Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer

Company: CIMIC

Location: Adelaide, SA, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the conversion of complex engineering concepts into accurate and detailed 3D designs, ensuring alignment with project specifications and client requirements.

• Oversee and validate the quality of drafting deliverables, maintaining high standards for completeness and adherence to design intent across multidisciplinary projects.

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary project teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on delivering innovative and efficient engineering design solutions.

• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering standards, systems, and processes within the design department, promoting best practices and operational excellence.

• Manage project budgets and schedules from a design perspective, effectively communicating deliverable requirements to stakeholders and team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead Designer," the responsibilities and required experience suggest a role that blends hands-on design with team leadership and project oversight, particularly in project budgeting and scheduling from a design perspective. This role is critical for ensuring the technical accuracy and efficiency of design outputs within the broader project lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate high-level engineering concepts and requirements into precise 3D models and detailed 2D drawings, including plot plans, general arrangements, and piping isometrics.

• Conduct thorough checks of all drafting deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and strict adherence to design specifications, engineering intent, and quality standards.

• Apply meticulous attention to detail and diligence to uphold stringent quality standards and meet all client requirements, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.

• Support and actively participate in the continuous improvement of engineering standards, design systems, and operational processes to enhance overall team performance and project delivery.

• Collaborate effectively with engineering disciplines (mechanical, structural, piping) to ensure seamless integration of design elements and resolve any interdisciplinary conflicts during the design phase.

• Manage design project timelines and resource allocation, proactively identifying potential risks or delays and communicating them to the Designer Team Lead and project management.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers and drafters, fostering their professional development and ensuring consistent application of design best practices.

• Understand and contribute to project budget adherence from a design perspective, ensuring deliverables are cost-effective and align with project financial constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description implies leading multidisciplinary teams. This responsibility has been expanded to detail the specific actions involved in team leadership and project oversight within a design context, including mentorship, resource management, and budget awareness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Drafting, or a related technical field is highly preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive industry experience in design roles within the mining, minerals processing, energy, and chemicals sectors. Proven experience in managing design projects from conceptual stages through to detailed engineering is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to convert complex engineering concepts into accurate 3D models and detailed 2D drawings.

• Extensive proficiency in 2D drafting software, specifically AutoCAD 2D or MicroStation 2D.

• Extensive proficiency in 3D modeling programs such as AutoCAD Plant 3D, Autodesk Inventor, or Autodesk Revit.

• Strong understanding and application of relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS) for engineering design.

• Demonstrated experience working on projects from conceptual design through to detailed engineering phases.

• Ability to work autonomously and manage design tasks with minimal supervision.

• Competence in producing a range of 2D design drawings, including plot plans, general arrangements, detailed drawings, and piping isometrics.

• Understanding of project budget constraints and scheduling requirements, with the ability to communicate engineering deliverable needs effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in leading or mentoring multidisciplinary project teams.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

• Strong technical communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Knowledge of other relevant industry-specific design software or simulation tools.

• Experience with client interface and stakeholder management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "7+ years" and the mention of "Leading multidiscipline project teams" indicate a mid-to-senior level role. The skills have been detailed to reflect the specific software and output types mentioned in the job description, emphasizing the blend of 2D/3D proficiency and industry-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least two detailed case studies demonstrating the successful conversion of complex engineering concepts into comprehensive 3D designs and 2D deliverables for mining, minerals processing, energy, or chemical projects.

• Include examples of detailed engineering drawings such as plot plans, general arrangements, and piping isometrics, highlighting accuracy and adherence to standards.

• Present evidence of work on projects from conceptual design through to detailed engineering, illustrating the progression and scope of your contributions.

• Demonstrate proficiency with core design software (AutoCAD 2D/3D, MicroStation 2D, Inventor, or Revit) through visual examples or annotated screenshots of your modeling and drafting work. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for checking and validating drafting deliverables, emphasizing how you ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to design specifications and intent.

• Articulate your approach to supporting continuous improvement of engineering standards, systems, and processes, providing examples of contributions you've made in previous roles.

• Describe your methodology for managing design tasks autonomously, including planning, prioritization, and self-correction techniques.

• Be ready to explain how you communicate engineering deliverable requirements, project budgets, and schedules to team members and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on converting concepts to 3D designs and checking deliverables, a portfolio demonstrating these specific skills and a clear understanding of design processes is crucial. The requirements focus on tangible outputs and the candidate's ability to articulate their design methodology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Designer with 7+ years of experience in Adelaide, SA, Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $100,000 - $140,000. This estimate accounts for the required technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the cost of living in Adelaide.

Benefits:

• Career Growth & Development: Opportunities to expand experience and capabilities by working within multidisciplinary teams.

• Reward & Recognition: Competitive remuneration package reflecting skills and contributions.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements to promote a healthy work-life integration.

• Supportive Environment: A collaborative workplace culture designed to foster teamwork and mutual support.

