Graduate / Junior Mechanical Engineer – Product Development

About Townley Drop Forge

Townley Drop Forge Pty Ltd, located in Coburg North (Melbourne), is a reputable Australian manufacturer specializing in the design, forging, and fabrication of high-quality lifting and rigging components. With a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability, the company serves industries such as mining, infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing. Their facility is situated at 98-100 Bakers Rd, Coburg North VIC 3058.

The Opportunity

Townley Drop Forge is seeking a motivated Graduate or Junior Mechanical Engineer to join their team, with a primary focus on new product development. This position is ideal for an individual early in their career who desires hands-on experience across the entire product lifecycle, collaborating closely with manufacturing, quality, and operations teams in a practical production setting.

Key Responsibilities (Product Development Focus)

• Assist in the conceptualization and design of new lifting and rigging products.
• Generate 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings, incorporating Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and necessary manufacturing documentation.
• Apply Design for Manufacture principles to ensure designs are suitable for forging, machining, and fabrication processes.
• Support the procurement of raw materials, including selecting appropriate steel and alloy grades and coordinating with suppliers.
• Oversee prototype builds involving forging, machining, and fabrication teams, and contribute to first-off part reviews.
• Liaise with external vendors for specialized processes such as heat treatment, casting, and surface coating.
• Participate in product testing, including destructive testing, proof-load testing, and non-destructive testing methods like Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT).
• Collaborate with production teams to confirm the manufacturability of designs and their alignment with in-house and subcontract capabilities.
• Contribute to ongoing improvement initiatives focused on product performance, quality, and production efficiency.
• Manage and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, revision histories, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and design records.

About You

• Possess a degree qualification in Mechanical Engineering, or be nearing completion.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in product design and development within a manufacturing context.
• Be comfortable working in a workshop or production environment and eager to gain practical, hands-on experience.
• Exhibit the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate productively with engineering, production, and management personnel.

Highly Desirable Attributes

• Experience with CAD software, such as SolidWorks or similar.
• Prior exposure to manufacturing processes, including metal fabrication, machining, assembly, or quality systems.
• An understanding of designing for safety-critical or load-rated components (training will be provided as needed).

What We Offer

• The chance to work with a highly successful Australian manufacturer producing engineered lifting and rigging products with a strong emphasis on quality and safety.
• A role offering ownership of significant engineering tasks and rapid learning opportunities in a real manufacturing environment.
• Mentorship and support from experienced leaders and cross-functional teams.

Additional Information

Please submit your resume along with a brief cover letter explaining your interest in product development manufacturing to jobs@townleydropforge.com.au. Crucially, please include your availability, work rights, and any relevant project or workshop experience.