Design Engineer

Wade Group is a leader in the design and manufacture of world‑class specialty vehicles. Through innovation, quality, and exceptional service, we deliver purpose‑built vehicle solutions tailored to the operational needs of our customers. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Design Engineer to join our wider design and engineering team. The successful candidate will support a diverse range of specialty vehicle projects across Wade Group’s existing build programme, working alongside our existing designer engineers, production teams, and other project stakeholders. As Wade Group continues to take on new opportunities within the emergency response sector, the role is also intended to develop into one of our subject matter experts for fire appliance design and engineering. We are therefore particularly interested in candidates with experience in fire appliances, mobile pumping systems, tank engineering, fluid handling, or comparable vehicle‑based systems. About the role: As a Design Engineer, you will play a key role in developing innovative specialty vehicle solutions from concept through to production. Working as part of the wider design team, you will contribute across a variety of projects and vehicle platforms, ensuring designs are practical, compliant, build‑ready, and suited to demanding operational environments. Over time, the role will take a lead technical interest in the design and engineering of fire appliances, helping Wade Group to continue to build its internal knowledge, standards, and capability in this specialist area. Key responsibilities: Develop vehicle layouts, components, structures, and systems from initial concept through to final production documentation. Create detailed technical drawings, 3D models, Bills of Materials, specifications, and build documentation. Work closely with other members of the design team, production, fit‑out, project management, suppliers, and customers. Support a smooth transition from design through to manufacture, installation, testing, and commissioning. Review and improve existing designs to enhance performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and cost effectiveness. Undertake engineering calculations and technical assessments to validate designs and component selections. Carry out finite element analysis (FEA) to assess structural performance, loading, stress, deflection, fatigue, and design suitability. Interpret FEA results and translate findings into practical design improvements, material selections, and manufacturing solutions. Support the design and integration of vehicle‑mounted mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and fluid‑handling systems. Contribute to fire appliance design requirements, including tank systems, pump selection and integration, plumbing layouts, flow and pressure calculations, and equipment installation. Consider chassis capacity, axle loading, weight distribution, centre of gravity, structural loads, and vehicle stability throughout the design process. Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, project planning, testing, and quality assurance activities. Ensure designs meet applicable vehicle, engineering, safety, and customer requirements. Keep abreast of emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and industry best practices. You’ll need: Proven design engineering experience within the automotive, specialty vehicle, heavy vehicle, emergency response, or broader manufacturing sector. Strong proficiency in CAD software, particularly SolidWorks. Practical capability in finite element analysis, including model setup, meshing, load and restraint definition, stress and deflection analysis, and interpretation of results. Experience using FEA to validate structural components, fabricated assemblies, mounting systems, tanks, frames, or comparable engineered products. The ability to assess whether analysis results are technically reasonable and to identify where physical testing, peer review, or further validation may be required. Practical experience taking mechanical or vehicle systems from concept through to manufacture. Sound knowledge of vehicle structures, mechanical systems, materials, fabrication methods, welding, and manufacturing processes. Experience preparing accurate drawings, specifications, Bills of Materials, calculations, and production documentation. An understanding of vehicle weight distribution, axle loading, structural loads, fatigue, equipment integration, and vehicle stability. Experience in hydraulics, fluid dynamics, pumping systems, or fluid‑handling applications. An understanding of relevant vehicle compliance, engineering, and safety requirements. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with strong attention to detail. The ability to balance technical performance with practical manufacturing, servicing, operational, and commercial considerations. The ability to clearly document and communicate engineering assumptions, calculations, risks, and design decisions. The ability to build effective working relationships across technical and non‑technical teams. A tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience. Why Join Wade Group: Be part of a company renowned for innovation, quality, and craftsmanship. Work on exciting, purpose‑built vehicle projects that support critical services across New Zealand and international markets. Join a supportive, collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy access to our onsite gym and complimentary daily breakfasts. Make a meaningful contribution to a growing and innovative organisation. If you take pride in delivering high‑quality engineering solutions and are looking to join a forward‑thinking company, we'd love to hear from you. Please note: Only applicants with the legal right to work in New Zealand will be considered. Successful applicants will be required to complete a police vetting process. #J-18808-Ljbffr