Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Bradken

Location: Burswood, WA, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Mechanical Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-06-18T06:14:58

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and enhancement of critical products within the mineral processing and material handling sectors, directly impacting operational efficiency and customer success.

• Leverage advanced 3D modeling and 2D drafting skills to create detailed manufacturing documentation, ensuring product precision and manufacturability.

• Conduct in-depth engineering analysis and simulations to validate designs and optimize product performance for demanding industrial applications.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and external customers to translate complex operational requirements into innovative, practical, and safe product solutions.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within engineering standards and processes, contributing to Bradken's leadership in wear solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly rooted in mechanical product design for heavy industrial applications, requiring a blend of technical CAD proficiency, engineering analysis, and strong stakeholder management skills. The "Senior" title suggests a need for leadership in design projects and a significant contribution to process improvement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop new mechanical products and modifications for mineral processing equipment, ensuring alignment with market needs and technological advancements.

• Produce comprehensive 3D models, detailed 2D drawings, and precise manufacturing documentation using advanced CAD software.

• Perform design calculations, engineering analysis, and simulations (e.g., FEA) to verify structural integrity, performance, and manufacturability.

• Conduct site inspections, perform accurate measurements, and undertake reverse-engineering activities to inform design improvements and problem-solving.

• Translate customer specifications and operational requirements into feasible, safe, and cost-effective product designs.

• Rigorously check drawings for technical accuracy, manufacturability, compliance with industry standards, and internal drafting protocols.

• Manage the design release process, coordinating with engineering review boards, document control, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless production.

• Provide on-site support for product installation, conduct performance reviews, and lead technical investigations at customer locations.

• Offer expert technical advice and guidance to sales teams, manufacturing personnel, external suppliers, and end-users.

• Actively contribute to the development and refinement of engineering standards, document control procedures, and continuous improvement programs.

• Identify, capture, and protect valuable product knowledge and intellectual property, safeguarding Bradken's competitive edge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, end-to-end product design lifecycle involvement, from initial concept and detailed design to manufacturing support, customer interaction, and intellectual property management. The emphasis on site inspections and customer engagement indicates a need for practical problem-solving and strong communication skills in real-world industrial environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a recognized equivalent qualification.

• Alternatively, a Mechanical Engineering diploma with substantial relevant experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in designing mechanical products, specifically within the mining, mineral processing, material handling, or heavy industrial sectors.

• Proven track record of successfully taking products from concept through to manufacturing release and production support.

• Demonstrated experience in contributing to and improving engineering standards and processes. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in 3D modeling and 2D drafting using NX or a comparable high-end CAD platform (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA).

• Strong understanding and application of engineering analysis principles, including structural mechanics and material science.

• Experience in preparing detailed manufacturing drawings and supporting documentation for fabrication, casting, and machining.

• Sound knowledge of various heavy manufacturing processes, including fabrication, casting, and machining techniques.

• Excellent mechanical problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

• Effective technical communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to conduct site inspections and reverse-engineering activities.

• Demonstrated understanding of product development lifecycles in industrial environments. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with ANSYS or other FEA (Finite Element Analysis) tools for advanced simulation and stress analysis.

• Familiarity with DEM (Discrete Element Method) software for granular material flow simulation.

• Experience with Teamcenter PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) for data management and workflow control.

• Proficiency with 3D scanning technology for data acquisition and reverse engineering.

• Experience in conducting structural calculations and validation.

• Knowledge of casting solidification and simulation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core mechanical design competencies, particularly CAD proficiency with a specific mention of NX. Preferred skills point towards advanced analytical and simulation capabilities, suggesting opportunities for candidates with specialized technical expertise to stand out. The experience requirement of 5-10 years aligns with a "Senior" designation, implying a need for independent work and potential mentorship.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant product design projects, detailing the problem statement, design process, technical challenges, solutions implemented, and final outcomes.

• 3D Model & Drawing Samples: Provide examples of complex 3D assemblies and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings, demonstrating proficiency in CAD software (preferably NX) and adherence to drafting standards.

• Engineering Analysis Examples: Include samples of design calculations, FEA reports, or simulation results that validate design choices and performance criteria.

• Process Improvement Contributions: Highlight instances where you influenced or improved engineering standards, documentation processes, or manufacturing support workflows.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Present examples of how you diagnosed and resolved complex mechanical issues in product design or manufacturing contexts.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate familiarity with creating and maintaining design documentation, including BOMs (Bills of Materials), technical specifications, and manufacturing instructions.

• Showcase experience in adhering to and contributing to engineering standards, quality control procedures, and document control systems.

• Highlight experience in supporting products through the design release, manufacturing, and post-production phases, including problem resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies that illustrate their problem-solving abilities, technical design skills (especially in NX), understanding of manufacturing processes, and capacity for engineering analysis. The emphasis on "process improvement contributions" suggests that demonstrating an ability to enhance existing workflows is highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $100,000 - $140,000 per annum (Estimated)

Benefits:

• Safety First Environment: Commitment to a safe and healthy workplace.

• Flexible Work Options: Potential for flexible scheduling or hybrid arrangements, subject to role and team needs.

