Graduate Research & Engineering Associate (6 Month Contract)

Location
Avondale
Workplace
On-site

About this role

GWA Group is a leading innovator, designer, importer and supplier of sustainable water solutions for bathrooms, kitchens and laundries across residential and commercial spaces. With our iconic brands Caroma and Methven, and operations spanning Australia, New Zealand and the UK, we’re shaping a better, more sustainable future, one solution at a time.

Turn Research into Real-World Innovation

Are you a recent Master's or PhD Engineering graduate looking to apply your research skills in a practical, hands-on environment?

At GWA, we're passionate about creating innovative products and technologies that improve how people interact with water every day. We're seeking curious, technically minded graduates to join our Research & Engineering team in Avondale on a 6-month industry placement.

This is a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and innovation leaders, applying your research expertise to real-world challenges and helping shape the future of products, technologies, and manufacturing capabilities.

Rather than working on a predefined task, you'll have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills, research experience, and fresh thinking to projects with genuine commercial and societal impact.

What you'll be doing

As part of our Research & Engineering team, you may have the opportunity to:

  • Investigate emerging technologies and assess their potential real-world applications

  • Design and conduct experiments to explore new concepts, products, and processes

  • Apply advanced engineering, scientific, analytical, or computational techniques to solve complex challenges

  • Analyse data, interpret results, and generate meaningful insights

  • Collaborate with engineers, designers, product developers, and innovation leaders across the business

  • Support the development of future products, technologies, and capabilities through research and experimentation

  • Identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and commercialisation

Who we're looking for

We're interested in graduates who are naturally curious, enjoy solving difficult problems, and want to see their research translated into tangible outcomes.

We welcome applicants from a broad range of technical disciplines, including:

  • Mechatronics Engineering

  • Electrical or Electronic Engineering

  • Robotics and Automation

  • Computer Engineering

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

  • Data Science and Analytics

  • Advanced Manufacturing

  • Materials Engineering

  • Product Design Engineering

  • Human-Centred Design

  • Environmental or Sustainability Engineering

  • Other related STEM disciplines

You may also bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Research design and scientific investigation

  • Experimental testing and validation

  • Prototyping and product development

  • Data analysis and modelling

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications

  • Sensors, electronics, embedded systems, or automation

  • CAD, simulation, or digital engineering tools

  • Academic research and technical problem solving

Most importantly, you're enthusiastic about learning, exploring new ideas, and working collaboratively to create meaningful impact.

What's in it for you?

This is more than just a placement. It's an opportunity to apply your advanced research skills within a leading Australasian organisation while gaining exposure to real-world innovation and product development.

You'll benefit from:

  • The opportunity to apply your research in a commercial R&D environment

  • Exposure to emerging technologies and future-focused innovation projects

  • Hands-on experience solving real business and engineering challenges

  • Mentorship from experienced engineers and technical specialists

  • A collaborative and supportive team culture

  • The opportunity to see your ideas contribute to products and technologies used by thousands of people every day

About GWA

GWA is one of Australasia's leading providers of bathroom and kitchen solutions, with a portfolio of trusted brands and a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer experience. Our Research & Engineering team plays a key role in exploring new technologies and developing the next generation of products that improve everyday water experiences.

Apply Now

We'd love to hear from you if you've recently completed your Master's or PhD, are excited about turning research into reality, and creating solutions that make a genuine impact.

Bring your curiosity, creativity and hands-on mindset and help us shape the future of manufacturing.

Ready to apply? Great! Just click the apply button to build your career with us! Please note: You must be a citizen, permanent resident or hold all the relevant employment visas and other approvals for the location and duration of this position to apply for this role. Please note that we are not accepting applications from agencies for this position.

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Top Benefits

  • Hands-on experience
  • Mentorship
  • Professional development