About the business
ALTRA 4X4 ACCESSORIES PTY LTD is an Australian business operating in the 4WD accessories and outdoor lifestyle sector.
Through our associated 4WD product operations, our product range includes vehicle storage and organisation systems, drawer systems, cargo barriers, rear racks and dividers, roof consoles, shelving solutions, door storage products and other vehicle accessories.
As part of our continued growth, the business is expanding its retail product range to include additional 4WD, camping and outdoor products, including vehicle-based camping equipment, tents, storage products and related accessories.
We are seeking an experienced Product Engineer to support the engineering development, technical assessment, testing and commercial introduction of existing and new products.
About the role
The Product Engineer will be responsible for the engineering design, evaluation, testing and continuous improvement of 4WD accessories, vehicle interior products, camping equipment and related retail products.
The role will work closely with management, suppliers, manufacturers, installers and sales personnel to ensure that products are technically feasible, commercially viable, safe, reliable and suitable for the Australian market.
This is an engineering-focused position. The successful candidate will apply engineering principles to product design, materials, manufacturing, quality assurance, testing and product improvement throughout the product lifecycle.
Key responsibilities
- Research, design and develop new 4WD accessories, vehicle interior products, storage systems, camping equipment and related outdoor products.
- Review product concepts, technical specifications and design proposals to assess structural integrity, functionality, safety, durability and manufacturing feasibility.
- Prepare and review three-dimensional models, engineering drawings, product specifications, component drawings and technical documentation using CAD software.
- Evaluate product materials, components, manufacturing methods and assembly processes to determine their suitability for the intended application.
- Develop product prototypes and coordinate sample production, assembly trials, fitment testing and functional testing.
- Analyse prototype and product test results and recommend design modifications to improve safety, durability, functionality, installation efficiency and product performance.
- Conduct technical assessments of products proposed by overseas and domestic suppliers before they are introduced into the Australian retail market.
- Work with manufacturers and suppliers to resolve product design, tooling, manufacturing, tolerance, material and quality issues.
- Establish engineering specifications, quality standards, inspection criteria and product acceptance requirements.
- Investigate product defects, installation issues, warranty claims and recurring product failures, identify root causes and develop corrective actions.
- Assess vehicle-specific dimensions, mounting requirements, load conditions, clearances and compatibility when adapting products for different vehicle models.
- Review applicable Australian Design Rules, Australian Standards, industry requirements and safety considerations relevant to vehicle accessories and outdoor products.
- Support product compliance testing and maintain technical records relating to product design, testing, specifications, revisions and quality improvements.
- Develop and maintain bills of materials, product configuration records, engineering change records and manufacturing documentation.
- Analyse manufacturing processes and recommend improvements to product quality, production efficiency, material usage and manufacturing cost.
- Provide technical support to the installation, sales, customer service and warranty teams regarding product specifications, applications and technical issues.
- Participate in product development projects from initial concept and supplier selection through to prototype development, testing, production and commercial release.
- Monitor developments in 4WD accessories, vehicle storage, camping products, materials and manufacturing technologies and recommend suitable product innovations.
- Prepare project reports, technical assessments, product development schedules, cost estimates and recommendations for management.
Qualifications and experience
The successful candidate will have:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, product engineering, industrial engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- At least three years of relevant professional engineering experience in product engineering, product design, tooling engineering, manufacturing engineering or product research and development.
- Demonstrated experience in product structural design, materials selection, prototype development, manufacturing processes and product testing.
- Experience using CAD or three-dimensional engineering design software.
- Experience preparing engineering drawings, product specifications, technical reports and manufacturing documentation.
- An understanding of product development processes, including concept assessment, prototyping, testing, design modification and production implementation.
- Experience working with manufacturers and suppliers to resolve technical, tooling, product quality and production issues.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate product defects and recommend practical engineering solutions.
- Good communication and project coordination skills.
Desirable experience
Experience in one or more of the following areas will be highly regarded:
- Automotive accessories or aftermarket vehicle products;
- Vehicle interior systems, storage systems or cargo management products;
- Camping, outdoor or recreational products;
- Injection-moulded, fabricated metal or composite products;
- Product tooling and manufacturing process development;
- Australian product safety, vehicle accessory or engineering compliance requirements;
- Product sourcing and technical assessment of overseas-manufactured products.
What we offer
- A permanent, full-time engineering position within a growing Australian 4WD and outdoor accessories business;
- The opportunity to contribute to the development of new product categories and retail product lines;
- Involvement throughout the full product lifecycle, from concept and technical assessment to testing and commercial release;
- A practical and collaborative working environment;
- Competitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to apply
Please submit your résumé and a cover letter outlining:
- Your relevant engineering qualifications;
- Your experience in product design, product development, manufacturing or tooling engineering;
- Your experience with CAD, prototypes, product testing and technical documentation; and
- Your current Australian work rights.
Only applicants who meet the qualification and experience requirements will be considered.
Pay: $105,000.00 – $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person
