Dandenong South, VIC | Full-Time | $150k–$160k base + car allowance + super
About the Company
An established Australian manufacturer of commercialrefrigeration appliances— strong brand, loyal customer base, and a genuine commitment to investing in new product development.
The engineering function is being rebuilt around innovation and disciplined process, and this role leads it.
The Opportunity
You'll take ownership of the engineering department, develop your team, and set the product development agenda for a business with the market position to back it.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you'll be a key member of the senior leadership team and a trusted voice on all things technical, commercial, and product-related.
What You'll Be Doing
Managing the full product development lifecycle from market brief through to production — timelines, compliance, and quality
Leading the engineering department — setting standards, building culture and accountability, and developing your team's capability
Driving innovation across new product concepts, cost reduction, energy efficiency, and migration to hydrocarbonrefrigerants (R290)
Managing engineering documentation controls — ECN processes, CAD, BoM management, specifications, and drawing revisions
Partnering with Operations, Sales,



and Marketing to bring new concepts to market
Supporting component sourcing and supplier selection with technical rigor
Ensuring AS/NZS compliance and managing certification requirements
What We're Looking For
A mechanical engineering background with proven recent product development experience in a manufacturing environment
A natural people leader who builds trust, unlocks ideas in others, and drives accountability
Strong project management capability — able to keep innovation roadmaps moving
A sound understanding of thermodynamic principles andrefrigerationsystem performance.
Commercialrefrigerationdesign experience is strongly preferred; engineers fromHVAC&R;, thermal systems, orappliance manufacturingbackgrounds are encouraged to apply
CAD proficiency (Solid Edge preferred) and working knowledge of ERP systems and BoM management
Unrestricted working rights in Australia
Why This Role?
The business has a strong foundation, a loyal customer base, and a Managing Director who is genuinely committed to change and will back you fully.
The engineering agenda has been waiting for the right person.
If you're technically strong, energised by building something, and ready to lead — this is the role to do it in.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Engineering & Product Development Manager - Refrigeration & Hvac (Melbourne)
🏢 George Lord
📍 Melbourne