Graduate Mechanical Engineer – Product Development

About the role

Townley Drop Forge is seeking a motivated Graduate or Junior Mechanical Engineer to support new product development of lifting and rigging components. This position offers hands‑on experience across the full product lifecycle in a real manufacturing environment, working closely with production, quality and operations teams.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in concept development and design of new lifting/rigging products.
• Create 3D CAD models and detailed drawings, including GD&T and manufacturing documentation.
• Apply Design for Manufacture principles to ensure designs suit forging, machining and fabrication processes.
• Support procurement of raw materials, including steel/alloy selection and supplier coordination.
• Coordinate prototype builds and conduct first‑off part reviews.
• Liaise with external suppliers for heat treatment, casting and surface coating.
• Participate in product testing such as destructive, proof‑load and non‑destructive testing (MPI/UT).
• Work with production teams to verify manufacturability and align with in‑house and subcontract capabilities.
• Maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, revisions, BOMs and design records.

Required profile

• Degree‑qualified (or near completion) in Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong interest in product design and development within a manufacturing setting.
• Comfortable working in a workshop/production environment and eager to learn from practical application.
• Clear communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, production and management.

Required skills

• Proficiency in CAD software, preferably SolidWorks or similar.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).

What we offer

• Opportunity to work with a leading Australian manufacturer of engineered lifting and rigging products.
• Hands‑on engineering projects with real impact on product performance and safety.
• Mentoring and support from experienced leaders and cross‑functional teams.
• Potential for a six‑month contract with extension, providing a pathway to longer‑term employment.