Field Engineer - SKA-Low Telescope (Multiple Positions)

Acknowledgement of Country

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The opportunity

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, the SKAO is collaborating with CSIRO to operate and support the construction of the low frequency telescope (SKA-Low) in remote Western Australia on Wajarri Yamaji Country.

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.

The SKA-Low Field Engineer will provide hands-on technical, operational, and maintenance support for both the physical deployment of the telescope stations and the signal chain, which includes low noise receivers, Radio Frequency (RF) systems, optical and digital electronics.

This role requires technical skills in electronic systems, RF systems, and signal processing. The Field Engineer will contribute to the integration and verification of systems, perform troubleshooting, and provide solutions to technical issues on-site and at the Integration and Test Facility (ITF) at the Engineering Operations Centre.

Your duties will include:

• Provide hands-on technical support for the installation, integration, and verification of station portion of the SKA-Low signal chain and associated systems, including RF systems, electronic modules, and control systems.

• Work closely with the Assembly, Integration, and Verification (AIV) team to verify telescope systems at the Integration and Testing Facility (ITF) and on-site. This includes applying systematic testing procedures to ensure compliance with Level 1 requirements.

• Troubleshoot and maintain RF, electronic, and signal processing systems, diagnosing and resolving technical issues to ensure continuous system availability.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for system health checks, asset management, and logging of equipment performance and repairs using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) such as Limble.

Location:     Geraldton, Western Australia

Salary:         AU$96,811 - AU$109,527 plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure:        Indefinite – Full-Time, Part-Time or Job-Share

Reference:  98654

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• A relevant tertiary qualification in electrical, electronic, or Radio Frequency engineering, or equivalent experience.

• Proven experience in Radio Frequency or mixed signal systems, and using test and measurement instruments to troubleshoot electronic modules.

• Ability to systematically identify, diagnose, and resolve technical issues on complex systems, including RF, signal processing, and control systems.

• Experience with the integration, verification, and operational support of signal chain systems, such as low noise amplifiers and digital signal processing.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and develop team members.

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 women who meet the role criteria. CSIRO conscious inclusion practices are intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity/affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).

For Full details about this role, please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens or 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 requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

CSIRO and the SKA Observatory value and respect difference, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. We are open to discussing flexible working opportunities with this role being offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

To apply for this role, please apply on-line providing your CV, and a Cover Letter clearly addressing the essential criteria of this role and your motivation for applying. Under CSIRO policy, only those who are able to demonstrate how they can meet the essential criteria may be appointed

Applications close

5 JANUARY 2025, 11:59pm AWST

CSIRO reserve the right to begin the interview and assessment process at any time during the advertising period.