurate, production-ready documentation.

This includes:

• 3D CAD modelling of vehicle fit-outs and components
• Creation of detailed shop drawings
• Bill of Materials (BOM) development, incorporating both sheet metal componentry and fixings/fasteners.
• Assembly instructions and fitting SOPs
• Ensuring all documentation enables efficient, error-free production

This important role exists to eliminate ambiguity before builds, help the production process run smoothly and ensuring we deliver exceptional quality fit-outs to our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop accurate 3D CAD models of vehicle fit-outs and components
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and vehicle constraints
• Validate clearances, weight distribution and mounting integrity
• Liaise with Sales and Estimating to refine design intent

2. Bill of Materials (BOM) Creation

• Generate complete and accurate BOMs for every build
• Ensure part codes, quantities and revisions are correct
• Align BOMs with procurement and ERP systems, including ensuring correct stock code nomenclature is used.
• Standardise components where possible to reduce complexity

3. Shop Drawings & Assembly Documentation

• Produce fabrication drawings with correct tolerances
• Develop step-by-step assembly instructions for fitting team as required.
• Define tooling, hardware and consumables required
• Ensure drawings are version controlled

4. Production Readiness & Handover

• Confirm kit completeness prior to release
• Support first-article builds
• Resolve design-related production issues
• Identify opportunities for standardisation and modularisation
• Improve repeatability of builds
• Assist in prototype development and new product introduction

Key KPI’s

• 1. Documentation Accuracy
• 2. Production Efficiency Impact
• 3. Timeliness
• 4. Standardisation & Improvement

Core Competencies

Technical

• Advanced 3D CAD proficiency (SolidWorks)
• Experience creating fabrication drawings
• Strong understanding of sheet metal design and welding
• Understanding of CNC manufacturing constraints
• BOM management within ERP/MRP systems

Operational

• Strong process thinking
• Ability to design for manufacture (DFM)
• Understanding of lean principles

Personal Attributes

• Structured and methodical
• Commercially aware
• Accountable for outcomes
• Strong communicator with production staff

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication and assembly design
• Experience creating BOMs and production documentation
• Experience in automotive fit-outs or vehicle modification
• Knowledge of Australian vehicle compliance standards
• Experience working in a production environment
• 3+ years experience in CAD-based product or fit-out design
• Exposure to ERP systems

Remuneration

$70,000 - $80,000 plus superannuation based on experience.