• Competitive Total Reward Packages: Comprehensive remuneration including base salary, potential bonuses, and other incentives.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees and their families.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, skill enhancement, and career advancement.

• Dynamic Project Exposure: Work on challenging and impactful projects in the resources sector.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 38-40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak project periods. On-site presence is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a Senior Product Designer in Burswood, WA, Australia, based on industry benchmarks for roles requiring a Mechanical Engineering degree, 5-10 years of experience, and specialized CAD/analysis skills in the heavy industrial sector. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package emphasizes employee well-being and professional growth, aligning with industry standards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mining Equipment Manufacturing, Wear Solutions, Heavy Industrial Engineering. Bradken operates within a critical global sector, providing essential components for resource extraction and material handling, which are fundamental to various industries worldwide.

Company Size: Over 3,000 employees globally. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes, significant resources, and a broad operational footprint.

Founded: Information not readily available, but Bradken is a well-established global leader in its field. Its longevity suggests stability and deep-rooted expertise in wear solutions.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The role reports to the Engineering Team Lead, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the engineering department.

• Specialization: The engineering team likely comprises specialists in design, analysis, drafting, and potentially materials science, working collaboratively on product development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires constant interaction with manufacturing, sales, and customer-facing teams, emphasizing a matrixed approach to project execution and problem-solving.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on engineering analysis, simulation, and site-based data collection to inform design decisions.

• Process Optimization: A focus on improving engineering standards, documentation, and workflows for increased efficiency and product quality.

• Customer-Centric Solutions: Designing products that directly address operational requirements and customer challenges in the resources sector.

Company Website: https://www.bradken.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Bradken's position as a global leader in wear solutions implies a culture that values technical expertise, innovation, and reliability. The company size suggests robust operational frameworks and opportunities for exposure to large-scale projects. The emphasis on collaboration across departments and with customers highlights a practical, results-oriented approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This level signifies a high degree of technical expertise, independent problem-solving capability, and a potential for contributing to design strategy and process improvement. It is a critical role in the product development lifecycle, bridging conceptualization and manufacturability.

Reporting Structure: Reporting directly to the Engineering Team Lead, this position is integral to the core engineering function. It implies a collaborative relationship within the team and potential for leading specific design initiatives or mentoring junior designers.

Operations Impact: The designs created have a direct and tangible impact on Bradken's product performance, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Successful product designs enhance the company's competitive advantage in the wear solutions market, influencing revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as FEA, CFD, material science, or advanced manufacturing processes.

• Project Leadership: Transition into roles leading complex product development projects or managing design teams.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Move into roles in R&D, advanced engineering, or even product management, leveraging deep product knowledge.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Take on responsibilities for defining and implementing new engineering standards, workflows, and best practices.

• Mentorship: Guide and develop junior engineers and designers, contributing to team capability building.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Product Designer role is a key stepping stone for technical leaders within the engineering domain. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical mastery, taking on project leadership, or broadening influence across R&D and process engineering, aligning with Bradken's focus on innovation and continuous improvement in the resources sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Burswood, WA, Australia location, suggesting a professional office environment within a corporate or manufacturing facility. This setting likely facilitates direct collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and sales teams.

Office Location(s): Burswood, Western Australia, Australia. This location is a commercial hub, providing accessibility and proximity to other industrial and business services. Travel to customer sites within Australia and potentially internationally may be required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to support teamwork, with access to meeting rooms, design review areas, and shared workspaces for cross-functional interaction.

• Tools & Technology: Access to advanced CAD workstations (likely with NX), engineering analysis software, and potentially PLM systems is essential for daily tasks.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to engage with fellow engineers, designers, manufacturing personnel, and sales representatives to discuss project progress, technical challenges, and customer feedback.

Work Schedule: Primarily an on-site role, adhering to standard business hours. Flexibility may be available, but the nature of design, analysis, and customer site visits often requires adaptability to project deadlines and operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Burswood office environment is designed to foster collaboration and provide the necessary technical infrastructure for product design and engineering. The on-site requirement underscores the importance of direct interaction and hands-on work, crucial for detailed design tasks and problem-solving in the heavy industrial sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for alignment with core requirements, especially CAD proficiency (NX), mechanical design experience in heavy industry, and educational background.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with hiring managers and senior engineering staff focusing on technical skills, design methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and familiarity with manufacturing processes. Expect questions on past projects and technical challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents selected projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their design process, technical solutions, and impact. This is a critical evaluation point.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of communication skills, teamwork abilities, problem-solving attitude, and alignment with Bradken's values (safety, innovation, collaboration). May involve a one-way video screening.

• Pre-employment Assessments: May include psychometric assessments and a pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol testing.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your NX proficiency, mechanical design expertise in mineral processing/material handling, and ability to solve complex engineering problems.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the problem/requirement, your design approach, key technical decisions, challenges overcome, the solution, and quantifiable results (e.g., improved performance, reduced cost, enhanced manufacturability).

• Highlight Manufacturing Relevance: Emphasize how your designs consider fabrication, casting, machining, and assembly processes.

