About Us

Beavertail Trailers, established in 1987, is a reputable Australian company specialising in the design and manufacture of trailers. We are dedicated to using Australian-made steel and components, sourced from local businesses in Ballarat and its surrounding areas.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our design team and take ownership of our specialised heavy haulage product range — low loaders, wideners and extendable trailers.

This is a hands-on technical role for an engineer with strong regulatory knowledge and proven trailer design experience. You will be a key contributor on ADR, NHVR and PBS compliance across our product range.

Position Requirements

- Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

- Experience: Minimum of 5 years in the transport, trailer manufacturing or heavy haulage industry.

- Specialist Design Experience: Demonstrated experience designing low loaders, wideners and extendable trailers.

- Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of PBS (Performance Based Standards) combinations and current NHVR and ADR regulations.

- Software Proficiency: Advanced 3D CAD capability in SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation and AutoCAD.

- Analysis: Proven, hands-on FEA experience on structural components.

- Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail across all design work, drawings and documentation.

- Fabrication Knowledge: Sound understanding of welded steel fabrication and design for manufacture.

- Customer Engagement: Strong ability to engage and communicate with customers effectively.

- Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment and across departments.

- Work Rights: Full working rights in Australia.

Key Responsibilities

- Specialised Trailer Design: Design and develop low loaders, wideners, extendable and custom heavy haulage trailers from concept to delivery.

- PBS Combinations:



Develop and support PBS combination designs, working with certifiers and assessors through the approval process.

- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with applicable Australian Design Rules, HVNL and NHVR requirements.

- 3D CAD Design: Utilise SolidWorks and AutoCAD for all 3D modelling, weldments, assemblies and manufacturing drawing sets.

- Structural Analysis: Run and interpret FEA studies on chassis, gooseneck, drawbar and structural components, and drive design decisions from the results.

- Adhere to Client Specifications: Document designs to meet client requirements.

- Project Documentation: Review and interpret project drawings, specifications and other documentation to prepare designs.

- Stakeholder Consultation: Consult with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment.

- Design Solution Studies: Conduct studies to develop design solutions and manage client expectations and delivery dates.

- End-to-End Design: Manage the design process from initial concept through to completion.

- Standards Compliance: Design in accordance with Australian standards.

- BOM Management and Quality Control: Oversee Bill of Materials (BOM) management and quality control aspects of designated projects.

- Manufacturability and Cost: Work directly with production and procurement to resolve design issues, improve manufacturability and control cost.

- Process Improvement: Implement process changes and continuous improvements to designs, drawing standards and engineering workflows.

- Reporting: Regularly report to the Design Manager.

Benefits

- Weekly Pay: Receive your salary on a weekly basis.

- Competitive Pay: Above award pay rate, negotiated on experience.

- Training and Support: Ongoing professional development and support from experienced staff.

- Job Security: Ongoing and secure employment with an immediate start.

- Full-Time Employment: Permanent, full time position.

- Ballarat Location: Regional lifestyle, no city commute, one hour to Melbourne.

📌 Mechanical Design Engineer (Ballarat)
🏢 Beavertail Trailers
📍 Ballarat