Senior mechanical design engineer (spm) - Sydney
Our client is a Sydney-based industrial automation integrator, renowned for the design and delivery of bespoke robot cells and special purpose machinery across a broad range of industries. With a strong and expanding pipeline of complex, high-value projects, they combine serious engineering capability with a collaborative culture that genuinely invests in its people.
As demand for their capabilities continues to grow, they are looking for a senior mechanical design engineer to join the team on a permanent basis.
the role
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will take ownership of the end-to-end mechanical design of custom automation solutions — from concept through to commissioning — working across a varied portfolio of bespoke robot cells and special purpose machinery.
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will drive design development using SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD platform) and work closely with internal project and controls teams, as well as directly with clients. Specifically, you will:
- lead the mechanical design of bespoke robot cells and special purpose automation equipment from concept to delivery.
- develop high-quality 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings suitable for manufacture.
- contribute strong conceptualisation skills to early-stage design reviews and client-facing discussions.
- collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and budget requirements.
- support and mentor junior design engineers, sharing knowledge and helping to raise the capability of the broader team.
- engage confidently with clients throughout the project lifecycle, translating technical requirements into practical design solutions.
about you
You are an experienced mechanical design engineer who is equally comfortable at the whiteboard and in front of a client. You bring both the technical depth and the communication skills to operate effectively across the full design cycle. You have:
- a degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical design, or a closely related discipline.
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, ideally within industrial automation, special purpose machinery, or a related field.
- strong proficiency in SolidWorks or a comparable parametric CAD platform.
- proven ability to develop original, well-considered designs from a brief — strong conceptualisation is essential.
- excellent communication skills, with the confidence and polish to present and discuss design work directly with clients.
- some experience mentoring or developing junior engineers.
- existing working rights for Australia.
highly advantageous / not essential
- experience with robot cell design (and KUKA, Fanuc, ABB, Universal Robots or similar).
- exposure to simulation or digital modelling tools.
- experience across multiple industry sectors.
This is a genuine investment role with a business that takes engineering seriously — the work is interesting, the team is strong, and there is real scope to grow with the company.
If you are a senior mechanical design engineer looking for a role where your conceptual thinking and client skills are valued as much as your CAD ability, please contact ian.eker@liftpass.com.au / 0435 985 089.
