Operations Link Controller - Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

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Date: 29 May 2026

Location: Canberra, ACT, AU

Company: CSIRO

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

  • Develop specialist capability in Deep Space Network (DSN) operations through structured training, mentoring, and hands-on experience working alongside expert Link Controllers.
  • Support mission-critical space operations by contributing to equipment configuration, system monitoring, troubleshooting, and collaboration with engineering teams to achieve tracking objectives.
  • Contribute to DSN automation and operational excellence, applying scripting and technical skills to enhance system performance, while working in a dynamic, shift-based environment.

 

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 and CDSCC for more information.

 

The opportunity 

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) supports ground-based spacecraft telecommunications as part of the international National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Deep Space Network (DSN), under contractual arrangements between NASA and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

 

Join the Operations team at CDSCC in Canberra and begin your journey alongside experienced Link Controllers and team members, learning the ropes of deep space communication. Through hands-on training and mentorship, you’ll work towards internal certification in DSN Operations and contribute directly to NASA’s space exploration missions- tracking spacecraft, supporting science, and helping unlock the secrets of our solar system and beyond.

 

Your high-level duties will include: 

As a trainee Link Controller, you will:

  • Work towards completing the highest level of internal DSN Link Controller training.
  • Learn on the job by supporting day-to-day operations and collaborating with experienced team members.
  • Develop the skills needed to take on increasing responsibility as a certified controller.
  • Contribute to a positive and respectful team culture, aligned with CSIRO and CDSCC values and safety standards.
  • Support operational tasks and grow your technical understanding of DSN systems.

 

Once certified, you will:

  • Configuring and controlling equipment to meet the requirements of the tracking schedule.
  • Directly collaborate with projects to ensure they achieve their mission objectives.
  • Logging and trend analysis activities.
  • Monitoring of safety and operational procedures.
  • Support system testing, including troubleshooting, anomaly identification and formulation of solutions to any identified issues

 

Take part in Technical Site Monitoring (TSM) shifts, including periodic 12-hour night shifts, to oversee site operations and assist security staff—initially alongside an experienced controller until you’re ready to work independently.

 

Role particulars

Location:  Tidbinbilla – Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC), ACT

Salary: AU$86,886 – AU$109,364 per annum plus 32.4% shift penalty, plus 15.4% superannuation and tracking station allowance $139.16/week (also eligible for fleet transport to & from site within a defined Canberra region)

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite on shift roster (full-time on a 9-day fortnightly schedule)

Reference: 103052

 

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

Under CSIRO policy, only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

  • Hold (or be working towards) one or more of the following:
    • Year 12 Certificate
    • Certificate III or higher in Electronic Engineering (or equivalent)
    • Certificate IV or higher in Information Technology (or related discipline)
    • DSN Operations Controller Certification (NASA training provided as part of the role)
  • Proven experience in advanced scripting and programming within a Linux environment, including code development, debugging and automation.
  • Willingness and ability to undertake shift work, including weekends, public holidays, and regular night shifts
  • Capacity to quickly learn and apply technical and computer-based systems knowledge
  • Strong problem-solving, logical thinking, and time management skills
  • Good verbal and written communication abilities
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Well-developed interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and diagnose technical issues
  • Current driver’s licence.

 

Desirable

  • First Aid Certificate.
  • Interest or skills in software development. Some team members support operations automation through scripting and software development, which may lead to additional pay increments.

 

For full details about this role, 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 contact careers.online@csiro.au and 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 that 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 Citizens & Australian Permanent Residents, who can meet the US Export Administration Regulation requirements (eligibility to be determined).

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

 

Child safety 

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

 

How to apply 

Please apply online and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document. 

 

Applications close 

28 June 2026, 11:00 pm AEST

We strongly encourage you to apply early, as we will review applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.