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

The opportunity

• ​Solve challenging technical problems in this unique seagoing role
• Support iconic infrastructure - the RV Investigator, Australia's only dedicated blue-water research facility
• Generous sea allowance and flexible working arrangements offered

We are seeking an enthusiastic engineer or technician to join CSIRO's Seagoing Instrumentation Team and become involved in the impactful work of our Marine National Facility's blue-water research vessel - RV Investigator. A passion for working at sea with a diverse team conducting marine and atmospheric science are characteristics of the successful candidate. In this role, you will apply your electronic, software, mechanical, and operational decision-making skills to enable scientific research on voyages in environments from the Antarctic to the tropics.

A requirement of the role is to provide up to 85 days per year of seagoing support on voyages that are typically 3 to 8 weeks in duration.

Between voyages, you will be involved in:

• servicing, repairing, calibrating and maintaining scientific research equipment in preparation for deployment on voyages;
• develop new instrumentation, control systems and operational technology; and
• provide technical advice to stakeholders.

The position will be based in the CSIRO Marine Laboratories in Hobart. On-the-job training and mentoring will be provided in CSIRO-specific systems and for the seagoing aspect of the role.

Your duties will include:

• Participating in research voyages on the RV Investigator.
• Operating scientific equipment.
• Performing maintenance and repair of instrumentation.
• Reporting on equipment performance.
• Contributing to the smooth running of electronics and instrumentation support on the vessel.
• Preparing documentation, parts inventory
• Servicing of equipment and tools.
• Preparation and dispatch of equipment to and from the vessel and remote ports.
• Proactively identifying and taking ownership of opportunities for improvements in systems and procedures.
• Analysing underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems, developing solutions and managing them through to delivery.
• Liaising with clients to determine their needs and taking personal responsibility for their satisfaction.
• Communicating openly, effectively, and respectfully with all staff, clients, ship's crew and suppliers in the interests of good business practice.

Location: Hobart, TAS

Salary: AU$73k - AU$93k plus up to 15.4% superannuation and additional working at sea allowances (30k + per year) and time off in lieu

Tenure: Indefinite

Reference: 96282

To be considered you will need:

Essential

A tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Engineering and/or equivalent relevant experience.

Ability to fault-find and problem-solve routine or unusual faults in scientific instrumentation and electronic systems.

Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to undertake assembly, repairs and maintenance using hand tools and/or machinery.

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills, including demonstrated ability to clearly document software and to produce manuals and/or reports.

Willingness to comply with organisational expectations including procedures around travel, reporting, OH&S, marine pollution, and so on.

Desirable

• Experience working in remote and/or harsh environments.
• Expertise in software development, data analysis, IT, and networking.
• Relevant workplace training and seagoing experience - WSAH, forklift, ESS/BOSIET/STCW.

For full details about this role please review the For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

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

Appointment to this role will be conditional on the candidate passing a stringent Remote Area Seagoing Medical, and the ability to obtain a Maritime Security Identification Card.

The appointee will be prepared to be based at sea on a research vessel for 12h shifts, 7 days per week, for up to 85 days per year, with minimal supervision after adequate training.

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.

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

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

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 and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

28th September 2025, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT

Shortlisting for this role may take place as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once a suitable candidate has been appointed. Please consider applying as soon as possible.

We offer:

103,000 - 123,000 plus up to 15.4% super (inclusive of approximately 30k seagoing allowance per year - higher for additional time at sea)

Additional leave benefits