Research Engineer - Mechanical Design, Manufacturing and Automation

About the Role
Join Swinburne University of Technology and industry partner Rove Wheelchairs on an innovative CRC-P project at the forefront of advanced wheelchair design, manufacturing and automation.

As an Applied Engineering Researcher, you’ll play a hands-on role in bringing the next generation of Titan and Evo wheelchairs to life. From mechanical design and rapid prototyping through to manufacturing optimisation, automation and rigorous testing, you’ll help turn cutting-edge research into safe, high-performing and production-ready mobility solutions.

Working across both research and industry, you’ll collaborate with leading researchers and engineering specialists, apply advanced manufacturing technologies and tackle complex engineering challenges where your work can have a genuine and lasting real-world impact.

This is more than an engineering research role — it’s an opportunity to design, build, test and improve technology that can directly enhance people’s independence and quality of life.

If you’re a hands-on engineer who thrives on innovation, enjoys solving complex problems and wants to see your ideas move from the workshop to the real world, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

About You
You will bring practical engineering expertise and a passion for turning ideas into real-world solutions. You will have:

• Demonstrated capability in mechanical design, including 3D CAD, engineering drawings, tolerance definition and design-for-manufacture/design-for-assembly.
• Hands-on experience developing and building mechanical prototypes, fixtures or production equipment, with sound knowledge of materials, structural design and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with relevant technologies such as metal additive manufacturing, CNC machining, tube bending, robotic automation, surface finishing, composite structures or adhesive bonding.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes with appropriate independence.
• Experience planning or conducting mechanical testing, ideally including strength, fatigue or durability testing, instrumentation, data analysis and technical interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports, maintain engineering records and collaborate effectively with university and industry stakeholders

Qualifications
A relevant tertiary qualification in mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, manufacturing engineering, automation engineering, product design engineering or a closely related discipline.

In addition to the above, an Honours, postgraduate qualifications, or equivalent substantial industry experience in advanced manufacturing, automation or mechanical product development would be highly advantageous.

About Swinburne University of Technology 
Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.   

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page!

To Apply 
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position.  

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. 

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at ••••@swin.edu.au 

Applications Close: 6th September 2026 at 11.00pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

Swinburne is proud to be recognised as an AWEI Gold Employer, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where LGBTQIA+ employees, students and communities can thrive.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.

For reasonable adjustment requests - including accessible formats of the position description, application form, or other documents, please contact ••••@swin.edu.au or call +61 • •••• •550.  Please note: this phone number is for disability and reasonable adjustment enquiries only.  General enquiries about the role can also be emailed to ••••@swin.edu.au.

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.  

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.