Mechanical Design Engineer

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

OUR BENEFITS

• Family Friendly Workplace Certified company with Competitive Remuneration.

• Fitness Passport Discount + Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance).

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave.

• Veterans Leave.

• Personal & professional training, development and internal growth opportunities.

OUR TEAM

As part of our VTS business, our PRV team is primarily focused on the design, manufacture, delivery and support of protected mobility vehicles on a global scale. We are very proud of everything we do in support of both the Bushmaster and Hawkei platforms as we all work together towards our purpose. Most importantly – be a part of a positive team culture that is focused on our people.

Thales Australia is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support the delivery of critical capability for Defence Land vehicle programs. This role is a 12 Months Fixed-Term Contract with a possibility to go longer, based at our Bendigo Site.

The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, integration, verification, and support of mechanical and mechatronic systems within complex Defence programs. This role applies mechanical and mechatronics engineering expertise to deliver reliable, maintainable, and operationally effective solutions that meet customer and mission requirements.

Working within multidisciplinary teams, the successful candidate will contribute to system design, integration, testing, and certification activities while managing technical risks and ensuring compliance with engineering standards and customer requirements.

YOUR ROLE:

• Design, develop, integrate, and support mechanical and mechatronic systems and subsystems.

• Develop mechanical engineering solutions for complex operational environments.

• Produce and review technical drawings, 3D models, assemblies, and engineering documentation using Creo Parametric CAD software.

• Develop and maintain engineering artefacts including requirements, specifications, interface definitions, design descriptions, and test procedures.

• Conduct engineering activities across the system lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, integration, verification, validation, and acceptance.

• Support the design and integration of tactical and strategic land vehicle systems.

• Analyse mechanical, structural, thermal, and electromechanical systems to ensure performance, reliability, and maintainability requirements are achieved.

• Support the integration of mission systems, vehicle subsystems, and associated mechanical interfaces.

• Plan and execute integration, test, verification, validation, and acceptance activities.

• Investigate and resolve technical issues identified during development, integration, testing, and operational deployment.

• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, project teams, and end users to deliver effective technical outcomes.

• Provide technical advice and recommendations to project and engineering leadership.

• Participate in design reviews, technical working groups, and customer engagements.

YOUR EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Demonstrated experience in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering within Defence, road vehicle, or complex integrated systems environments.

• Experience integrating mechanical and mechatronic systems onto land platforms.

• Knowledge of mechanical design, structural analysis, electromechanical systems, and vehicle integration principles.

• Experience working with vehicle structures, mounting systems, mechanical assemblies, actuators, and associated subsystems.

• Proficiency in CAD software, particularly Creo Parametric.

• Experience supporting Verification and Validation (V&V), testing, certification, and acceptance activities.

• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Experience handling Australian and US Government classified information and Australian export-controlled information.

• Australian Citizenship is required to be eligible to obtain an NV1 Security Clearance.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY:

After you have applied, you will receive an email acknowledging your application. We’ll then provide a personalised experience for suitable applicants as we progress the selection and assessment process. Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and depending on the role type, medical checks as well.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance. To learn more about clearances please visit

#LI-NK

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.