Overview
Vuly is an Australian‑owned outdoor play company that provides fun, safe, and healthy play for everyone. We pioneer the outdoor play industry through creative, design‑led and highly engineered product ranges.
Headquartered in Australia, Vuly Play primarily sells to Australia, the US and Canada, with recent expansion into the UK, France and Germany.
Role
The Senior Engineer will lead the design and development of metal and aluminium die casting components, focusing on tooling, manufacturability, and product innovation. This role is critical in ensuring Vuly Play’s products meet world‑class standards of safety, durability, and performance.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of metal and aluminium die‑cast parts using 3D CAD (e.g. SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, NX).
- Ensure designs meet functional, structural, manufacturability (DFM/DFA), and cost requirements.
- Conduct tolerance stack‑up analysis, material selection, and feasibility studies for die‑cast components.
- Review and approve 2D drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
- Lead and review die‑cast tooling concepts, including gating, runner systems, cooling channels, ejector systems, and parting lines.
- Work closely with toolmakers and suppliers on die design, fabrication, and modification.
- Support tooling trials (T0/T1/T2), debug tooling issues, and drive corrective actions.
- Ensure tooling meets cycle time, quality, and lifespan targets.
- Act as the technical interface with die‑casting suppliers (local and overseas).
- Support supplier selection, technical audits, and capability assessments.
- Resolve production issues related to casting defects (porosity, shrinkage, warpage, cold shuts, flash, etc.).
- Lead DFMEA/PFMEA for die‑cast components and tooling.
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.
- Support cost estimation, VA/VE activities, and COGS reduction initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with customer, internal, and regulatory requirements.
Material Selection
- Lead material selection for aluminium and metal die‑cast components based on functional requirements, mechanical properties, cost, manufacturability, and application environment.
- Select and specify appropriate aluminium die‑casting alloys (e.g. ADC12, A380, A383, A356, EN AC‑series) to meet requirements for strength, corrosion resistance, thermal performance, surface finish, and dimensional stability.
- Choose alloys with excellent castability to achieve smooth surfaces, rounded edges, and consistent wall thickness for child safety compliance.
- Ensure materials meet international playground safety standards and regulations.
- Consider fatigue and impact resistance to withstand repetitive loading and misuse of play equipment.
- Select materials compatible with protective surface treatments such as powder coating, anodizing, or anti‑corrosion coatings.
- Ensure materials are non‑toxic, recyclable, and environmentally compliant, suitable for child‑safe applications.
- Collaborate with suppliers to verify material certifications, mechanical properties, and chemical composition consistency.
- Work with suppliers to obtain material declarations, compliance statements, and test reports supporting REACH and RoHS conformity.
Project Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Manage assigned projects from concept to mass production.
- Coordinate with cross‑functional teams (R&D, QA, Purchasing, Production, Industrial Design).
- Support customer technical discussions, design reviews, and audits.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
- 8–12+ years of hands‑on experience in metal and aluminium die casting, covering both part design and tooling.
- Strong knowledge of die‑casting processes, materials (Al alloys, Zn, Mg – if applicable), and common defects.
- Proven experience working with tooling suppliers and managing tool development.
- Proficient in 3D CAD and engineering drawings with GD&T.
- Experience in automotive, industrial, electronics, or furniture hardware industries is an advantage.>
- Strong problem‑solving, communication, and project management skills.
Why Vuly
- You will design products used by families around the world.
- You will work on projects that genuinely matter, not speculative concepts.
- You will be part of a small, elite studio with real ownership and impact.
- You will work closely with decision‑makers and see your designs reach market.
How to Apply
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.