We are looking for an enthusiastic, early-career Associate Manufacturing Engineer to join our team, working on-site from our Sydney office. In this role you will be a key member of our Operations function, contributing directly to our goals and working closely with talented colleagues across the business.
This is a hands-on role with real ownership and impact. You will apply your skills in Lean Manufacturing, Process Optimization and Six Sigma to solve interesting problems, ship work you can be proud of and help us raise the bar for what we do. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, share your ideas openly and have the support you need to do your best work and grow along the way.
This role is open to fresh graduates and those early in their careers (0 to 1 years of experience). We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in Lean Manufacturing and Process Optimization, a hunger to learn, attention to detail and excellent communication and teamwork skills. Above all, we value curiosity, ownership and a positive attitude.
Within your first few months, you will get up to speed with our products, processes and people, build strong working relationships across the team, and begin taking ownership of your own work. Over time, you will have the opportunity to deepen your expertise, take on broader scope and grow your career with us as the company continues to scale.
In return, we offer a supportive, inclusive and collaborative environment, competitive pay, meaningful benefits and the chance to do work that genuinely matters. We care about our people, invest in their growth and want everyone here to be able to do the best work of their careers.
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Kindred Works is an equal-opportunity employer: we welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Apply today and tell us why you would be a great fit.
Responsibilities
As a Associate Manufacturing Engineer at Kindred Works, you will play a central role within our Operations function and take ownership of a broad and varied set of responsibilities. Working alongside a collaborative, motivated team, your day-to-day duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and customer focus.
- Lead, train and support team members to deliver consistent, reliable results.
- Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure processes run smoothly, efficiently and to a high standard.
- Coordinate across internal teams, suppliers and partners to deliver on commitments and timelines.
- Maintain rigorous standards of quality, safety, compliance and documentation.
- Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures and continuously refine them.
- Support planning, budgeting and resource allocation for the function.
- Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and design and implement process improvements.
- Manage inventory, resources and scheduling to balance cost, service and quality.
- Negotiate with and manage vendors, contractors and service providers.
- Prepare operational reports and provide clear updates to management and stakeholders.
- Monitor key performance indicators and take corrective action to keep operations on track.
- Uphold the company's values, policies, security requirements and standards of professional conduct in all activities.
- Participate constructively in team meetings, stand-ups, planning sessions, demos and retrospectives.
- Ensure your work meets agreed quality, compliance and security standards before it is considered complete.
- Contribute to a culture of accountability, learning from mistakes and celebrating shared wins.
- Continuously develop your skills, seek feedback and stay current with the latest developments in your field.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and bring forward practical ideas to make our products, processes and ways of working better.
- Communicate progress, risks and blockers clearly and proactively to your manager and relevant stakeholders.
- Support onboarding, knowledge-sharing and documentation so the wider team can learn, scale and succeed.
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute actively to a positive, inclusive, supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Collaborate respectfully and effectively with colleagues across teams, functions, time zones and locations.
- Bring energy, curiosity and a solutions-focused mindset to everyday challenges.
- Proactively flag dependencies and coordinate with other teams to keep work moving smoothly.
- Adapt to changing priorities and remain calm, focused and effective in a fast-moving, evolving environment.
- Take full ownership of your work, manage your own priorities and consistently deliver to a high standard and on time.
- Represent the team and the company professionally in internal and external interactions.
- Plan and manage your workload to balance quality, speed and competing demands.
What we're looking for
0-1 years of experience; fresh graduates are encouraged to applyStrong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Process Optimization and Six Sigma
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering
Excellent communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills
Benefits
At Kindred Works, we believe that looking after our people is the foundation of doing great work. We offer a comprehensive, thoughtfully designed benefits and perks package that supports your health, your finances, your growth and your life outside of work. When you join us, you can expect the following:- A supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture where your ideas are genuinely heard and your contribution truly matters.
- Regular recognition and appreciation for great work, both publicly and privately.
- superannuation contributions above the statutory minimum, helping you build long-term financial security for the future.
- A dedicated annual learning and development budget you can spend on courses, books, certifications and conferences.
- Commuter, transport and travel support to make getting to and from work easier and more affordable.
- Access to telemedicine and online doctor consultations so you can get care quickly, wherever you are.
- Wellness perks such as gym and fitness-membership support, plus wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.
- A culture that actively encourages experimentation, stretch projects and learning from both wins and mistakes.
- Generous, fully paid parental leave for all new parents, supporting you through one of life's biggest moments.
- Flexible working hours that let you do your best work while balancing your personal life and commitments.
- A home-office set-up allowance plus the laptop, equipment and tools you need to work comfortably and productively.
- Protected time for learning, regular internal knowledge-sharing sessions and access to leading online learning platforms.
- A performance-linked annual bonus that meaningfully rewards both your individual contribution and the company's success.
- Wellness initiatives throughout the year, from health talks and screenings to fitness challenges and mindfulness sessions.
- Thoughtful welcome kits, branded swag and little extras that make you feel part of the team.
- Opportunities to attend, speak at and learn from industry events and conferences.
- Employee stock options (ESOPs), giving you a genuine stake in the company's growth and long-term success.
- Allowances and reimbursements for work-related expenses, handled quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy.
- Company-funded health insurance with access to a wide network of hospitals and clinics, plus an annual preventive health check-up.
- The chance to do meaningful, high-impact work alongside talented, friendly, humble and ambitious colleagues.
- Additional wellbeing and volunteering days each year to look after yourself and give back to your community.
- Flexible time-off arrangements and the trust to take the breaks you need, when you need them.
- A real commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, with employee resource groups and an open, respectful culture.
- Regular team lunches, celebrations, offsites and social events that make work more fun, human and connected.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering