Mechanical Technician / Fitter - Machinist (2 roles) - Australia Telescope National Facility

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

• Apply your hands-on mechanical trades expertise to work at Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, a nationally recognised, world-class observatory
• Enjoy a promising career opportunity combining advanced science, a coastal lifestyle, with a balanced FIFO Mon-Fri work week and home Friday afternoon
• Excellent relocation support, and a perfect community to bring up young family with the exposure to work for telescopes

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.

About the Australia Telescope National Facility 

With over 200 staff, we operate several radio astronomy observatories and data archives collectively known as the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), the only facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Our technology development program is the cornerstone of the ATNF and is an internationally recognised source of innovative radio astronomy instrumentation. The ATNF has been involved with the international SKA project from its inception, and our ATNF locations, telescopes and engineering expertise are in an excellent position to support and extend the science goals of the SKA telescopes over the next decade. 

The ATNF is part of CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy research unit, and together we aim to enable humanity to understand our Earth and Universe. Visit Australia Telescope National Facility - CSIRO for more information.

Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory

Our observatory on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote Western Australia is home to our ASKAP radio telescope as well as other international radio astronomy projects, including the SKA Observatory's SKA-Low telescope. ASKAP has 36 dish antennas that work together as one telescope and generates data at the rate of 100 trillion bits per second – more data at a faster rate than Australia’s entire internet traffic. Science programs with ASKAP are delivering exciting new results, including mapping jets powered by black holes, discovering a million new galaxies and finding clues to the origin of fast radio bursts. Visit ASKAP radio telescope - CSIRO for more information.

The opportunity 

If you're looking for a role that combines scientific impact with a peaceful regional lifestyle and tired of the challenging hours of mining or shift work, or are simply looking for a tree change, this role has so much to offer.

We’re seeking two highly motivated mechanical technicians (Fitter/ Machinist) to join a small multi-disciplinary engineering team to conduct the routine maintenance and repairs to a range of mechanical systems and have a broad general experience and skills in mechanical maintenance, repairs and assembly. If you have industrial experience and practical skills in planning and conducting the maintenance, repairs, fault finding and diagnosis of mechanical systems, monitor system performance and maintain or are currently building these skills as you grow in your career then do not miss out on this fabulous opportunity to bring your trades expertise to a unique national facility, supporting ground-breaking science in a rural setting with a strong sense of community and a safe place to work.

We have multiple opportunities available across three different locations in Australia (one in WA and two in NSW). We offer generous relocation support for individuals and families, and there are options for part-time too which can be discussed based on the needs of role and individual circumstances. So, if you or someone in your professional network is looking for a tree change, or keen to venture into the space industry, submit your application and talk to us!

Why join us?

Enjoy the benefits of country living in a unique coastal regional location with easy access to Perth—just a 1-hour flight or a scenic 5.5-hour drive. This role offers flexible working hours, generous leave entitlements including four weeks’ annual leave and up to 15 days for personal or family needs, plus short-term accommodation or rental assistance when relocating. You'll benefit from a Mon – Fri schedule and additional perks include salary packaging options, health and well-being initiatives, and comfortable accommodation with catering, gym, and pool access during observatory visits. The region also offers strong employment opportunities for partners and family members in mining, construction, transport, and agriculture.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Work within a small multi-disciplinary team to monitor system performance and maintain the Observatory mechanical systems, to ensure the highest levels of availability required for the National Facility. This involves: 
  • Undertake planned maintenance activities, routine service inspections and defect repairs on a broad range of mechanical systems. 
  • Monitor system performance, diagnose faults and effect repairs in a timely manner to support Observatory operation.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs and relevant engineering drawings and documentation. 
• Maintain stores system, workshop and machine shop in good order. 
• Assist in a range of site activities and interact and co-operate with other technical and non-technical staff to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the observatory. 
• Travel frequently to the site of the ASKAP radio telescope, some 350km northeast of Geraldton. 
• Travel occasionally to other ATNF sites, as required, to assist with installation and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Role particulars

• Location:  Base location Geraldton, WA. (Nhanhangardi, Naaguja, Wilynyu and Amangu Country) with routine deployments from Monday to Friday to Murchison (350km north-east of Geraldton), fly home Friday afternoon
• Salary: AU$76K – AU$113K per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% super across two capability levels. Remote area allowances and close call allowances apply when deploying to the remote site.
• Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full time or part-time (minimum of 0.8 FTE) | 5-day work week with weekly onsite travel
• Reference: 101719

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A relevant Certificate or Diploma in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting/machining, diesel mechanic, boilermaker/welder) with at least 2 years relevant experience.  

• Due to the specific duties and/or conditions associated with this role, it is essential that the preferred applicant can climb steep stairs and ladders and work on structures at a height of up to 25m and at times, work in confined spaces (occasionally) and, 

• Hold a current Class ‘C’ Australian driver’s license (or equivalent).  

• Demonstrated industrial experience and practical skills in the maintenance and repairs of mechanical systems including open gearing; gearboxes; hydraulics; diesel generators; and mechanical plant and equipment. 

• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team, and to carry out tasks autonomously. 

• Demonstrated experience developing safety documentation, such as activity-based risk assessments, and a commitment to safe work practices, environmental sustainability and the principles of equity and diversity.

• Good written and verbal communication skills and a sound level of computer literacy. 
• Willingness to travel to other CSIRO sites for training and professional development or to assist with the repairs, installation or maintenance of equipment. 

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

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

We recognise there are many pathways to developing skills and experience, and we can consider appointing at different levels depending on what you bring. If you have more experience and capability than outlined, the role may be upgraded to a higher level; likewise, if you are still developing in some areas, we may be able to offer the role at a lower level. If you’d like to discuss whether this opportunity could be the right fit, please contact us.

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 and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, and 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.

The CSIRO Space & Astronomy Research unit was also awarded the Gold Pleiades Award, demonstrating the highest level of recognition from the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy chapter: Gold Pleaides awarded to CSIRO Space and Astronomy - Australia Telescope National Facility

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents only. 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 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 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.

Applications close 

30 November 2025, 11:00 pm AEDT

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