Role summary: Join a landmark international programme at the forefront of the AUKUS partnership and help shape the future of one of the most significant defence infrastructure projects in Australia's history. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering complex engineering solutions in Adelaide, South Australia. Supported throughout a fully funded 2–3 year secondment, this is an opportunity to broaden your expertise, expand your professional network, and enhance skills that will accelerate your career. Must be willing to relocate to Adelaide.
 

What you will be doing:

• Lead the delivery of complex mechanical engineering design packages across major defence and nuclear projects.

• Act as the Mechanical Engineering Technical Authority, providing guidance, governance and technical assurance across multidisciplinary teams.

• Produce, review and approve engineering calculations, reports, specifications, design substantiation and technical documentation.

• Ensure engineering solutions comply with relevant Australian and international codes, standards, safety legislation and client requirements.

• Lead design reviews, technical risk assessments and engineering decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support systems integration activities, ensuring mechanical interfaces are effectively managed across disciplines.

• Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies and ensure design integrity throughout project delivery.

• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and coaching to engineers, supporting capability growth across the business.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and project partners.

• Support business development activities through technical input to bids, proposals and client presentations.

• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and engineering excellence across all project activities.

Formal qualifications or training:

• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.

• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or eligibility to achieve equivalent Australian professional registration.

• Significant experience delivering complex mechanical engineering projects within the nuclear, defence, energy or other highly regulated industries.

• Strong understanding of engineering design processes, design substantiation, configuration management and design assurance.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing technical delivery.

• Excellent knowledge of mechanical engineering standards, codes and regulatory requirements.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence clients and senior technical leaders.

• Eligibility to obtain Australian Defence security clearance (where required).

Make a Difference with DBD:

At DBD, we know you're looking for more than just a job - you aspire to make a real impact in the nuclear industry. We offer unique opportunities for growth, empowering you to take influential roles within client organisations.

Our dedicated team collaborates with clients to positively influence projects across Defence, Decommissioning and New Builds. Having doubled in headcount year-on-year, over the past two years, we continue to welcome new, talented individuals to our team.

We're committed to your success. DBD invests in your development and supports your career trajectory in any direction you want to take it.

Join us to play a key role in shaping the nuclear sector's future.

Make a difference today with DBD.

Benefits: up to 20% bonus, 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, private health insurance, private dental, and more