ANIMATION IMAGINEER

Fixed term contract | July 2026 to mid January 2027 | Option to extend

Stage One is now proudly part of the Dashing Group, one of Australia’s leading creative production and brand activation businesses. Together, we deliver high impact retail, experiential and visual merchandising projects for some of Australia’s most recognised brands, combining craftsmanship, innovation and premium execution.

We're looking for an Animation Imagineer to join our specialist Imagineering team for the 2026 Myer Melbourne Christmas Windows season.

This is a rare opportunity to combine engineering, fabrication and creative problem solving to help bring animated characters, scenery and immersive storytelling elements to life. Working within our dedicated technical production team, you'll be responsible for developing, building, integrating and maintaining the animatronic mechanisms and mechanical systems that sit behind some of Australia's most iconic seasonal displays.

You'll work closely with our Creative and Technical teams, supporting both workshop production and onsite installations in a highly collaborative environment. This role will also provide day-to-day support and leadership to seasonal technicians during peak production periods.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Building and assembling animatronic mechanisms, mechanical linkages and animated systems
• Fabricating steel components, support structures and mechanical assemblies
• Working with motors, pneumatics, bearings, gears, cams and motion transfer systems
• Supporting the integration of animated systems within scenic and sculptural elements
• Diagnosing and rectifying mechanical and animatronic faults
• Testing and refining mechanisms to ensure reliability and longevity
• Supporting onsite installation, commissioning and decommissioning of animated displays
• Assisting with the maintenance and repair of Christmas Window animation systems throughout the season
• Supervising and supporting seasonal technicians during peak production periods
• Maintaining a safe, organised and efficient workshop environment

ABOUT YOU

• Trade qualified Fitter & Turner, Engineering Tradesperson or equivalent experience
• Strong workshop fabrication and machining skills
• Experience with welding, metalwork and mechanical assembly
• Comfortable reading technical drawings and working from verbal briefs
• Strong problem solving and fault-finding capability
• Ability to balance engineering precision with creative outcomes
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
• Reliable, proactive and solutions focused
• Permanent Australian working rights required

BONUS SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

While not essential, experience in any of the below would be highly regarded:

•  MIG or TIG welding
•  CNC machinery
• Low voltage electrical systems
• Pneumatic systems
• DMX or animatronic control systems
• Elevated work platform or forklift licences
• Theatre, exhibition, retail display or animatronics industries

WHY JOIN STAGE ONE + DASHING?

• Be part of the iconic Myer Melbourne Christmas Windows build team
• Work on one of Melbourne's most recognised seasonal creative projects
• Apply engineering skills in a unique creative environment
• Join a passionate and highly skilled production team
• Work across retail, scenic and experiential projects
• Be part of a growing business backed by the broader Dashing Group

APPLY NOW

If you're a hands-on engineer, technician or mechanical specialist looking for a unique opportunity to bring creative ideas to life, we'd love to hear from you.

Want to see the kind of work we create? Follow us on Instagram: @stage_one_australia

We appreciate the time you've taken to apply. Due to the volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the process.