Senior Mechanical Engineer

At Cubic Defence, we're committed to delivering advanced training and mission solutions that help defence forces prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. Our teams develop innovative technologies that improve operational readiness, enhance capability, and support customers around the world. We're looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Auckland engineering team. This is an opportunity to work on complex, multidisciplinary defence products from initial concept through to manufacture, customer delivery and ongoing product support. Working alongside talented engineers, production specialists and test teams, you'll play a key role in developing rugged, high-quality products that perform in demanding environments. About the Role Reporting to the Engineering Director, with project reporting to assigned Program Managers and Project Engineers, you'll contribute mechanical engineering expertise across the complete product development lifecycle. You'll lead the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies, ensuring products are robust, manufacturable, cost-effective and meet customer, regulatory and quality requirements. What You'll Be Doing Design and develop mechanical components and subsystems for advanced defence training products. Participate in all stages of the product lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through to production and sustainment. Produce high-quality engineering documentation, drawings and manufacturing packages. Participate in product design reviews with internal and external stakeholders. Assemble and evaluate prototypes and engineering validation units. Review Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawings and product configurations to ensure design accuracy and configuration control. Prepare prototype and pre-production reports, identifying manufacturing improvements and risk mitigation opportunities. Develop assembly instructions and optimise manufacturing processes for quality, efficiency and repeatability. Analyse assembly times and manufacturing processes to improve productivity and reduce lifecycle costs. Design or source production tooling, fixtures and jigs. Support production teams through training, process improvement and pre-production activities. Investigate field issues and support ongoing product improvements. Research and introduce new materials and manufacturing techniques to enhance product performance and reduce costs. Promote a strong culture of health, safety and continuous improvement, including 5S practices. What You'll Bring Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. At least five years' experience in a similar mechanical engineering role within a relevant industry. Strong understanding of mechanical product design principles, including Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA). Experience designing plastic injection moulded components. Experience designing machined and sheet metal components. Experience designing ruggedised products for demanding environments. Knowledge of structural analysis and stress calculations, including finite element analysis (FEA). Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems. Knowledge of Model-Based Engineering. Workshop or hands‑on manufacturing experience. Knowledge of manufacturing suppliers and production processes. What Success Looks Like Enjoys solving complex engineering challenges. Works collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Takes ownership and delivers high-quality outcomes. Thinks about manufacturability as well as design excellence. Continuously looks for opportunities to improve products and processes. Builds strong relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders. Demonstrates integrity, accountability and professionalism in everything you do. Why Join Cubic Defence? At Cubic Defence, you'll work on meaningful projects that support defence capability both in New Zealand and internationally. You'll join a collaborative engineering environment where innovation is encouraged, technical excellence is recognised, and your ideas can have real impact. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge technology while developing your career within a global organisation. Employment Requirements Successfully complete a New Zealand Police Vetting process. Be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate national security clearance. #J-18808-Ljbffr