Manufacturing Engineer

Hanwha Defence Australia – Avalon Airport VIC

Help Build Australia's Next Generation of Defence Capability

Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) is at the forefront of delivering world-class defence capability to Australia. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Manufacturing Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering team at the Hanwha Armoured Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong.

This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in establishing and optimising the manufacturing systems, facilities, processes, and equipment that will support the production of advanced military vehicles in Australia. Working closely with stakeholders across Australia, South Korea, and other global locations, you will help shape the future manufacturing footprint of one of Australia's most significant defence programs.

Reporting to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will lead manufacturing readiness activities, drive process improvements, and ensure manufacturing systems are prepared to meet key program milestones.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for leading manufacturing readiness across vehicle programs, ensuring production facilities, tooling, equipment, and processes are designed and implemented to support successful program delivery.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish manufacturing strategies, implement Lean manufacturing principles, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Readiness & Program Delivery

• Lead cross-functional Manufacturing Readiness Reviews and provide clear visibility of program status, risks, and recovery plans.
• Track manufacturing readiness against key program milestones and communicate progress across the organisation.
• Lead manufacturing technical transfer activities and documentation from Hanwha Aerospace Korea.
• Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder meetings, ensuring actions, accountabilities, and outcomes are clearly defined.

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development

• Develop and optimise manufacturing processes, procedures, work instructions, and process maps.
• Establish efficient production systems and manufacturing footprints for vehicle assembly operations.
• Create shop floor layouts and manufacturing cells using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Develop manufacturing Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, and supporting data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to improve production efficiency and product quality.

Equipment, Tooling & Facility Development

• Specify, procure, install, and commission manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• Design and develop assembly fixtures, jigs, and tooling.
• Support implementation of Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement FMEA or equivalent methodologies for new processes and equipment.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyse production data to identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Produce reports, presentations, and technical recommendations that support data-driven decision-making.
• Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies and engineering best practices.

About You

You are a proactive and technically capable Manufacturing Engineer who thrives in complex manufacturing environments. You enjoy solving problems, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and delivering tangible outcomes that make a lasting impact.

You combine strong engineering fundamentals with practical manufacturing expertise and have a passion for building world-class production systems.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related discipline).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Manufacturing Engineering or similar role.
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex manufacturing projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience in jig, fixture, and tooling design.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production systems, and industrial engineering principles.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing BOM management.

Highly Regarded

• Previous experience within the Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Heavy Manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Exposure to technical transfer activities and international project environments.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0, automation, and digital manufacturing technologies.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent mechanical and manufacturing engineering knowledge.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Understanding of Australian engineering and safety standards.
• Ability to analyse and interpret production data to drive performance improvements.
• Experience using and interrogating 2D and 3D CAD systems.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and a practical, hands-on approach.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and international teams.

Why Join Hanwha Defence Australia?

At Hanwha Defence Australia, you will have the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant defence programs while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.

We offer:

• The opportunity to support some of Australia's most advanced defence manufacturing programs.
• Access to a world-class manufacturing facility.
• Collaboration with global engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Career growth and development opportunities within a rapidly expanding organisation.
• A workplace culture built on teamwork, innovation, safety, and continuous improvement.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Be an Australian Citizen.
• Be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance (minimum NV1 clearance).
• Successfully complete a National Police Check.
• Comply with all workplace health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Join Hanwha Defence Australia and help establish the future of advanced defence manufacturing in Australia. If you're motivated by complex engineering challenges and want to make a meaningful contribution to Australia's sovereign defence capability, we'd love to hear from you.

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