Sydney (Head Office) or Melbourne | Full time | Flexible working arrangements | Site visits required per project needs

We're looking for a Senior to Principal Mechanical Designer to play a key role in the delivery of mineral processing and mining infrastructure projects across Australia and internationally. Whether you're an experienced Senior Designer looking to step into greater technical leadership, or an established Principal Designer seeking more influence and autonomy, this role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact on projects, people and the future direction of the business.

You'll work alongside highly capable mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, geotechnical and process engineers to deliver integrated design solutions for complex resource projects. You'll remain close to the technical work while having the opportunity to mentor others, influence project outcomes and help shape the growth of a rapidly expanding consultancy.

About MER Group

MER Group is an engineering consultancy serving primarily the resources sector, covering process plant design, mechanical and electrical engineering, civil and mine infrastructure, and tailings and water storage facility design and governance. We plan, design, deliver and maintain the infrastructure that enables the responsible recovery and processing of resources that support modern life.

Our culture is built on open communication, technical excellence and shared accountability. We value practical thinking, continuous improvement and engineers who take ownership of outcomes. People are trusted to make decisions, challenge ideas constructively and contribute to the success of both projects and the business.

As the business continues to grow, so do the opportunities for our people. We actively support professional development, leadership growth and career progression for those who want to expand their influence and take on greater responsibility.

The Opportunity

You'll take ownership of design delivery across mineral processing plants, materials handling systems and mining infrastructure projects.

Depending on your experience and capability, your responsibilities may range from leading significant design packages through to providing technical leadership across multiple projects, mentoring designers and CAD technicians, and serving as the primary technical point of contact for design delivery and documentation standards.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, developing practical design solutions and delivering high-quality project outcomes while remaining hands-on with CAD,



drafting and multidisciplinary project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the delivery of mechanical design documentation across mineral processing and mining infrastructure projects.
- Develop, review and approve CAD models, drawings and documentation for processing equipment, piping systems, materials handling infrastructure and associated mechanical systems.
- Work closely with mechanical, structural, civil, electrical, geotechnical and process engineers to deliver integrated project solutions.
- Lead or contribute to safety-in-design reviews, hazard identification workshops and design risk assessments.
- Contribute to project planning, scope development, scheduling and design resource management.
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to graduate, junior and intermediate designers and CAD technicians.
- Build strong relationships with clients, contractors and stakeholders and contribute to successful project outcomes.
- Ensure design documentation complies with relevant standards, client requirements, engineering best practice and safety obligations.
- Drive continuous improvement in CAD standards, systems, workflows and design quality.
- For Principal-level candidates, provide technical governance and design leadership across multiple projects and support the growth of the mechanical design team.

What You'll Bring

Senior Mechanical Designer

- Approximately 6+ years' experience delivering design and drafting projects in mining, mineral processing or related heavy industries.
- Strong capability in CAD modelling, engineering documentation and multidisciplinary design coordination.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary project teams.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A desire to continue developing into technical and design leadership positions.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

- Approximately 12+ years' experience in mineral processing, mining or heavy industry design and drafting environments.
- Demonstrated leadership of design teams, CAD systems and project documentation delivery.
- Proven expertise in CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, Inventor, Plant 3D, Revit, Civil 3D or similar systems.
- Strong knowledge of safety-in-design principles,



hazard identification and risk management.
- Proven ability to mentor designers, lead multidisciplinary design teams and establish effective client relationships.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to contribute to project and business growth.

For All Candidates

- Diploma, Advanced Diploma or equivalent qualification in Engineering Design, Mechanical Drafting or a related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of design documentation, drafting standards, drawing control processes and multidisciplinary project delivery.
- Excellent communication, coordination and stakeholder management skills.
- A practical, solutions-focused approach and commitment to design quality.
- Experience with mining, mineral processing and industrial infrastructure projects will be highly regarded.
- Project management experience or qualifications are advantageous but not essential.

Remuneration & Benefits

Competitive Package

- Senior Mechanical Designer: attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience.
- Principal Mechanical Designer: competitive remuneration package reflecting technical leadership, client responsibility and commercial contribution.
- Annual remuneration reviews linked to performance and market conditions.
- Superannuation paid in accordance with legislative requirements.

Performance-Based Incentives

- Annual incentive bonus linked to business growth, project success and client development.
- Direct recognition and reward for contribution beyond normal project delivery.

Career Growth

- Clear and transparent pathway from Senior Designer to Principal Designer.
- Opportunity to progress to Associate and broader leadership roles, for exceptional performers who contribute to the growth of the business.
- Access to technical training, leadership development and industry conferences.
- Opportunity to help shape the future direction of MER's design capability and CAD systems.

Flexibility & Work-Life Balance

- Flexibility to work from home 2 to 3 days a week tailored to individual circumstances.
- Hybrid and remote working options considered for the right candidate.
- Focus on outcomes and accountability rather than unnecessary oversight.
- A culture that supports autonomy, trust and professional flexibility.

Additional Benefits

- Exposure to technically challenging and high-profile projects.
- Direct access to senior leadership and decision-makers.
- Prospect to influence design strategy, CAD standards and the future direction of the business.
- Collaborative environment where good ideas are recognised regardless of title.

📌 Senior to Principal Mechanical Designer (North Sydney)
🏢 MER Group
📍 North Sydney