Acknowledgement of Country

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Role highlights

• Apply your systems engineering expertise in a unique environment
• Great opportunity to support a world-leading telescope project
• Join a dynamic team delivering cutting-edge technology in WA!

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.

The opportunity

The SKA-Low project is part of the SKA Observatory’s global effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope. In Australia, SKA-Low is being developed on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote Western Australia, bringing together advanced radio frequency, optical and digital technologies to enable next-generation scientific discovery. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation scientific program of global significance.

The Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV) team plays a critical role during the construction phase of the telescope, integrating complex systems into the SKA-Low Signal Chain and verifying performance against system-level requirements. Working across purpose-built facilities and remote observatory locations, the team collaborates closely with engineering, operations and supplier partners to ensure systems are delivered, tested and commissioned to specification.

As a Verification Systems Engineer, you will play a hands-on role in delivering this capability. You will support installation, integration, testing, commissioning and fault diagnosis of complex electronic systems, primarily within the Integration and Test Facility (ITF) in Geraldton, while also contributing to on-site verification and operational activities across the broader SKA-Low Signal Chain. You will work on real systems in real-world conditions, tackling complex technical challenges and supporting the successful deployment of a globally significant scientific instrument.

Based in Geraldton, this role offers the opportunity to combine meaningful, high-impact work with a relaxed small city lifestyle. You will be part of a close-knit team environment, while also contributing to an international collaboration spanning Australia, the UK and South Africa.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical capability, a practical and proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work effectively in both team and independent settings. Experience working with complex electronic or RF systems, along with adaptability and a willingness to work across both facility-based and remote environments, will be key to success in this role.

If you’re passionate about applying your systems engineering expertise to real-world challenges, this is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in the delivery of a globally significant scientific project, and we would love to hear from you!

Your high-level duties will include:

• Providing technical, operational and maintenance support for the installation of the Low Telescope Signal Chain and enabling systems and facilities, both at the ITF and on site.
• Supporting troubleshooting for a broad range of RF, electronic and system level modules, and complying with existing SKA procedures relevant to conducting electrical, instrument and control systems defect, asset management, maintenance, repair, and calibration activities.
• Supporting the Integration and Verification of the Low Telescope Systems at the ITF and on site according to the existing AIV team workflows including running formal Test Cases.
• Supporting the identification and procurement of electronic test equipment, components, and spares for the ITF and for AIV activities on site.
• Contributing to the development, validation, implementation and dissemination of standard operating procedures for aspects such as automatic/remote testing, system health checks, asset management and logging of the System Under Test.
• Contributing to and maintaining records for statutory maintenance requirements, such as built configuration, facility drawings, equipment repair, Operating and Maintenance manuals, Troubleshooting and User Guides.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Geraldton, Western Australia

Salary: AU$100K – AU$113K per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Specified Term until 30 June 2029; Full-time (preferred) – part-time (min. 0.8 FTE) work arrangements may be considered based on needs of the role and individual circumstances.

Reference: 103390

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A degree and practical experience in a relevant field such as Electronic/RF Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in systematic identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems on complex electronic systems and using test instrumentation.
• Familiarity with the fundamentals of RF systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, with a flexible approach, positive attitude, and ability to operate in uncertain environments, including remote locations.
• Demonstrated competence in accurately interpreting system drawings and schematics, engineering drawings, and third-party operating and maintenance manuals, with an aptitude for developing and enhancing system knowledge.
• Demonstrated 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?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

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 the Talent Acquisition Partner via email (see details in the Position Description) and let us know how we can support you.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must be either an:

• Australian or New Zealand Citizen;
• Australian Permanent Resident; or
• Australian Temporary Resident, currently residing in Australia, with an existing valid visa and unrestricted work rights for the full duration of the term (at least until July 2029) and no requirement for visa sponsorship from CSIRO.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must be able and willing to work flexible hours when required, as well as travel locally, nationally, and occasionally internationally, as required. They must also hold a valid Australian drivers’ licence.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

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

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, responding to each of the selection criteria in detail, that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document.

Applications close

12 July 2026, 11:00pm AEST