About NextAero

NextAero is a growing technology company developing bespoke fluid testing equipment for space, transport, energy, and the chemical sectors. We deliver complex, high-value projects in the $300k to $1m range, and our clients rely on us to execute them with precision.

We are expanding our team and seeking a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer who thrives in technically demanding, hands-on projects. This role is about driving projects over the line, from early design concepts through to commissioning fluid machinery, and carrying real responsibility for their success.

The Role

You will be in a leadership position within our engineering team, taking ownership of technical execution on major client projects. Within weeks, you will be leading 2 to 4 engineers to deliver hardware from concept, preliminary and detailed design, through assembly, testing, and commissioning.

Your focus will be on fluid flow, pressure systems, and the performance of complex fluid machinery. You will be responsible for ensuring valves, regulators, pumps, sensors, and fittings integrate seamlessly, and for debugging systems when reality does not match theory. Servicing and iterative improvement of fluid rigs will be central to the role.

A critical part of this role is making sure that machinery is at its target project point within a 3-week horizon. This requires strong organisational skills, the ability to lead and motivate small teams, and the confidence to negotiate with suppliers, colleagues, and clients to keep work on track.

This is not a purely desk-based role. You will balance design and analysis with hands-on build and test. You will ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to specification, even in challenging conditions.

Location & Travel: NextAero is based in Clayton, Melbourne. Many activities, particularly assembly and testing, are hands-on and require presence at our workshop or regional Victorian sites. Remote work is supported when practical. Occasional week-long deployments (0 to 10 times per year) to testing or client sites are required. Field testing is conducted in all weather conditions, so personal resilience is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the technical execution of fluid machinery projects across the full lifecycle: concept, preliminary design, detailed design, assembly, debugging, servicing, and commissioning.

Manage and guide a team of 2 to 4 engineers to achieve project milestones within ~3 weeks.

Apply strong understanding of fluid flow and pressure systems to design, analyse, and refine rigs and components.

Debug and service fluid equipment (valves, regulators, fittings, pumps, sensors) under workshop and field conditions.

Oversee assembly and integration of equipment, ensuring safe and reliable operation.

Negotiate and coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain momentum.

Manage design revisions, documenting engineering decisions and trade-offs.

Support workshop maintenance, machinery upgrades, and safe testing practices.

Communicate effectively with project managers, and technical staff.

Key Selection Criteria

Tertiary qualification in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (or similar).

5+ years of engineering project experience required.

Essential: Strong practical understanding of fluid flow, pressure systems, and mechanical behaviour of fittings, valves, regulators, and pumps.

Essential: Hands-on experience debugging, servicing, and operating fluid equipment under test.

Proven ability to lead small engineering teams and deliver results under tight timelines.

Strong organisational, leadership, and negotiation skills.

Experience with CAD (Solidworks preferred) and mechanical design of fluid assemblies.

Familiarity with instrumentation and data acquisition systems (for example National Instruments DAQs).

Some proficiency with programming or scripting (Python preferred) and version control (git).

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently, lead small teams, and push through adversity to complete projects.

A history of hands-on fluid or mechanical projects is highly desirable. Please provide a short slide portfolio of your completed work to [email protected]

Why Join NextAero

Deliver projects where your leadership in fluid machinery directly determines success.

Lead a team of talented engineers on high-value projects across aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Be part of a small, high-performing team where your contribution matters.

Get exposure to cutting-edge hydrogen and cryogenic systems.

Take on serious responsibility from day one and grow with us.

Work in environments that test both engineering skill and personal resilience, from the workshop to the field, in all conditions.