Experimental Engineer / Technician

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. 

Role highlights

• Operate and maintain cutting-edge pilot-scale energy research facilities
• Support technologies advancing industrial decarbonisation and sustainable fuels
• Join a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and technical specialists

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity 

CSIRO's Energy Research Unit is seeking an Experimental Engineer / Technician to support the development and operation of advanced research facilities focused on future fuels, waste-to-energy technologies and industrial decarbonisation.

Working within the Future Fuels and Industry Decarbonisation Group, you will play a hands-on role operating experimental facilities, constructing and maintaining research equipment, coordinating contractors, and supporting the delivery of nationally significant energy research projects. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong technical and practical skills who enjoys working with pilot-scale equipment, industrial processes, gases, chemicals and laboratory systems.

You will work alongside experienced scientists, engineers and technical specialists to contribute to research aimed at reducing emissions across industries such as steel, alumina and cement production, while helping develop sustainable fuel technologies and value-added products from biomass and waste streams.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Coordinate day-to-day operation of a pilot-scale gasification research facility
• Support the construction, commissioning and maintenance of experimental systems and infrastructure
• Operate and maintain gasification, pyrolysis and other high-temperature research equipment
• Coordinate contractors and service providers to support facility operations
• Assist with laboratory operations, instrumentation, sample preparation and equipment maintenance
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of experimental research activities
• Maintain HSE documentation, procedures and compliance records
• Promote safe work practices and high standards of housekeeping across research facilities
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to deliver project outcomes

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Brisbane, QLD  

Salary: AU$100k – AU$113k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule:  Indefinite, full time.

Reference: 103652

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• A relevant degree in Science or Engineering (or equivalent experience), or a trade-based qualification with at least three to five years’ relevant industry experience
• Practical experience working with gases, chemicals and/or industrial process environments
• Demonstrated hands-on mechanical, technical or laboratory experience
• Experience using laboratory instrumentation and analytical equipment
• Knowledge of hand and power tools and their safe use
• Experience working within health, safety and environmental frameworks, procedures and reporting requirements
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office applications and data management tools
• Ability to work independently, follow procedures and solve problems safely and effectively
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A current Australian Driver's Licence

Desirable

• At least three to five years of demonstrated, practical, hands-on experience in the assembly, commissioning and maintenance of high pressure, high temperature, chemical or gas processes at a pilot / demonstration scale – particularly processes with hazardous or flammable gases and chemicals (e.g. hydrogen, syngas).
• Experience with the design, control and/or operation of such systems.
• Experience in constructing, operating, and maintaining laboratory instruments (e.g. furnaces, gas analysis systems, etc) and relevant software applications (e.g., LabVIEW). Experience with contractor management and supervision, HSE management systems, permits to work.
• Training and/or certification in forklift operation, crane/dogging operations, elevated work platforms, tube bending and fitting, and welding.
• Demonstrated versatility and willingness to develop skills in new technical areas.

 
For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description. 

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please let us know how we can support you.  

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian / New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character clearance requirements.

Child safety 

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. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

Sunday 23 August 2026, 11:59pm AEST