At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from design to production, ensuring quality and innovation.
- Company: T-Rex Manufacturing, a growing leader in fluid handling and dust suppression equipment.
- Benefits: Full-time, permanent role with hands-on experience and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with direct input into product roadmap and innovative projects.
- Why this job: See your designs come to life and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years in product development.
T-Rex Manufacturing is a well-established and growing business that designs and manufactures fluid handling and dust suppression equipment (water cannons, pumps, hose reels, spray systems and associated control hardware) for mining, construction and agriculture.
Do you want to see your designs go from a SolidWorks model to a prototype, through testing and onto the factory floor, and own every step along the way? T-Rex Manufacturing is looking for an experienced Product Development Engineer to lead the development of our new products and look after our existing range. It's a hands-on, on-site role at our Sunshine West factory.
About the role
- You'll report to the General Manager and work across the whole product lifecycle:
- Run several product projects at once, from market research, benchmarking and feasibility through to release
- Help the Managing Director set and maintain the product development roadmap
- Design new products and variants in SolidWorks using sound DFMA practice for CNC machining, fabrication, welding and casting
- Build and iterate prototypes using in-house 3D printing and contractor-made parts
- Write test plans, then run flow, pressure, durability and field trials
- Produce complete AS 1100 manufacturing drawings with correct tolerancing and GD&T
- Source and select suppliers for new components: issue RFQs, assess capability and inspect samples
- Develop inspection and QC procedures, and resolve non-conforming parts with suppliers
- Make sure products meet the relevant Australian and international standards
- Create customer technical material: datasheets, GA drawings, exploded views, performance data and manuals
- Investigate field failures and warranty claims
- Solve production and supplier issues
- Improve assembly methods, jigs and fixtures, and drive continuous improvement
- Train production staff on products, drawings and assembly procedures
About you
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent)
- 5+ years in mechanical product development, ideally with fluid handling, industrial or mobile equipment
- A proven record of taking products from concept through to production
- Advanced SolidWorks skills (parts, assemblies, configurations and drawings)
- Strong 2D drafting and GD&T that external machinists and fabricators can build from
- Working knowledge of CNC machining (lathe, 3-axis and 5-axis), fabrication, welding and casting
- Clear technical writing for instructions, test reports and customer documents
- Comfortable using AI tools in your engineering workflow
- Happy to get hands-on with prototyping, testing and working alongside assemblers
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- DC circuits and embedded systems
- ERP systems (BOMs, routings, engineering change)
- 3D printing and rapid prototyping
- CSWP certification or higher
- Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and DFMA
You'll be innovative and commercially minded, with a sharp eye for detail. You communicate easily with people on the factory floor and in the boardroom alike, and you take ownership of projects through to completion. Real ownership: your designs go into production and you see them through a broad role covering design, prototyping, testing, quality and production. Direct input into the product roadmap. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia.
Product Development Engineer (Mechanical) in Melbourne employer: T-Rex Water Trucks
T-Rex Manufacturing is an exceptional employer located in Sunshine West, VIC, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. As a Product Development Engineer, you'll enjoy hands-on involvement in the entire product lifecycle, with opportunities for professional growth and development while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to quality and continuous improvement. The company's commitment to employee engagement and its supportive culture make it a rewarding place to build your career in mechanical engineering.
