Mechanical Design Engineer

Vacvator is an Australian manufacturer of specialist truck-mounted equipment, including vacuum excavation, dry vacuum, and high-flow pipe jetting equipment.

We design and manufacture our equipment in Goulburn and are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team.

This role would suit an engineer with some industry experience who is looking to further develop their design capability while working on practical, real-world machinery. You will be involved in the development and improvement of Vacvator products across mechanical, hydraulic and associated control systems, working closely with other engineers, production staff and suppliers.

The role

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies and engineering drawings for new products and improvements to existing equipment.
• Perform engineering calculations, component selection and design verification.
• Work with the engineering and production teams to develop practical and manufacturable solutions.
• Support the improvement of mechanical, hydraulic and associated control systems.
• Resolve design, manufacturing and assembly issues.
• Liaise with suppliers and component manufacturers on technical requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in product design, engineering processes and manufacturing methods.
• Maintain engineering drawings, BOMs and technical documentation.
• Participate in projects from concept development through to manufacture and implementation.

About you

We are looking for someone with a practical approach to engineering who enjoys solving mechanical problems and working closely with manufacturing.

Essential

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Relevant experience in mechanical design, product development or a similar engineering role.
• Good 3D CAD and engineering drawing skills.
• A sound understanding of mechanical design principles and manufacturing processes.
• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• An interest in practical machinery design and seeing designs progress through manufacture and assembly.

Desirable experience

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Autodesk Inventor.
• Fabricated steel and sheet metal design.
• Design of machined components.
• Hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
• Heavy vehicles, mobile equipment or special-purpose machinery.
• Finite element analysis.
• Design for manufacture and assembly.
• Australian Standards.
• ADRs.

Why join Vacvator?

Vacvator engineers work closely with our manufacturing team, giving you the opportunity to see your designs progress from CAD through fabrication, assembly and into finished equipment.

The role offers:

• Exposure to a wide range of mechanical design work.
• Involvement in complete machines rather than isolated components.
• Experience across mechanical, hydraulic and control-related systems.
• Close interaction with manufacturing and the finished product.
• Opportunities to continue developing your engineering and design skills.
• Competitive salary.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

This is a permanent full-time position based in Goulburn, NSW.