Mechanical Technician (Fitter)

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

The Opportunity

Space and Astronomy (S&A) manages CSIRO’s world-class facilities for radio astronomy and spacecraft tracking, is internationally renowned for its radio astronomy research and engineering expertise, and closely engaged with construction of the SKA, a major international project in radio astronomy sited jointly in Western Australia and South Africa. 

CSIRO’s radio astronomy observatories are collectively known as the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) and comprise radio telescopes at three observatories near the towns of Parkes, Coonabarabran and Narrabri NSW. A fourth telescope, the next-generation Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), is operated at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) in Western Australia.

We are seeking a full-time Mechanical Technician (Fitter) be part of the ATNF Operations Program to support Observatory Operations at the Paul Wild Observatory, near Narrabri NSW.  The observatory site is located 25 km from the township of Narrabri.  Transport to/from Narrabri and the observatory site is provided.

You will contribute as part of a small multi-disciplinary engineering team to conduct the routine maintenance and repairs to a range of mechanical systems.  

This is an opportunity to combine the advantages of a rural lifestyle with a role that presents unique challenges at a prime science and technology research facility. 

Your duties will include:

• 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.
• Provide assistance to the Cryogenics team with routine maintenance activities.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs and relevant engineering drawings and documentation.
• Maintain a stores system, workshop and machine shop in good order.
• Attend to afterhours breakdowns and work flexible hours as required. 
• Assist in a range of site activities such as Reconfigures and interact and co-operate with other technical and non-technical staff to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the observatory. 
• Occasionally travel to other sites to assist with the installation and maintenance of mechanical systems. 
• Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team, to carry out tasks in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives. 
• Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures and policy, Diversity initiatives and Making Safety Personal goals. 
• Other duties as directed. 

Location: Narrabri, NSW

Salary: AU$89,680k - AU$101,459k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite

Reference: 91816

To be considered you will need:

Pre-Requisites:

• A relevant Certificate or Diploma in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitter) with 5-10 years minimum post trade experience. 
• A current Class ‘C’ Australian driver’s licence (or equivalent). 

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

• Demonstrated industrial experience and practical skills in the maintenance and repairs of mechanical systems including, hydraulics, open gearing, gearboxes, diesel generators, equipment hoists and fuelling systems. 
• Demonstrated experience and aptitude in planning and conducting the maintenance, repairs, fault finding and diagnosis of mechanical systems including interpretation of drawings and schematics.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team in an operational environment while displaying a high level of initiative and self-motivation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and a sound level of computer literacy.
• Ability and willingness to travel to other NSW sites for training and professional development or to assist with the repairs and maintenance of equipment. 
• The ability and willingness to work and access heights up to 30m above the ground. 
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices, environmental sustainability and the principles of equity and diversity. 

Desirable

• Experience with computer aided drafting (CAD). 
• Experience with HVAC, vacuum or cryogenic systems.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

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 requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

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

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

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

17 April 2023, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT