James Ross

Team Member

James Ross

Senior Engineer, Design for production, Technology implementation
Career Summary

James Ross is a Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years of experience across Defence, shipbuilding, and industrial engineering environments. He is experienced in design and production engineering, ensuring solutions are practical, efficient, and aligned with manufacturing and operational requirements.

James has led engineering delivery across complex projects, ensuring cross- functional coordination and acting as the primary interface between engineering, production, supply chain, and clients. His experience spans experimental prototyping, system design, compliance management, tender development, 3D modelling, and engineering management. Throughout this work, he maintains a strong focus on delivering designs that meet performance, compliance, and production requirements.

He brings strong capability in implementing engineering technologies and digital tools, including CAD systems, to improve design accuracy and workflow efficiency. Known for his structured approach and collaborative style, James supports clients in translating engineering concepts into deliverable, production-ready outcomes.

Core Capabilities
  • Engineering Leadership, Mentoring, and Design Authority – has led several cross-functional engineering teams for ship and vehicle design programs, with up to 8 direct reports. Demonstrated ability to mentor, lead, and grow engineering capability.
  • Technology Implementation – Comprehensive experience in engineering problem solving and broad exposure to a variety of engineering tools and technology (CAD, MBSE, RP&M) provides a uniquely diverse quiver of tools to draw upon to ensure best-fit for specific applications.
  • Design for Production – through hands-on experience in fabrication, a career in engineer-to-manufacture industries, and an ability to design in a digital-twin environment which can simulate manufacturing process, James is able to shortcut the process of design refinement for producibility.
  • Safety-in-Design – Highly invested in Safety-in-Design outcomes, management and traceability of Hazard mitigation strategies, and reporting as required under WHS Act 2001 and MIL-STD-882.
Qualifications
  • SolidWorks Official Certification Program (CSWP, CSWPA- WD/SM/SU, CSWS-D)
  • White Card
  • Confined Space Competency
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – TAFE NSW
Education
  • BE Mechanical Engineering UTS 2013
  • Diploma in Engineering Practice UTS 2013
Employment History
Senior Consultant Drakkar Consulting 2026 – present Ship Design Manager Birdon Pty Ltd 2019–2026 Design Engineer AE Gibson 2017-2018 Design Engineer Hydreco Hydraulics 2016-2017 Solidworks Application Engineer CADspace Pty Ltd 2015-2016 Design Engineer Sabre Autonomous Solutions 2013-2015
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