SolidWorks Sydney is a specialist engineering blog focused on structural steel detailing, mechanical design, and 3D LiDAR scanning across Sydney and Australia. We explore real-world project workflows—from scan to CAD to fabrication—using SolidWorks and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Our content is tailored for engineers, fabricators, and project managers seeking accurate CAD data, practical design solutions, and modern digital engineering methods that reduce risk and improve buildability.
SolidWorks Designer required for busy design office servicing clients on the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Illawarra and Sydney
Permanent position $70-75K
Must have:
• 4+ Years SolidWorks Experience with mechanical and or structural design.
• An ability to create manufacture-able designs from an engineer’s design scope.
• Associate Diploma at a minimum.
• An ability to perform in a team environment.
• Experience detailing shop drawing both structural and mechanical.
Experience with the following will be highly regarded
• A trade background in Fitting and Machining or Boilermaker Fabricator.
• Certified SolidWorks Qualifications.
• An ability to resolve design issues.
• Experience in managing projects and or small teams.
• Materials handling experience
Why Australian Engineers & SolidWorks Capability Are in Demand Globally
Structural steel detailing has always been a critical component of engineering projects. It sits at the point where design becomes reality, translating structural intent into fabrication-ready information.
While this is true worldwide, there is a growing trend across the Middle East and other international markets:
👉 A strong preference for Australian engineers, draftspersons, and fabricators
This is not accidental. It reflects a combination of engineering culture, standards, and capability—particularly when combined with modern tools like SolidWorks.
What Mining Companies, Engineers & Fabricators Are Looking For Today
The mining industry has always demanded precision, reliability, and performance. Whether operating in coal, base metals, or bulk handling facilities, the margin for error is minimal—especially when projects involve shutdown windows, heavy equipment, and high-risk environments.
In today’s mining sector, expectations around design and drafting have shifted significantly. Mining companies, engineers, and fabrication teams are no longer looking for basic drawings.
👉 They are looking for complete, accurate, and accessible engineering data.
And increasingly, that data is expected to be delivered in SolidWorks, supported by certified designers and connected through modern platforms like the 3DEXPERIENCE ecosystem.
Mining projects are fundamentally different from standard construction projects.
They typically involve:
Brownfield modifications
Integration with existing plant
Heavy-duty structural and mechanical systems
Tight shutdown schedules
Because of this, mining clients expect a higher level of engineering support.
1. Accuracy in Real-World Conditions
Mining environments are complex and often poorly documented.
Engineers and site teams need:
Accurate models of existing structures
Confidence that new components will fit
Minimal reliance on assumptions
Errors in mining projects can lead to:
Extended shutdowns
Production losses
Safety risks
As a result, the industry demands engineering-grade modelling, not just drafting.
2. Fabrication-Ready Outputs
Fabricators supporting mining operations require:
Detailed shop drawings
CNC-ready DXF profiles
Clear assembly models
These outputs are used directly in workshops to manufacture:
Conveyor structures
Chutes and transfer points
Platforms and access systems
Mechanical equipment
👉 There is no room for interpretation—drawings must be complete and correct.
3. Fast Turnaround Under Pressure
Mining projects are often tied to:
Shutdown windows
Maintenance schedules
Production targets
This means engineering deliverables must be:
Delivered quickly
Accurate the first time
Ready for immediate use
Delays in design directly impact production.
4. Integration Between Structural & Mechanical Design
Mining systems are rarely isolated.
They involve integration between:
Structural steel
Mechanical equipment
Pipework and services
This is why mining companies are increasingly favouring 3D parametric modelling platforms like SolidWorks, which allow full assembly modelling and coordination.
What Engineers, Clients & Fabricators in Sydney Actually Want Today
There was a time when opening a 3D model on an iPad felt revolutionary.
For many engineers and fabricators in Sydney, eDrawings was one of the first tools that made this possible—taking complex CAD models and turning them into something portable, visual, and easy to share.
At the time, it wasn’t just useful—it was inspirational.
It changed how people thought about:
Reviewing designs
Communicating with clients
Visualising fabrication before it happened
But more importantly, it laid the groundwork for something much bigger.
Why eDrawings Was So Important
eDrawings solved a very real problem:
👉 How do you share engineering data with people who don’t have CAD?
Instead of sending:
Heavy CAD files
Static PDFs
Confusing drawings
You could send a lightweight file that allowed users to:
Rotate models
Zoom into details
Measure geometry
Understand assemblies visually
For engineers and fabricators, this was a major shift.