Head of Engineering Operations - 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

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.

About the SKA Observatory

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 role

The SKA-Low Head of Engineering Operations will lead a high-performing team of engineers, technicians, and logistics specialists in building, maintaining, and enhancing the SKA-Low telescope. This includes overseeing 512 stations with 131,072 antennas across 72km in remote Western Australia and ensuring peak performance through the entire signal chain to the central processing facility. The SKA-Low Head of Engineering Operations will drive the transition from construction to full operational capability, leading a growing team in Geraldton to ensure the system performs at its best, balancing performance, availability, and sustainability.

To thrive in this role, you will be a compassionate leader who can foster collaboration, inspire confidence, and overcome significant challenges. You will combine strong theoretical and practical engineering expertise with a deep passion for problem-solving, robust planning and people management.

Location:     Geraldton, Western Australia

Salary:         AU$157,833 - AU$174,631 plus 15.4% superannuation | Salary package negotiable for the right candidate

Tenure:        Indefinite – Full-Time

Reference:  99757

Your duties will include:

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead the SKA-Low Engineering Operations group, providing vision and leadership for a team of 50 to 60 engineers, technicians, and logistics specialists. Foster an inclusive, high-performance culture and collaborate widely to grow, inspire and develop a diverse team. Serve as a member of the SKA-Low Management Team in Australia.

• Health and Safety: Lead the implementation of safe systems of work across all engineering operations, ensuring strict adherence to our Health, Safety, and Environment procedures. Encourage a culture of safety, particularly in challenging work environments, by emphasising the importance of planning the work, and working the plan.

• Operational Oversight: Own the SKA-Low Telescope's Standard Operating Procedures for engineering and maintenance, ensuring effective planning and execution of all operational tasks. Monitor performance, provide updates, and report on progress to key stakeholders as necessary.

• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support: Work closely with teams across the Observatory to ensure common approaches to engineering operations and performance. Promote best engineering practices and encourage alignment on processes, tools, and techniques that enhance efficiency and system performance.

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• Relevant Qualifications: A minimum of an undergraduate degree in engineering, science, or a related field.

• Leadership and Line Management Experience: Experience leading engineering operations and maintenance teams in scientific, industrial, military or similar settings. Proven ability to manage recruitment, performance, and development while fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture into daily operations.

• Exceptional Communication and Influencing Skills: Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to present complex engineering issues clearly to diverse audiences. Proven ability to represent the organisation and build trust, influence decisions, and foster collaborative relationships.

• Safety and Risk Management: Demonstrated experience in conducting risk assessments, mitigating hazards, and ensuring the well-being of team members through effective planning, training, and communication strategies tailored to remote work conditions.

• Infrastructure and Lifecycle Management Understanding: Demonstrated expertise in leading complex technical operations, focusing on system performance, infrastructure management, and cutting-edge technologies. Experience in managing the infrastructure lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and continuous improvement.

• Engineering Performance Management Knowledge: Demonstrated success in implementing long-term monitoring systems for engineering performance, data driven improvements, and ensuring efficient engineering and maintenance operations.

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 Indigenous Australian people, women, and people with a disability who meet the role criteria. 

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

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. 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. 

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

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

This advertisement will remain open until filled. 

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