Research & Development

Engineering Manager - Universal Field Robots

Universal Field Robots – A Sandvik Company
Engineering Manager – Eagle Farm, Qld.

About the opportunity:

This is an exciting opportunity to join UFR as the Engineering Manager, where you will lead a multidisciplinary team driving the development and delivery of industry‑leading autonomous technologies for mobile mining equipment. In this pivotal role, you will help shape the next generation of UFR’s OEM‑agnostic automation solutions and play a key part in supporting Sandvik’s broader “Zero‑Entry Mine” vision.

As Engineering Manager, you will guide the full engineering lifecycle—from concept development through design, verification, validation, commissioning, and product handover. You will champion engineering excellence, ensure quality and safety standards are met, and oversee the processes, toolchains, and frameworks that underpin reliable and scalable product delivery. Your leadership will be instrumental in building capability, strengthening team culture, and fostering innovation across the engineering group.

You will work closely with Product Management, Commercial, and cross‑functional technical teams to translate strategy into actionable engineering plans and roadmaps. By promoting collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and maintaining strong external partnerships with customers, suppliers, and research institutions, you will ensure UFR’s technology remains at the forefront of the global mining automation landscape.

This role offers a unique blend of technical leadership, strategic influence, and hands‑on involvement in cutting‑edge robotics, automation, and advanced control systems. As UFR continues to scale, you will have the opportunity to shape the direction of its engineering capabilities, develop high‑performing teams, and contribute to solutions that redefine the future of safe, autonomous mining.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture.

• Provide clear direction, set performance expectations, and support career development, succession planning, and capability growth.

• Oversee the full engineering lifecycle, ensuring products and projects are delivered on time, to quality, and in alignment with safety and compliance requirements.

• Continuously improve engineering processes, standards, toolchains, and quality frameworks to enhance product reliability and maintainability.

• Translate strategic objectives into practical engineering plans, resourcing decisions, and roadmaps that support UFR’s automation vision and Sandvik’s Zero‑Entry Mine strategy.

• Promote a culture of innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and encouraging experimentation while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

• Drive a proactive safety culture across engineering activities, embedding safe design principles, risk management, and psychological safety.

• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and external partners to achieve shared technical and commercial outcomes.

• Establish KPIs and governance structures to measure engineering performance, ensuring accountability across people, processes, and delivery.

• Manage engineering budgets, resources, and project schedules to meet operational and financial targets.

About you

You are an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in guiding multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, mechatronic, electrical, and software disciplines. You bring deep technical insight coupled with the ability to translate strategic priorities into clear engineering plans, enabling your team to deliver high‑quality autonomous products that meet both customer and organisational expectations.

You excel at leading the full product engineering lifecycle, from concept development through design reviews, validation, commissioning, and final delivery. You are passionate about process excellence and continuously improving engineering standards, toolchains, and quality frameworks. Your leadership style balances technical credibility with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others, creating a culture where innovation, accountability, and collaboration thrive.

You are proactive and strategic, comfortable working closely with Product Management, Commercial, and executive stakeholders to align engineering roadmaps with market needs and long‑term business goals. You stay curious about emerging technologies — from robotics to AI to simulation — and can evaluate their practical value in building scalable, future‑ready solutions.

Above all, you are a values‑driven leader who champions safety, integrity, and psychological wellbeing. You foster open communication, strengthen cross‑functional relationships, and empower your team to deliver reliably, safely, and sustainably. Your ability to build capability, maintain governance, and drive continuous improvement makes you a key contributor to UFR’s mission and Sandvik’s Zero‑Entry Mine strategy.

Agencies need not apply.

To be eligible for this role, you must have the right to live and work in Australia. Please note that as part of our recruitment process, you will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment medical.

What we offer

Training and development opportunities, from extensive internal programs to contributions towards external studies.
Company-funded paid parental leave, with superannuation contributions during the leave period.
Sandvik Wellness Program to support and enhance your health and wellbeing
Comprehensive Employee Benefits Program, including salary sacrifice options, and a Length of Service Recognition program.

Who we are:

Are you a passionate technologist who thrives on solving complex problems, supporting diverse business needs, and driving best practices? Join UFR, now proudly operating under Sandvik, where we develop innovative autonomous robotic applications that are transforming industries like mining, agriculture, and construction.

Our robots are built with advanced sensing and computing technology to make outdoor work smarter, safer, and more efficient. As part of the Sandvik Group, a global leader in mining and rock solutions, we combine the agility of a tech company with the strength and stability of a global organisation. We are committed to sustainability, inclusion, and building a better future through engineering. If you're ready to make a real impact in a forward-thinking and inclusive environment, we'd love to hear from you.

How to apply
Click ‘Quick Apply’ on Seek or head to our careers page https://www.home.sandvik/en/careers/job-search/

For further information about the role please reach out to Human Resources Operations Specialist – Alexis McKechnie on alexis.mckechnie_c@sandvik.com

Applications close: 30/03/26, or prior if ideal candidate selected.

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