Work with cutting edge technology, making the world a safer and more secure place. DroneShield (ASX:DRO) offers an opportunity to solve some of world’s most challenging technical problems in the Electronic Warfare, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, RF sensing, Sensor Fusion and distributed systems. Working with high profile customers across militaries, government agencies, airports, critical infrastructure, law enforcement and many others.

With one of the largest listed defence company market capitalisations in Australia and having raised approximately $250m in 2024 alone, DroneShield is undergoing hypergrowth stage, fuelled by rapidly increasing use of drones for nefarious applications, from battlefield, to terrorism, to contraband delivery and commercial espionage.

This role is in the DroneShield Sydney headquarters. There are approximately 320 staff based in the 4,000sqm facility today, scheduled to grow to approximately 400 staff by end of 2026. Overseas on the ground presence includes Virginia (USA), Denmark, Germany and Dubai, as well as distributors in over 70 countries globally.

About the role

This is a newly created position, launched as part of DroneShield’s exciting scale-up of our production department. Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, you will work closely with our Production team to expand capacity and enhance capabilities to meet growing demand.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will support the implementation and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes across our operations. Acting as the bridge between NPI and Production, you will ensure new products are manufacturable at scale, support troubleshooting, production lines operate efficiently, and quality standards are upheld.

This is a hands-on role, working directly on the production floor to solve problems, drive continuous improvement, and enable our technicians to build world-class technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with Production and NPI to refine and optimise production processes, work instructions, and assembly methods to improve efficiency and quality.
• Oversee production line layout, identifying and addressing bottlenecks to maximise workflow and throughput.
• Maintain and refine existing jigs, rigs, tools, and testing equipment, and collaborate with NPI on the development of new tooling as required.
• Support pilot builds and manufacturing documentation, training production staff ahead of full-scale release.
• Provide rapid engineering support to production technicians, troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to address recurring issues.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and other continuous improvement initiatives within the production area.
• Train and mentor production staff in new tools, processes, and assembly techniques.
• Support the implementation of ECNs, ensuring updates to drawings, BOMs, work instructions, and assembly processes are accurately reflected on the shop floor.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electronics, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a manufacturing or production engineering role, preferably in electromechanical products, complex products assembly or defence/aerospace manufacturing.
• Proven experience in utilising Lean manufacturing principles and Continuous Improvements.
• Strong understanding of assembly processes and production testing equipment.
• Proficiency with CAD software and 3D printing (e.g., SolidWorks) for jig and fixture design.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure and autonomously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with RF / low power electrical products is high desirable.
• Ability to troubleshoot RF and electronic assemblies in embedded systems are highly desirable.
• Understanding of Lean, 5S, and process optimisation principles. PFMEA and Lean Six Sigma belt highly desirable.

Note for recruitment agencies: we do not accept floated candidates from external recruiters unless they were instructed to do so.