Electronics Technician - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

Space and Astronomy (S&A) manages CSIRO’s world-class facilities for radio astronomy and spacecraft tracking. We are internationally renowned for our radio astronomy research and engineering expertise and closely engaged with the construction of the SKA, a €2 billion international project in radio astronomy sited jointly in Western Australia and South Africa. 

• Use your skills and experiences as an Electronics Technician to support something truly special.  
• Supportive, rewarding, inclusive, and truly flexible environment. 
• Join CSIRO and support Australia's premier scientific organisation! 

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Electronics Technician be part of the team supporting operations at the Paul Wild Observatory, one of CSIRO’s world-class radio astronomy facilities. The observatory site is located 25 km from the township of Narrabri, NSW. Transport to/from Narrabri and the observatory site is provided.

You will work under broad supervision and guidance to provide technical support for complex digital, analogue, and radio frequency systems including low-noise receivers, digital signal processing, control and monitoring, and timing systems. The role includes participating in planning for critical systems maintenance activities, fault finding, and testing, and participating in the planning and deployment of new state-of-the-art instrumentation including a major new observatory upgrade called BIGCAT. 

Your duties will include:

• Work within a multi-disciplinary team to monitor system performance and maintain the Observatory electronics systems, to ensure the highest levels of availability required for the National Facility.
• Apply your knowledge and experience, working under limited direction, to undertake fault diagnosis and corrective maintenance on a diverse range of specialised analogue and digital electronic equipment, sharing your knowledge and skills with other staff. 
• Undertake repairs to electronic equipment and modules down to component level.
• Proactively identify potential spares issues or failure modes and work with external suppliers or staff at other ATNF sites to determine suitable replacement parts or alternative solutions. 
• Actively participate in planning and design of new instrumentation projects for the Observatory, working closely with colleagues at other ATNF sites and within CSIRO.  
• Travel occasionally to other ATNF sites, as required, to assist with installation and maintenance of electronics systems and to participate in project planning.  
• Participate in the Observatory on-call roster to attend to after-hours breakdowns, and work flexible hours as required.

Location: Narrabri, NSW
Salary: AUD$87,068 to AUD$98,504 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite
Reference: 88321

To be considered you will need:

Essential:

• A relevant Electronics Certificate, Associate Diploma or equivalent in Electrical/Electronic/RF Engineering with at least 3 years relevant experience. 
• Demonstrated experience in diagnosing complex electronics systems and aptitude for advancing system knowledge.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team, and to carry out tasks autonomously.
• Demonstrated experience with soldering, rework of PCBs and electronic modules as well as mechanical assembly
• Willingness to travel to other CSIRO sites for training and professional development or to assist with the repairs, installation or 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.
• A current Class ‘C’ Australian driver’s licence (or equivalent).  

Desirable:

• An understanding of RF systems and a mechanical aptitude.
• Experience with computer aided drafting (CAD). 
• Experience with data cabling including working with optic fibre installation and splicing. 

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

To enter a CSIRO site, CSIRO will require you to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or show a valid medical exemption from vaccination). If you are unable to meet this requirement, then you must return a negative result on a Rapid Antigen Test (within 48 hours prior to attending site) and wear a face mask whilst on the CSIRO site. These requirements apply if you are attending a CSIRO site as part of a recruitment process.

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!

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

9th October 2022, 11:00pm AEST