Job description:

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

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.

The opportunity

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. Enabled by cutting-edge technology, it promises to have a major impact on society, in science and beyond.

In Australia, the SKAO is collaborating with CSIRO to operate and support the construction of the low frequency telescope (SKA-Low) in remote Western Australia on Wajarri Yamaji Country.

The Traditional Owners and native title holders, the Wajarri Yamaji, have gifted CSIRO with the traditional name Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara for the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, home to the SKA-Low telescope. The traditional name means ‘sharing sky and stars' in the Wajarri language.

SKA-Low will be the world's largest low frequency radio telescope, made up of 512 stations. Each SKA-Low station consists of 256 antennas, power distribution and signal processing subsystems, located at the telescope site. The SKA-Low Station Configuration Specialist will be responsible for configuration management activities during the station construction phase.

Your duties will include:

Responsible for maintaining the correct as-installed and as-maintained configuration for SKA-Low stations using the available SKAO configuration and maintenance platforms and communicating this to other parts of the Observatory.

Administer the SKA-Low Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) giving users the necessary support and training when required, in close coordination with the Engineering Performance Group in UK.

Compile and audit the "As-Built" Product Breakdown Structure for SKA-Low Station products.

Act as a skilled technical/engineering resource, helping to meet budget, timeframe, and quality objectives for SKA-Low Station.

Location: Geraldton or Perth, Western Australia (Geraldton is preferred)

Salary: AU$96,811 - AU$109,527 plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified Term - Full-Time, Part-Time or Job-Share

Reference: 99627

To be considered you will need:

Essential

A degree in a technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience demonstrating a strong understanding of electronic, computing, network, or similar technical systems.

Experience and foundational knowledge of configuration management principles and asset management, with a strong interest in developing expertise in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and asset registers. Ability to learn and apply "As-Built" and "As-Maintained" processes in a large-scale, technical environment.

Proven ability to build relationships and act as the first point of contact for stakeholders, providing helpful consultative advice. Demonstrated teamwork skills with a focus on clear communication, collaboration, and delivering results in team-based settings.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information in a clear, concise manner for non-specialist audiences, and the ability to work collaboratively within teams and effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Strong organisational skills with demonstrated experience in managing multiple tasks, prioritising workloads, and meeting deadlines.

Proficiency in office suite software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and database management, with the ability to effectively use these tools to support administrative and reporting tasks.

CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to equitable employment outcomes for under-represented groups, preference will be given to Indigenous Australian people and women who meet the role criteria.

For Full details about this role, please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

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

CSIRO and the SKA Observatory value and respect difference, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. We are open to discussing flexible working opportunities with this role being offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.

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.

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

To apply for this role, please apply on-line providing your CV, and a Cover Letter clearly addressing the essential criteria of this role and your motivation for applying. Under CSIRO policy, only those who are able to demonstrate how they can meet the essential criteria may be appointed

Applications close

18 MAY 2025, 11:59pm AWST