Chief Engineer, 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

The opportunity

• Work for Australia’s National Science Agency
• Contribute to the global effort to understand our Universe
• Lead a portfolio of instrumentation development projects for national radio astronomy facilities

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we deliver transformative, positive impacts through science and technology. Named the most trusted government service in 2022 by Roy Morgan’s Trusted Brand Awards, we collaborate with universities, government, industry and innovative communities across the country and internationally. With over 6,000 staff, we contribute to Australia’s national prosperity, environmental sustainability and social wellbeing. 

About the Australia Telescope National Facility 

With over 350 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.  

The role

Reporting to the ATNF Program Director, the Chief Engineer will oversee a portfolio of instrumentation projects from design through to delivery. You will define and implement the standards in project management, engineering design and configuration control, and work with the people leaders in the day-to-day management of telescope operations, projects and resource allocation. 

As a leader of health, safety & environment and champion of diversity and inclusion, you will promote a vibrant and supportive workplace, ensuring safety and sustainability are prioritised, alongside modelling professional behaviour and proactively managing staff matters.

This is your opportunity to lead in a world-class radio astronomy facility, where the associated technology and instrumentation is amongst the best globally. 

Note, we are also recruiting the Program Director that this role reports to as well as the wider ATNF leadership team, so please ensure you share with your relevant networks. 

• Head of Science 
• Head of Operations
• Head of Software & Scientific Computing
• Head of Instrumentation
• Chief Technologist
• Chief Scientist

Location: Sydney (Marsfield), NSW

Salary: Attractive salary package plus 15.4% superannuation, negotiable for the right candidate

Tenure: Specified term of five years with the possibility of an underlying indefinite research appointment. Full-time.

Reference: 97640

About you

We are seeking a strategic, innovative and collaborative leader who has:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant engineering discipline with eligibility for chartership of relevant professional body.
• Experience in leading a high-performance culture in a research environment/organisation, including the integration of Health, Safety & Environment and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion into normal business processes. 
• Evidence of strong engagement skills and relationship management that grows new science opportunities that supports public good and commercial outcomes.  
• Demonstrated ability to lead individual and groups of projects of scale and/or complexity and manage financial and project performance. 
• A demonstrated record of adherence to professional ethics and conduct, including professional and respectful workplace behaviour. 
• A willingness and ability to travel interstate as required.  

For a detailed overview of the role and responsibilities, please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications are open to all candidates who meet the requirements of the role. (VISA sponsorship will be provided to the successful candidate as required). 

Note: the successful candidate will be required to undertake a National Police Clearance or equivalent and there may be other security/medical/character clearance requirements. 

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Find out more about our approach to work-life balance.

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. 

We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

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 on-line with a curriculum vitae and cover letter or summary (no longer than 1,000 words) outlining the motivation for applying and a high-level summary response to the selection criteria described in the position description.

Applications close

Wednesday 18 September 2024, at 11.59pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

We encourage early applications as late applications will not be accepted.