Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

About Us

At Products for Industry (PFI), we are a locally owned and operated business proudly servicing Australia's industrial sector since 2005. Our enthusiastic team of engineers, fitters, fabricators, electricians, and service technicians work collaboratively to deliver innovative engineering solutions across machine automation, systems integration, and manufacturing support.

We pride ourselves on providing end-to-end project delivery—from concept through to production—for clients across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, energy, mining, infrastructure, and logistics.

Driven by our vision to be Australia's Trusted Partner in engineered project delivery and asset management across energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, resources and logistics, we are committed to transforming great ideas into reality with practical, reliable, and forward-thinking solutions.

Role Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Mechanical Design Engineering Manager (RPEQ) to lead the delivery of world-class engineering solutions across industry.

This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring you to work directly with clients to develop and deliver tailored engineering solutions, while simultaneously managing and guiding a high-performing engineering team. You will balance technical execution with strategic leadership, including responsibility for business strategy, departmental structure, hiring, budgets, and overall compliance leadership, ensuring project outcomes meet both client expectations and organisational objectives. This role is for a Mechanical Design Engineering Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex mechanical systems, supported by expertise in conveying and materials handling.
• Actively engage in hands-on engineering delivery, working directly with clients to scope, develop, and implement tailored technical solutions.
• Provide RPEQ certification and final technical approval for all mechanical design outputs.
• Provide business support and subject matter expertise for client tenders.
• Champion safety, innovation, and sustainability in design, embedding continuous improvement and risk management into all activities.
• Drive adoption of advanced technologies and lean design practices to improve operational performance.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders, and executive leadership to ensure alignment of engineering outcomes with strategic business objectives.
• Provide senior leadership team with reports on engineering team progress and utilisation.
• Lead departmental structure and workforce planning to support business strategy.
• Take ownership of budgets, hiring, and compliance across the engineering function.

Project Planning and Resourcing

• Work to detailed project plans and timelines.
• Manage the budgeted time of engineering resources effectively.
• During the tender process, develop engineering project scope, objectives, deliverables, and milestones in alignment with organisational standards.

Resource Management

• Coordinate resources across engineering projects to achieve optimal results.
• Collaborate with internal teams to prioritise workflow.
• Coordinate with project management, procurement, workshop, logistics, and site delivery teams to ensure seamless delivery of customised solutions.
• Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing engineering team, building capability and supporting career development.
• Oversee and coordinate external contractors and remote teams, including overseas engineering support.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure strict adherence to established engineering processes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of quality assurance systems, processes, and procedures across the engineering function.
• Implement effective documentation practices to guarantee design compliance with ISO 9001, WHS, and relevant Australian Standards.
• Drive a culture of quality by embedding QA practices into design reviews, approvals, and project delivery.
• Monitor and report on quality performance, identifying opportunities to improve systems and prevent non-conformance.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• RPEQ registration and capacity to certify engineering work in Queensland.
• 10+ years' engineering experience, with a proven record in projects involving conveying and materials handling.
• Demonstrated success in leading engineering solutions within food & beverage, industrial processing, FMCG, renewables, packaging, or similar sectors.
• Strong background in managing large, diverse engineering teams and coordinating international support resources.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain robust quality assurance processes and systems.
• Advanced experience in strategic planning, risk management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred:

• Postgraduate qualifications in Engineering Management or Business Administration.
• Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems, WHS Act compliance, and regulated environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

What's in it for You?

• An inclusive, welcoming, and stable work environment.
• Lead an engineering team delivering innovations and improvements that shape client outcomes.
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge initiatives across diverse project sites and our advanced manufacturing facility.
• Competitive salary and package.
• Career development pathways with structured opportunities for professional growth in a fast-growing company.
• A collaborative team culture that values innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• A supportive workplace that prioritises your health, safety, and well-being.
• Access to ongoing training, formal development programs, and tailored career advancement opportunities.
• Commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.