Expert Design Engineer / Industrial Designer – Sheet Metal Fibre Optic Rack Systems
We are an established precision sheet-metal manufacturer currently producing fibre-optic chassis rack products in-house. We are seeking an expert-level Design Engineer / Industrial Designer to redesign and evolve two existing rack products, with a strong emphasis on Design for Manufacture (DFM) and refined, commercial-grade aesthetics. This engagement is with a manufacturer that already designs and fabricates its own products. The intent is not to outsource core capability, but to expand our design depth and elevate the product by engaging specialist, senior contractors. Scope of Work - Redesign two existing fibre-optic chassis rack products - Improve DFM efficiency (laser cutting, press brake forming, tolerances, fasteners, part count reduction) - Refine aesthetics and product coherence for data-centre / commercial environments - Optimise designs for: - Sheet thickness selection and bend logic - Press brake limitations and bend sequencing - Clinch fasteners / PEMs - Assembly, serviceability, and cable management - Collaborate closely with our in-house engineering and fabrication team - Deliver production-ready CAD models and fabrication drawings Required Experience - Senior-level experience designing production sheet-metal products - Strong, practical DFM knowledge with real manufacturing exposure - Experience with racks, enclosures, chassis, or telecom / IT infrastructure - Proficient in SolidWorks and/or Onshape (we work in both) - Comfortable working directly with a manufacturer and iterating rapidly Strongly Preferred - Experience with fibre-optic or data-centre equipment - Industrial design capability alongside engineering rigour - Experience designing products intended for powder-coated, commercial production - Prior collaboration with Australian or export-focused manufacturers Deliverables - Redesigned CAD models for two rack products - Manufacturing-ready drawings and flat patterns - DFM-optimised designs suitable for immediate in-house production - Optional: presentation-quality visuals or renders Screening Questions (Required) 1. Describe a sheet-metal product you designed that went into production. What DFM changes did you make to improve manufacturability or cost? 2. How do you approach bend sequencing and minimum bend radii when designing for press brakes? 3. What factors do you consider when selecting sheet thickness for structural vs non-structural components? 4. Describe your experience with clinch fasteners / PEMs and how you design for their installation. 5. How do you balance aesthetics with DFM in commercial or industrial products? 6. Which CAD platform do you primarily use (SolidWorks / Onshape), and how do you manage design handover to manufacturers? How to Apply Please include: - Examples of manufactured sheet-metal products you have designed - A brief description of your DFM approach when working with manufacturers - Your availability and preferred hourly rate within the stated band We are seeking a long-term design partner and expect future work beyond this initial project. Apply tot his job