Lead Engineer Mechanical

The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for driving mechanical engineering innovation across Unitrans logistics warehouse and fleet operations. The role serves as a critical bridge between digital intelligence and physical logistics performance by identifying designing and implementing advanced mechanical and automation solutions that enhance efficiency safety reliability and sustainability across the supply chain.

The role leads the end-to-end delivery of innovative mechanical systemsfrom concept and prototyping through to operational deploymentensuring solutions are commercially viable scalable compliant with engineering standards and aligned to strategic business objectives. Acting as a technical authority the incumbent partners closely with operations fleet IT and technology teams to deliver measurable operational and cost outcomes.

Engineering Innovation Strategy & Technology Scouting

• Identify evaluate and prioritise emerging mechanical and automation technologies (including robotics AGVs autonomous handling systems and IoT-enabled equipment) converting these into a sustained innovation pipeline with initiatives regularly progressing from ideation through feasibility and pilot phases.
• Develop maintain and execute a multi-year mechanical and automation innovation roadmap aligned to business strategy operational efficiency targets cost-reduction goals and sustainability commitments.
• Translate operational challenges into quantified engineering innovation opportunities developing business cases with clear return-on-investment metrics and strategic value

Mechanical Design Development and Prototyping

• Lead the full lifecycle development of mechanical systems from conceptual design and detailed specification through 3D CAD modelling prototyping testing and live operational deployment ensuring a strong conversion rate from prototype to production.
• Design ergonomically optimised lifting handling and assembly solutions that materially reduce manual handling risk improve safety outcomes enhance asset reliability and increase throughput in logistics environments.
• Apply advanced engineering analysis techniques (FEA CFD simulation) to reduce technical uncertainty minimise re-design effort and improve first-time-right

Operational Optimisation & Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies within warehouse and fleet operations engineering mechanical or automation interventions that measurably reduce cycle times handling costs and process waste.
• Conduct robust feasibility assessments simulations and payback analyses to ensure implemented solutions meet or exceed approved efficiency gains and ROI
• Partner with operations and fleet teams to embed engineered solutions into standard operating practices delivering sustained performance improvements and reduced reliance on manual workarounds.

Fleet Infrastructure & Sustainability Innovation

• Lead mechanical innovation across fleet operations including alternative drivetrain readiness tyre and component lifecycle optimisation and predictive maintenance solutions achieving measurable reductions in unplanned downtime and total cost of
• Engineer energy-efficient solutions for depots warehouses and cold-chain infrastructureincluding HVAC performance equipment layout and material flowthat contribute to reduced energy consumption and emissions intensity.
• Lead pilot projects and Proof-of-Concept initiatives in live operational environments and successfully scale proven solutions into full production use.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with software electrical IT and data teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with WMS and digital platforms enabling automation monitoring and analytics-driven decision-making.
• Manage strategic relationships with OEMs technology vendors start-ups and academic partners to accelerate innovation delivery optimise commercial outcomes and build internal engineering capability.
• Provide trusted technical guidance to senior stakeholders ensuring innovation initiatives are delivered on time within budget and aligned to operational priorities.

Engineering Governance Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure all mechanical designs installations and modifications comply with applicable engineering standards (ISO ASME) safety regulations and internal governance frameworks achieving strong audit and compliance outcomes.
• Proactively identify and mitigate engineering operational and safety risks associated with new technologies contributing to a measurable reduction in incidents near misses and ergonomic exposures.
• Develop implement and uphold mechanical engineering standards specifications and best practices that improve consistency safety and long-term asset performance across the organisation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Post Graduate degree advantageous)
• Professional Engineer () registration with ECSA
• 810 years experience in mechanical engineering design and implementation within industrial logistics fleet or manufacturing environments
• At least 3 years experience in a senior lead or innovation-focused engineering
• Demonstrated experience delivering engineering solutions from concept through to operational deployment with measurable business impact

Core Competencies

Technical & Strategic Competencies

• Engineering Innovation & Design Leadership: Ability to conceive design and deliver advanced mechanical solutions that create tangible business value.
• Systems Thinking: Integrates mechanical engineering with digital systems operations and commercial drivers.
• Commercial & Financial Acumen: Translates technical solutions into compelling ROI-driven business cases.

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

• Change & Innovation Leadership: Operates effectively in ambiguous experimental environments and leads innovation in live operations.
• Stakeholder Influence: Communicates complex engineering concepts with clarity to non-technical and executive stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Team Enablement: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships and mentors technical resources to deliver results.