Engineering Operations | Multiple Positions | Expression of Interest - SKA-Low Telescope

Acknowledgement of Country  

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation .    

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. Enabled by cutting-edge technology, it promises to have a major impact on society, in science and beyond. 

In Australia, SKAO is collaborating with CSIRO to operate and support the construction of the SKA-Low Telescope.  

Constructing and operating these telescopes will position the SKAO as the leading research infrastructure for radio astronomy globally, providing science capabilities to the international astronomical community for decades to come.  

The Traditional Owners and native title holders, the Wajarri Yamaji, have gifted CSIRO with the traditional name Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara for the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, home to the SKA-Low telescope. The traditional name means ‘sharing sky and stars’ in the Wajarri language.  

As an employee of CSIRO, you will be eligible for the many benefits of working at Australia’s National Science Agency. You can read more here:

The Construction phase for the SKA-Low Telescope has now begun, with our Australian team’s activity increasing at a rapid rate. Due to this, we are now looking to attract world-class talent with a diverse range of skills, experiences, and education, who can join the team and assist in constructing the world’s largest radio telescope in Western Australia.  

We have a range of exciting opportunities available within our Engineering Operations team, from entry level positions through to experienced professionals and experts in their fields. We are seeking people who are passionate about what they do and why they do it, who will be great assets to the SKA-Low team.  

SKA-Low teams will operate out of: 

• Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory on Wajarri Yamaji Country. 

• Our Engineering Operations Centre on Nhanhangardi, Naaguja, Wilynyu and Amangu Country in Geraldton.  

• Our Science Operations Centre on Whadjuk Noongar Country in Perth. 

The SKA-Low Field team will be involved predominantly with the construction and maintenance of the SKA-Low Telescope: roles within this team will be based at the Engineering Operations Centre with the majority of time spent at the Observatory on a FIFO schedule.  

Join CSIRO/SKAO on an exciting journey as we embark on the construction of the SKA-Low Telescope, soon to be the world's largest low-frequency radio telescope. We're seeking a diverse group of passionate individuals to form the backbone of our Engineering Operations team. This team will not only build this revolutionary telescope but also ensure its smooth operation. 

From constructing the telescope to performing essential maintenance, troubleshooting faults, implementing upgrades, and overseeing our facilities and vehicles, our Engineering Operations team is crucial to our success. Here's a snapshot of the opportunities we're offering: 

Entry-level Field Technician: This entry-level, excellent training role offers a unique opportunity to help build the telescope from the ground up. No prior experience is needed. We value your ability to use tools, your problem-solving mindset, and your interest in electronics, telecommunications, or engineering. This could be the perfect start to your career in this field or career change, and we'll provide the training to equip you for success. 

Field Technician: For those with experience in electrical or mechanical engineering, or telecommunications this role offers a chance to apply your skills to a project of astronomical proportions. You'll need proficiency with tools, problem-solving skills, and a keen interest in troubleshooting and maintaining technical systems. 

Field Team Supervisor: As a seasoned professional with extensive experience and qualifications, you'll play a supervisory or senior role. You'll guide the construction and subsequent maintenance of the telescope, provide leadership and mentorship to less experienced team members, and help troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. 

Regardless of the level, there are some fundamental requirements for all team members: 

• Ability to work outdoors in remote, extreme environments. 

• Willingness to traverse uneven terrain for extended distances. 

• Adaptability to a FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) roster. 

• Physical capability to repetitively lift and carry objects up to 10kgs. 

• Ability to use UHF and VHF handheld radios. 

• Excited to be part of the world mega science project! 

• Hold a valid driver's license (preferred)  

If you're excited to be a part of Australia's first mega-science project, we invite you to apply. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and with all types of experience. Join our SKA-Low Field team and be part of this adventure.

CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to equitable employment outcomes for under-represented groups, preference will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and/or women and/or people with a disability who meet the role criteria.  

To be eligible to work in CSIRO you must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident, or hold valid working rights throughout the duration of the tenure. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. 

If you are interested in opportunities within the SKA-Low Engineering Operations team and meet the above candidate requirements, please apply to register your interest. If you prefer to have an informal chat before putting your EOI (Expression of Interest), you can contact the SKA-Low Talent Acquisition Specialist, Mark Rice, on mark.rice@csiro.au  with your best times to discuss your EOI.    

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates, are also welcomed to contact our CSIRO Indigenous Talent team at IndigenousCareers@csiro.au  for more information. 

Hiring Managers, Hiring Panel Members and Talent Acquisition are partnering together to review your expression of interests. We are excited to hear from you and will be in touch with you over the coming weeks where there is a potential match to an opportunity that may be your future role.  

This advertisement will remain open, and we reserve the right to withdraw this ad once we have successfully filled all vacant positions. 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy . 

Whilst this EOI is specific to the collaboration between CSIRO and SKAO, SKAO is regularly recruiting for the project with many different roles being advertised as part of the wider observatory. To stay up to date with these activities, please head to the SKAO Careers and Opportunities  page to stay informed. 

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