Senior Mechanical Engineer – Product Design & Prototyping (Melbourne)
About This Opportunity Catania Product Development is seeking a Mechanical Engineer – Design & Integration with senior-level experience and a strong background in hardware product development and rapid prototyping. This role is intended for an engineer who can contribute wherever needed across the product lifecycle, whether the work is design-heavy, integration-heavy, or a blend of both. The right candidate brings broad mechanical engineering capability, practical hardware judgment, and the ability to move from concept and design through fabrication support, assembly, integration, and test. This role is best suited for individuals who prefer autonomy and are comfortable being accountable for their outcomes. This role requires US Citizenship. About Catania Catania Product Development is an innovative product design and engineering services company operating in a fast-paced, high-tech, and creative environment. We offer a family-friendly atmosphere, flexible work structure, and the opportunity to take real ownership of challenging projects from concept through build, integration, and test. Our culture is built on trust, autonomy, reliability, and shared success, making it a strong fit for people who want meaningful responsibility and the ability to directly influence outcomes. Our work is especially rewarding for those who value accountability, enjoy solving hard problems, and find fulfillment in seeing products come to life from start to finish. Many of our efforts support start-ups and small-to-medium businesses, giving team members the chance to help turn ideas into real, working products across a diverse range of applications. Core ResponsibilitiesMechanical Design & Product Development · Support product development efforts from concept through prototype, test, and integration · Develop mechanical concepts, layouts, and detailed designs for components and assemblies · Create and revise 3D CAD models (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), drawings, and related documentation · Apply sound engineering judgment to materials, fabrication methods, manufacturability, and cost-conscious design · Support iterative design refinement based on build, test, and integration feedback Integration, Build & Test Support · Contribute directly to hardware integration, assembly, and troubleshooting efforts · Work directly on prototype builds and hands-on problem solving as needed · Work through design issues discovered during fabrication, assembly, or integration · Conduct test setups, fit checks, configuration updates, and implement design changes · Drive issues to closure in a practical and timely manner Cross-Functional Execution · Work collaboratively with teammates, technicians, vendors, fabrication partners, and other stakeholders · Procure and coordinate parts, and prepare for integration readiness · Communicate clearly across technical and non-technical teams · Shift effectively between design tasks and execution needs based on project priorities Ownership & Accountability · Take ownership of assigned work with limited oversight · Maintain strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through · Support multiple active efforts while keeping priorities clear and work moving · Contribute as needed across a range of mechanical engineering tasks in a fast-paced environment Required Qualifications Technical Foundation · Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering · 7 years of experience in hardware product development · Strong mechanical design experience with components, assemblies, and product-level hardware · Proficiency with 3D CAD tools and engineering drawing creation; SolidWorks experience required · Experience designing for sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding · Strong GD&T experience · Experience supporting designs from concept through fabrication, assembly, and implementation Hardware Execution Experience · Ability to contribute effectively in both design-heavy and integration-heavy environments · Hands-on experience supporting hardware integration, assembly, prototype, and test activities · Ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues and respond effectively during build and integration · Experience working with technicians, vendors, machine shops, fabrication partners, or suppliers · Strong understanding of materials, fabrication processes, rapid prototyping, and design for manufacturability · Hands-on experience with electromechanical packaging, mechanisms, or integration-intensive hardware Work Style & Communication · Self-directed and dependable · Strong attention to detail and organizational skills · Able to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing project needs · Strong written and verbal communication skills · Comfortable operating in a flexible, fast-paced environment with limited oversight Preferred Qualifications · Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field · 10 years of experience in hardware product development · Experience with tooling, fixtures, or support equipment design · Experience with procurement, vendor coordination, or hardware release support · Experience in aerospace, aviation, defense, or other technically demanding hardware environments Work Environment & Expectations Catania operates on trust, autonomy, and accountability. Team members and contractors alike are expected to deliver high-value work, communicate clearly, and manage their responsibilities professionally. This role requires someone who can move fluidly between design and execution based on project needs. On-site support is required a minimum of 3 days per week, up to 5 days per week, for hardware builds, integration activities, team collaboration, and hands-on engineering work. Up to 10% travel may be required. Exposure to projects is broad and varied, offering the opportunity to contribute across diverse technical challenges and applications. Additional Information · This role may be structured as either a full-time employee (W-2) position with benefits or an independent contractor (1099) with path to hire, depending on candidate fit and business needs. · Compensation structure, scope, and engagement terms will be defined in the offer or contract agreement, as applicable. · This description outlines general responsibilities and does not constitute a contract of employment or guarantee of ongoing employment or engagement. · Responsibilities may evolve based on project needs. · Applicant must be a US Citizen
