Senior Mechanical Fitter/ Leading Hand

Soldier On; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sofraco is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Fitter to join our team based primarily at Garden Island Naval Base, with work across the Sydney region. You will inspect and repair shipboard machinery including hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, winches, lifting gear and pump sets, and test diesel generators and fire systems.

You will work autonomously with strong team support, with occasional remote/offshore trips that are remunerated on top of your hourly rate.

Qualifications

• Must have Australian trade recognised Mechanical Fitter qualification.
• Strong safety mindset and WHS understanding are essential.
• Able to work independently with remote job reporting.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and repair shipboard machinery including hydraulic and pneumatic gear, winches, lifting gear and pump sets.
• Install, inspect and test fire systems and diesel generators.
• Assist with fault finding, troubleshooting and condition reporting.
• Perform pressure tests on valves and hydraulic components.
• Load test winches and lifting equipment; adhere to safety policies and permits.
• Provide clear job notes and photos of completed work.

Skills

Safety mindset

Independent worker

Remote reporting

Education

Mechanical Fitter (Australian trade recognised)

General Construction Induction Card (White Card)

Job description

This hands‑on position is primarily based at the iconic Garden Island Naval Base, with additional work carried out across the Sydney region. You’ll have opportunities for occasional travel to offshore or remote locations for short‑duration testing and service tasks, generously remunerated on top of your hourly rate. This is a long‑term, full-time position offering varied and meaningful work in a supportive, safety‑focused environment where autonomy and technical capability are valued.

Why is this job better?

• Iconic worksite (Garden Island Naval Base)
• Challenging, high‑variety technical work
• Defence industry stability & long-term growth
• Work/life balance with mostly Sydney-based work
• Excellent pay + additional earnings for optional remote/offshore trips
• Work autonomously with strong team support

The Company

Sofraco is a premium engineering partner to Defence, Marine and Commercial industries, offering a genuine work‑life balance with great office and worksite locations. As an energetic and highly skilled team, we draw on over 35 years of experience to deliver trusted technical support across multiple engineering disciplines.

Working with us also means contributing to Australia’s rapidly expanding defence industry, which is currently undergoing historic growth, with over $200 billion invested nationally in modernising defence capability and an industry value increase of 12.4% in 2023–24 alone. This sector offers long‑term career security, cutting‑edge technology exposure, and strong national significance—making Sofraco an ideal place to build a rewarding and balanced career.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspect and repair shipboard machinery including hydraulic & pneumatic equipment, winches, lifting gear and pump sets.
• Installation, inspection and testing of fire systems
• Inspection, servicing and testing of diesel generators
• Assist with fault identification, troubleshooting & condition reporting
• Pressure testing of valves and hydraulic components
• Load testing of winches and lifting equipment
• Adhere to company safety policies and procedures, including JSEA’s, permits to work, Isolations and risk analysis
• Provide clear job notes and photographs of work completed.

Key Requirements & Qualifications:

• Mechanical Fitter (Australian trade recognised)
• Minimum Experience 20 years
• Rigging experience (desirable)
• Diesel Engine experience (desirable)
• Marine or Offshore experience (desirable)
• Strong safety mindset and understanding of WHS practices.
• Able to work independently, including remote job reporting
• Additional tickets (Confined Space, Working Safely at Heights, Rigging, EWP, Forklift) beneficial.
• General Construction Induction Card (White Card) or willingness to obtain
• Australian Citizens (required for security clearance)
• Willingness to obtain national police certificate for security
• Willingness to complete drug and alcohol testing
• Willingness to complete medical testing for basic health, mobility and fitness