• Showcase Analysis Skills: Include examples of calculations, FEA, or simulations that demonstrate your ability to validate designs and optimize performance.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the intricacies of your design choices, software usage, and problem-solving techniques in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a challenge related to an existing product and asked to outline your approach to solving it, including potential design modifications, analysis methods, and manufacturing considerations.

• Process Improvement Task: Be prepared to discuss how you would analyze an existing engineering process or workflow to identify areas for improvement and suggest practical solutions.

• Technical Problem Solving: Practice articulating how you would diagnose and resolve a complex mechanical failure or performance issue in a product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical design skills and the ability to articulate them through a portfolio. Candidates should anticipate detailed technical questioning and be prepared to present their work comprehensively. The inclusion of one-way video screening and psychometric assessments suggests a structured and potentially technology-assisted hiring process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: NX (advanced proficiency required), or comparable high-end platforms like SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA. Used for 3D modeling, 2D drafting, and creating manufacturing documentation.

• PLM Software: Teamcenter PLM (preferred). Used for managing product data, revisions, workflows, and collaboration throughout the product lifecycle.

• Engineering Analysis Software: ANSYS (preferred) or other FEA (Finite Element Analysis) tools. Used for structural analysis, stress testing, thermal analysis, and performance simulation.

• Simulation Software: DEM Software (preferred). Used for simulating material flow and handling characteristics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, familiarity with data analysis tools used in manufacturing and performance monitoring may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the design role, but understanding how design data interfaces with ERP/MRP systems for production planning is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in NX is a critical requirement, with ANSYS and Teamcenter PLM being highly valued additions. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these specific tools and how they integrate into a product development workflow within a heavy industrial manufacturing context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: Paramount importance placed on workplace safety and the safety of product designs in operation.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to challenge existing thinking, develop better solutions, and refine engineering standards and processes.

• Customer Focus: Commitment to understanding and meeting customer operational requirements with practical, effective product solutions.

• Technical Excellence: High standards for design accuracy, engineering analysis, and manufacturability.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork across engineering, manufacturing, sales, and with external stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with manufacturing, sales, and customer service to ensure designs are practical, marketable, and meet user needs.

• Proactive Communication: Open dialogue and information sharing to address design challenges, manufacturing constraints, and customer feedback promptly.

• Shared Problem-Solving: A culture where team members work together to identify root causes of issues and develop robust solutions, whether in design, analysis, or on-site support.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bradken's culture appears to prioritize safety, technical rigor, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The emphasis on continuous improvement suggests an environment where engineers are encouraged to innovate and refine processes. This aligns well with the demands of designing complex products for the resources sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Constraints: Juggling competing demands for performance, cost-effectiveness, manufacturability, and customer-specific requirements in complex industrial products.

• Site-Specific Problem Solving: Diagnosing and resolving issues that arise during product installation or operation at diverse customer sites, often requiring on-the-spot solutions.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and applying new design techniques, analysis tools, and manufacturing technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

• Intellectual Property Management: Ensuring that proprietary designs and knowledge are effectively captured and protected.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to specialize in areas like FEA, CFD, advanced materials, or specific manufacturing processes.

• Industry Exposure: Working on a wide range of products for the global resources sector, providing broad industry knowledge.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gaining insights into manufacturing operations, sales strategies, and customer challenges.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior engineers or to mentor junior team members.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications in engineering or design software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges that require strong technical acumen and adaptability, balanced by significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development within a leading industrial manufacturing company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical product you designed from concept to manufacturing. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on NX usage, problem-solving, and manufacturing considerations).

• "How do you approach translating vague customer requirements into detailed design specifications?" (Highlight your elicitation and documentation process).

• "Walk me through your process for performing FEA on a critical component. What are the key inputs, outputs, and validation steps?" (Demonstrate your analytical rigor and understanding of simulation tools).

• "Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with manufacturing to resolve a design-related production issue." (Showcase your communication and teamwork skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Bradken and our role in the resources sector?" (Research Bradken's products, market position, and values).

• "How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Demonstrate your organizational and time management skills).

• "Describe your approach to ensuring the safety and reliability of your designs." (Emphasize your commitment to safety standards and thoroughness). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business or operational impact of your design. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "increased wear life by 15%", "reduced manufacturing time by 10%").

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your CAD work, analysis methods, and material choices.

• Problem/Solution Narrative: Structure your presentation around the problem you solved and the specific solutions you engineered, highlighting your thought process.

• Showcase NX Skills: Use visuals (screenshots, short animations if possible) to demonstrate your proficiency in NX and its capabilities.

• Address Manufacturing Link: Explicitly connect your design decisions to fabrication, casting, or machining processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific projects in detail, focusing on your technical contributions, problem-solving approach, and the use of tools like NX. Demonstrating an understanding of manufacturing processes and customer impact will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your most relevant projects, emphasizing your NX proficiency, experience in mineral processing/heavy industrial design, and examples of engineering analysis.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with mechanical product design, CAD software (especially NX), manufacturing processes, and your engineering qualifications. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving strategies, and technical expertise, particularly when discussing portfolio examples. Be ready for technical questions and potential design challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bradken's products, market position, and commitment to safety and innovation. Understand their role in the global resources sector.

⚠️ 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.