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 Paul Wild Observatory, a nationally recognised world-class observatory
• Enjoy a promising career opportunity combining advanced science, a countryside lifestyle with a balanced Mon-Fri work week
• Excellent relocation support, remote location allowance and experience 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.

About Paul Wild Observatory

Located on Gomeroi Country, just outside Narrabri in north-west New South Wales, is our Paul Wild Observatory, the site of our Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), an array of six 22-metre dish antennas. Five of ATCA's six dishes sit on a three-kilometre railway track, right in front of the visitors' centre. ATCA is the world's fastest gigahertz-band telescope for responding to transient events, which has led it to be instrumental in research on gamma ray bursts and neutron star mergers – shown to generate detectable gravitational waves. ATCA consistently ranks among the top three radio telescopes worldwide for both scientific output and impact.Visit Australia Telescope Compact Array – 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/ Mechanist) to join a small multi-disciplinary engineering team to conduct the routine maintenance and repairs to a range of mechanical systems, including cryogenically cooled support systems. If you have industrial experience and practical skills in planning and conducting the maintenance, repairs, fault finding and diagnosis of mechanical systems, including hydraulics, open gearing, gearboxes, diesel generators, equipment hoists and fuelling systems, including interpretation of drawings and schematics, 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.

We have multiple opportunities available across three different locations in Australia (two 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?

We offer a unique blend of scientific prestige, regional lifestyle and a supportive workplace within a tight-knit community with access to local amenities and all the offerings of the best of country living: minimal traffic, fresh air, and affordable real estate. Enjoy flexible hours on a Mon – Fri schedule without the challenge of long shift 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. Benefit from salary packaging options and health and well-being initiatives, and remote location allowance.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Carry out planned maintenance, inspections, and defect repairs across various mechanical systems to ensure operational reliability.
• Show willingness to learn and assist with cryogenic maintenance tasks as part of broader technical responsibilities.
• Keep accurate maintenance logs, engineering drawings, and ensure the stores, workshop, and machine shop are well-organized. 
• Participate in tasks like telescope array reconfiguration and collaborate with staff to support safe and efficient observatory function. 
• Be available for after-hours breakdowns and occasional travel to other sites for mechanical system support.

Role particulars

• Location:  Narrabri, New South Wales (Gomeroi Narrabri Country)
• Salary: AU$100K – AU$113K per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% super and $1868 annual site allowance
• Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full time or part-time (minimum of 0.6 FTE) | 5-day work week typically between 8am to 4pm (Mon – Fri), onsite
• Reference: 101687 & 101688

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• Certificate III or Diploma in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitter/Machinist) with relevant post trade experience.
• Due to the specific duties and conditions associated with this role, it is essential that the preferred applicant climb steep stairs and ladders and work on structures at heights of up to 30m and, at times, work in confined spaces.
• Current Class ‘C’ Australian driver’s licence (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated industrial experience and practical skills in planning and conducting the maintenance, repairs, fault finding and diagnosis of mechanical systems, including hydraulics, open gearing, gearboxes, diesel generators, equipment hoists and fuelling 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.
• 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.

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.