The Opportunity

• Develop new management, engineering, communication processes for the SKA-Low telescope
• Represent the SKA Observatory at national and international meetings and conferences
• Live and work in the idyllic coastal setting of Geraldton – Western Australia’s best kept secret!

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes – SKA-Low in Western Australia and SKA-Mid in South Africa. Under the collaboration agreement with SKAO, CSIRO is offering the position of RFI & EMC Engineer for SKA-Low, which will form a critical link between the SKAO HQ and the SKA-Low telescope project in Western Australia.  

Leading a team of RFI engineers and technicians, and as a member of the SKA-Low Site Management Team, you will address RFI & EMC management and control under guidance from SKAO HQ.  Initially the focus of the position will be on the construction phase, including compliance of equipment and overall compliance of the SKA to its own and the MRO’s RFI/EMC standards, but over time this will transition to the ongoing monitoring, analysis and control during the operations phase.  As part of the wider SKAO RFI group, you will communicate on RFI and EMC related SKA-Low activities, and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to help ensure the long-term quality of the MRO site.

CSIRO's Space and Astronomy BU and the SKAO are committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace culture and implementing initiatives to improve diversity and equity within our workplaces.  Consideration will be given to performing this role on either a full-time or job-share basis. Noting the position is based in Geraldton, Western Australia, CSIRO’s flexible work options may include a blend of working from home and from the office.  Please indicate your preferences in your application.

In this role you will:

• Conduct regular meetings with SKAO HQ RFI Working Group, including presentations and written reporting to SKAO HQ.
• Work closely with the CSIRO RFI Compliance Leader to ensure SKA compliance to the MRO RFI/EMC Standard.
• Oversee the RFI qualification of equipment intended for the SKA-Low. 
• Review the RFI Qualification Test Procedure documents and Qualification Test Results reports.
• Assist in the identification of suitable test facilities and of RFI mitigation measures and solutions. 
• Provide specialist advice on specific RFI & EMC issues as required. 
• RFI Management, Control and Policies and RFI Environment and Monitoring, for SKA-Low telescope site.

Location: Geraldton, Western Australia
Salary:  AU$115k - AU$135k pa (pro-rata for job-share), plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:   Indefinite, full-time or job-share
Reference:  76821

To be considered you will need:

• A degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Experience (at least ~7 years) in a similar or related role, and ~15 years in the RFI/EMC field.
• An understanding of commissioning, testing, compliance and verification processes used within the RFI/EMC field.
• Wide-ranging knowledge of RFI & EMC issues associated with the diverse equipment and systems operating in the frequency range 50 MHz to 1 GHz.
• Substantial expertise in at least one of the following, and significant understanding of the principles of the remainder:

1. EMC/EMI Shielding techniques
2. Electromagnetic propagation modelling as applicable to EMC and RFI
3. Hands on experience with RFI/EMI testing measurement equipment, including data analysis.

• The ability to use computers as planning and analysis tools.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills for dealing with a wide range of people.
• The ability and willingness to undertake regular trips to the MRO site and Perth, plus domestic or international travel on occasion.

For full details about this role please review the Position Details

Eligibility

Applications are open to all candidates.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Clearance or equivalent; or

If the successful candidate is not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, they may be required to undergo additional security clearances.

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. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

About SKAO 

SKAO is coordinating a global effort to deliver the largest science facility on the planet. The SKA Observatory will build next-generation radio telescopes that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.

How to Apply

Please apply online and provide a CV and cover letter outlining your motivations for applying and your suitability for the role, paying particular attention to the requirements outlined in the Position Details.

Applications Close

Sunday 7 November, 2021 (11pm Australian Eastern Daylight-savings Time, AEDT)