Automotive Engineer

Birdon is passionate about innovation, in-house engineering and problem solving. We don't shy away from a challenge; we thrive on it. A proudly Australian manufacturer and industry partner, we provide whole of life solutions to multinational defence, government, maritime, energy and resource sectors. 

As we continue to grow, so too does our team. We are looking for the right candidate to take on the role of Automotive Engineer. This is a Full Time role, with the location to be agreed with the right candidate. 

Position Overview
The Automotive Engineer collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to deliver solutions that meet operational requirements, adhere to industry standards, and align with project objectives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Examine customer requirements and lead the development, design and integration activities for automotive and land mobility ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and technical requirements.
• Provide guidance on heavy vehicle automotive design and engineering, interfacing with marine engineering, systems integration, and related disciplines to support design decisions and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate design risks to safeguard project timelines, budget, and quality objectives.
• Support technical contact with subcontractors, heavy vehicle regulators and vendors, to address design-related inquiries, resolve issues, and foster collaborative relationships. 
• Evaluate proposed design changes, assess their impact on project scope, schedule, and cost, and facilitate their implementation in accordance with change control procedures.
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation of design decisions, rationale, and specifications to facilitate traceability, transparency, and knowledge transfer.
• Engage with the production team to ensure design outcomes are producible
• Provide design and progress reports as required by project governance.
• Manage defence client interfaces and client relationships where relevant.
• Work collaboratively with the Technical Services Enterprise Team to establish and maintain design assurance processes and standards, drive innovation and efficiency initiatives, mentor and develop team members (including junior engineers), promote a collaborative environment through visible leadership, and effectively manage and coach the Mechanical Systems team to ensure performance, productivity, and priorities align with project deadlines and organisational strategy.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Essential.

• 5 Years proven experience in a automotive engineering role and considered expert within the heavy vehicle automotive industry.
• Degree qualification in relevant engineering field.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and best practices governing heavy vehicle design and construction. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance technical, operational, and commercial considerations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities, with a track record of effectively engaging stakeholders and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with design software, simulation tools, and project management methodologies commonly used in project environments.
• Proactive manner demonstrating strong commercial aptitude and interpersonal skills.
• Highly Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, identify work priorities in a constantly changing environment.

Desirable.

• 10 years with heavy vehicle design experience.
• Amphibious vehicle design.
• Experience in Defence contracting, understanding of military and government project documentation standards.
• Professional certifications or memberships in relevant professional bodies (e.g., Chartered Engineer status, membership in the Royal Institution of Naval Architects) preferred.
• Formal training in leadership, organisational change management and behaviour.
• Ability to develop system documents, process standards, and high-level reporting.
• Anticipate future commercial need for design and confidently propose it to the business.
• Ability to develop technical documents, technical manuals, and drawings.
• Understanding of military and government project documentation standards.

We deliver value for our customers through our innovative people, organisational agility, and operational excellence.  As an equal opportunity employer, all positions are open to any person that may have the required characteristics and experiences. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

For more information about Birdon, visit Home - Birdon