• Health & Wellbeing: Access to Sonder, a 24/7 safety and wellbeing app providing comprehensive mental health support and work/life services.

• Inclusive Culture: Employment within a company committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for all employees.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexible arrangements as mentioned in the benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been estimated based on the role's seniority, location (Adelaide, Australia), and the typical compensation for Lead Designer roles with significant experience in the engineering and design sector. This is a common practice for roles where salary is not explicitly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Energy, Chemicals, Mineral Processing. Sedgman Prudentia operates within sectors that demand high levels of technical precision, safety, and innovation. Their role in delivering multi-discipline engineering services positions them as a key partner in project development.

Company Size: Established in 2014, Sedgman Prudentia has grown to include offices in Adelaide and Brisbane, suggesting a medium-sized enterprise with a significant operational footprint and a growing team of engineering professionals.

Founded: Established in 2014, Sedgman Prudentia leverages the broader capabilities of Sedgman, a well-established entity in the engineering and project delivery space. This history provides a foundation of experience and industry trust.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Designer will report to the Designer Team Lead, indicating a structured design department with clear lines of reporting and management.

• The role involves leading multidisciplinary project teams, suggesting close collaboration with engineers, project managers, and other technical specialists.

• The design team likely comprises specialists in piping, mechanical, and structural design, working together to deliver integrated solutions. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes delivering "optimal practical solutions," suggesting a pragmatic and results-oriented approach to engineering challenges.

• There's a clear focus on leveraging Sedgman's capabilities to enhance service offerings, indicating a strategy of integrated service delivery and cross-functional expertise.

• Continuous improvement of engineering standards, systems, and processes is a stated objective, pointing towards a culture that values learning and operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://elgl.fa.ap1.oraclecloud.com:443/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/ (Note: This URL appears to be an Oracle Cloud HCM portal for applications, not the primary company website. The actual company website is likely related to CIMIC or Sedgman Prudentia).

📝 Enhancement Note: Information regarding the company's founding and specific offerings has been integrated to provide context for the operations environment. The emphasis on "optimal practical solutions" and leveraging Sedgman's capabilities points to a company culture focused on delivering value through integrated engineering expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a "Lead" level, signifying a transition from individual contributor to a position of influence and mentorship. It requires not only deep technical expertise in design but also the ability to guide project teams, manage design outputs, and contribute to process improvements. It sits above a standard designer role, demanding a broader scope of responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer reports directly to the Designer Team Lead. This indicates a clear hierarchical structure within the design department, with opportunities for upward mobility towards senior design management or specialized technical expert roles.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer plays a crucial role in the initial stages of project execution by ensuring that engineering concepts are translated into feasible, accurate, and cost-effective designs. Their work directly impacts project timelines, budgets, safety, and the overall success of the engineering deliverables, influencing downstream processes like procurement and construction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced features of Plant 3D, Revit MEP) or in specific industry sectors (e.g., complex chemical processing plants).

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior Designer or Designer Team Lead role, taking on greater responsibility for team management, project oversight, and strategic design planning.

• Project Management: Develop skills in project management, potentially transitioning into roles focused on engineering project delivery or coordination.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance design standards, workflows, and tool adoption within the engineering department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The analysis of career progression focuses on how a "Lead" role in design contributes to broader engineering operations, emphasizing the blend of technical skill and leadership that defines such positions and outlining potential career trajectories within the field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based in Adelaide, SA, Australia, and is an on-site role. The work environment is likely a professional office setting typical of engineering consultancies, designed to facilitate collaboration and focused technical work.

Office Location(s): Adelaide, South Australia. Specific details about the office's accessibility, amenities, or proximity to public transport are not provided but can be assumed to be standard for a professional corporate office in a major Australian city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on leading multidisciplinary teams suggests a workspace designed for interaction, with meeting rooms, shared design areas, and digital collaboration tools.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations equipped with industry-standard 2D and 3D design software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, Inventor, Revit) will be a given.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with fellow designers, engineers, and project managers to discuss design challenges, review progress, and ensure project alignment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. While the core hours are likely standard business hours, the mention of "flexible arrangements" suggests some degree of adaptability in scheduling, particularly for tasks that require focused, uninterrupted work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment focuses on the practical aspects of an on-site role in a professional engineering setting, highlighting the expected tools, collaborative dynamics, and the balance between structured work and potential flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a discussion of your design experience, software proficiency, and understanding of Australian Standards. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: A practical exercise to assess your ability to translate a concept into a design, check deliverables, or solve a design problem under timed conditions.

• Team/Management Interview: An opportunity to meet the Designer Team Lead and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and communication style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your ability to convert concepts into detailed 3D and 2D designs, particularly in the mining, energy, or chemical sectors.

• Highlight Key Contributions: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved, focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to standards.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Include clear visuals of your 3D models and 2D drawings, annotating them to highlight specific features, design elements, and your use of AutoCAD, MicroStation, Inventor, or Revit.

• Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your design process, including how you check deliverables, manage your workload autonomously, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Conceptual to Detail: Practice translating a basic engineering description into a preliminary design concept, then outlining the steps to produce detailed drawings.

• Standard Compliance: Review key Australian Standards relevant to piping, structural, and mechanical design in industrial settings.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to analyze a design flaw or discrepancy and propose a practical, efficient solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications and prepare for the specific stages of an interview process for a design leadership role, emphasizing portfolio content and practical problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 2D Drafting: AutoCAD 2D, MicroStation 2D (essential for producing plot plans, general arrangements, detailed drawings, piping isometrics).

• 3D Modeling: AutoCAD Plant 3D, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Revit (critical for creating complex 3D designs from engineering concepts).

• Design Management: Potentially PDM/PLM systems for version control and design data management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, designers may use project management software for task tracking and reporting on design progress against schedules and budgets. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design data integrates into broader project management or ERP systems may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools are directly extracted from the "About You" section and expanded to reflect their typical use in an engineering design context, highlighting the specific software required for both 2D and 3D modeling in industrial projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Engineering & Design: A core commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and practical solutions that meet client needs and industry standards.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve design outcomes.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where multidisciplinary teams work together effectively to achieve common project goals.

• Quality & Diligence: Upholding rigorous quality standards and applying meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design work.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to enhancing standards, systems, and processes to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Expect a collaborative approach where designers work closely with engineers from various disciplines, project managers, and potentially clients to ensure seamless project execution.

• Open Communication: A culture that values clear and open communication to resolve design challenges, share information, and ensure alignment across project teams.

• Feedback Exchange: A willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback to improve designs and processes, contributing to a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from the company's description, the role's responsibilities, and the overall emphasis on delivering engineering solutions in a professional setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Design Conversion: Effectively translating intricate engineering concepts into accurate and constructible 3D models and 2D drawings requires strong spatial reasoning and technical interpretation skills.

• Balancing Quality and Speed: Meeting tight project deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and completeness in design deliverables can be demanding.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration of piping, mechanical, and structural designs, and resolving potential clashes or conflicts between disciplines, requires effective communication and coordination.

• Staying Current with Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in design software and industry best practices to maintain a competitive edge and contribute to process improvements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in specialized modules of AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, or explore advanced simulation and analysis tools.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to a wide range of projects in the energy, chemicals, and mineral processing sectors, providing insights into diverse design challenges and solutions.

• Leadership Mentorship: Learning from the Designer Team Lead and senior engineers on effective project management, team leadership, and strategic design planning.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to understand the broader project lifecycle, from conceptualization to commissioning, enhancing your overall engineering perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the inherent complexities of design roles, especially in lead positions within demanding industries. Growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement, leadership development, and broader project exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for converting a complex engineering concept into a detailed 3D design. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and completeness?" (Focus on your methodology, software use, and checking procedures).

• "How do you approach checking and validating drafting deliverables to ensure they meet design specifications and intent? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your quality assurance process and attention to detail).

• "Tell me about a time you led a multidisciplinary project team. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure successful collaboration and timely delivery of design outputs?" (Prepare a STAR method response focusing on leadership and coordination).

• "How have you contributed to the continuous improvement of engineering standards or processes in your previous roles? What was the impact?" (Showcase your proactive mindset and commitment to efficiency). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sedgman Prudentia and this Lead Designer role specifically?" (Research the company's projects, values, and industry position).

• "How do you align with our values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in engineering and design?" (Be ready to provide specific examples of how you embody these values).

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a supportive and inclusive team culture." (Emphasize your ability to work autonomously yet collaborate effectively). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each portfolio piece, present a clear story: the project context, your specific design role and challenges, the technical solutions you implemented (showcasing software and standards), and the successful outcomes.

• Visual Emphasis: Use high-quality screenshots or renders of your 3D models and clear images of your 2D drawings. Annotate key areas to explain design decisions or highlight complex elements.

• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to verbally "walk through" a design, explaining your workflow from initial concept to final deliverable, demonstrating your understanding of the entire process.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight how your designs contributed to project success, such as cost savings, schedule adherence, or improved functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements of a Lead Designer role, focusing on technical skills, leadership experience, and the ability to articulate design processes and contributions effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your ability to convert engineering concepts into detailed 3D and 2D designs within the mining, energy, or chemical sectors. Ensure clear visuals and concise explanations of your contributions.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience, proficiency in AutoCAD 2D/3D, MicroStation 2D, and 3D modeling software (Plant 3D, Inventor, Revit), and specific achievements in conceptual to detailed design phases.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review Australian Standards relevant to industrial design and practice explaining your design processes, quality checks, and problem-solving approaches.

• Research CIMIC/Sedgman Prudentia: Understand their project portfolio, company values, and recent news to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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