Test Engineer – Mechanical

Join School of Engineering

• Full-time, ongoing position at our Hawthorn campus
• HEW Level 6 salary + 17% super and staff benefits

About the Role

Join Swinburne University of Technology at the forefront of engineering innovation. We are seeking a Test Engineer – Mechanical to play a critical role in supporting cutting-edge research, teaching and industry-engaged testing within our Smart Structures Laboratory (SSL) and Digital Construction Lab (DCL).

In this hands-on role, you’ll design, build and operate bespoke mechanical test rigs, work with advanced structural and servo-hydraulic testing equipment, and support high-impact research programs in structural engineering and digital construction. You’ll collaborate closely with academics, researchers, students and industry partners, contributing directly to world-class experimentation and real-world outcomes.

This is an ideal opportunity for a practical, technically strong mechanical engineer who enjoys problem-solving, fabrication, and working in a dynamic laboratory environment. You’ll be trusted to apply your expertise, mentor students and interns, and help ensure our laboratories operate safely, efficiently and at the highest standard.

About You

To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities: 

• Ability to set up, monitor and demonstrate standard experiments and equipment use and prepare reports of a technical nature. 
• Experience in setting up and operation of servo hydraulic test machines. 
• Possess proficient applied mechanics knowledge of stress, strain and strength of materials. 
• Proficient use of Windows Microsoft Office and 3D CAD modelling software such as SOLIDWORKS. 
• Hands-on skills with electronic fabrication, metalwork, woodwork, and concreting. Use of power tools. 
• Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety policies, procedures and compliance. 
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to facilitate the provision of advice and support required by both staff and students. 
• Possess well-developed organisational, time management and problem-solving skills, be flexible and can use initiative and be responsive to priorities

Qualifications

Completion of a degree in Mechanical Engineering with relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination or extensive relevant experience and/or education/training; or

completion of a relevant associate diploma and subsequent relevant work experience. 

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world. 

What We Offer You

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle. 
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position. 

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: 5pm, Tuesday 14th April 2026

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquiries will not be answered by phone). 

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates. 

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.

Click here for position description Opens in new window