Express Metal Products is seeking a technically strong 3D CAD Engineer to join our Drafting, Estimating, and Sales Support team, working closely with our bending and programming teams.
This role is suited to someone who is highly capable in 2D AutoCAD and 3D Inventor, understands sheet metal manufacturing, and enjoys approaching manufacturing problems from an information technology (IT) standpoint.
The position is not a traditional drafting-only role. You will be working closely with our estimating, sales, and production teams to process customer files, generate flat patterns, support quoting, and help streamline the flow of work from customer drawing through to laser cutting and folding.
A major focus of this role will be supporting the next stage of our TRUMPF TruTops Boost implementation, including improving how we process STEP files, generate flat patterns, create folding drawings, and deliver clear information to our press brakes.
You will have an opportunity to work closely with TRUMPF 7036, 7050, and 5130 press brakes, including those outfitted with laser automatically controlled bending.
About Express Metal Products
Express Metal Products is an Australian family-owned, state-of-the-art laser cutting and folding facility based in Meadowbrook, Brisbane.
We provide high-quality laser cutting, folding, and sheet metal manufacturing services to Australian industry, with a strong reputation for reliable service, technical capability, and consistent delivery, especially for mission-critical work.
Express is continuing to invest in automation, improved production systems, and advanced bending workflows. We are looking for the right person to help us get more value from these systems and support the next stage of our growth.
About the Role
On a day-to-day basis, you will be working with customer drawings and assemblies in both 2D and 3D, processing these files for quoting and manufacture using our CAD/CAM, and ERP suites.
You will be responsible for interpreting technical drawings, developing flat patterns, checking manufacturability, supporting the estimating team, and helping improve the flow of information from the office to the factory floor.
This role will suit someone who is comfortable working across CAD, production systems, and practical manufacturing problems. You should enjoy finding better ways to process repeat work, reduce manual handling, and improve the quality and consistency of technical outputs.
Key Responsibilities
- Process customer-supplied 2D drawings, DXF files, STEP files and 3D models
- Create and check sheet metal flat patterns for laser cutting and folding
- Use AutoCAD and Inventor to prepare manufacturable geometry
- Assist the estimating and sales team with technical interpretation of customer requirements
- Identify drawing, geometry, material, or folding issues before they reach production
- Help create clear folding drawings and production information for press brake operators
- Support the ongoing implementation and improvement of TRUMPF TruTops Boost workflows
- Assist with automation of repetitive CAD and file-processing tasks
- Work with the production team to improve manufacturability, accuracy, and lead time
- Help document improved workflows, standards, and repeatable processes
Key Requirements
- Strong proficiency in 2D AutoCAD
- Strong proficiency in 3D Autodesk Inventor, particularly sheet metal tools and flat pattern development
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and customer-supplied manufacturing files
- Practical understanding of sheet metal cutting, folding, bend allowances, and manufacturability
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify issues before they become production problems
- Strong computer literacy and confidence working across multiple software platforms
- Comfortable working at the command line and using scripts or automation tools to improve workflows
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work closely with sales, estimating and production teams
- Strong time management skills and ability to triage urgent customer or production requirements
Highly Regarded Skills and Experience
- Experience in laser cutting, folding, press brake programming, or sheet metal manufacturing
- Experience with TRUMPF TruTops Boost or similar CAD/CAM production software
- Experience preparing and interpreting folding and an intimate knowledge of k-factor and bend radii calculations
- Experience automating CAD, DXF, STEP, or file-processing workflows
- Knowledge of common Australian sheet metal materials, thicknesses and manufacturing standards
- Exposure to Python, PowerShell, VBA, iLogic, LISP, .NET, C# or similar languages
- Experience with Microsoft SQL, Mariadb, or experience working with API’s
- Any experience working with OpenAI Codex or Claude Code, and an understanding of git
- Experience in a job-shop or high-mix manufacturing environment
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is someone who can look at a customer STEP file or drawing and understand what needs to happen to make it into a real part.
You may have worked as a CAD drafter, laser programmer, sheet metal designer, manufacturing engineer, technical estimator, press brake operator, or CAD/CAM technician.
You do not need to come from a formal engineering background, but you do need to be technically capable, practical, accurate and willing to improve systems.
We are especially interested in people who enjoy solving workflow problems, automating repetitive tasks, and helping a production team move faster with fewer errors.
Application Process
Please forward your resume to [email protected].
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an initial phone interview and may be invited to tour our facility in Meadowbrook.
Pay: $90,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
