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

Role highlights

• Apply your hands-on industrial electrical trades expertise to work at Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, a nationally recognised, world-class observatory
• Enjoy a promising career opportunity combining advanced science, a coastal lifestyle, with a balanced Mon-Fri work week
• Excellent relocation support, and perfect community to bring up young family with the exposure to work for telescopes

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.

About the Australia Telescope National Facility

With over 200 staff, we operate several radio astronomy observatories and data archives collectively known as the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), the only facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Our technology development program is the cornerstone of the ATNF and is an internationally recognised source of innovative radio astronomy instrumentation. The ATNF has been involved with the international SKA project from its inception, and our ATNF locations, telescopes and engineering expertise are in an excellent position to support and extend the science goals of the SKA telescopes over the next decade.

The ATNF is part of CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy research unit, and together we aim to enable humanity to understand our Earth and Universe. Visit Australia Telescope National Facility - CSIRO for more information.

Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory

Our observatory on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote Western Australia is home to our ASKAP radio telescope as well as other international radio astronomy projects, including the SKA Observatory's SKA-Low telescope. ASKAP has 36 dish antennas that work together as one telescope and generates data at the rate of 100 trillion bits per second – more data at a faster rate than Australia’s entire internet traffic. Science programs with ASKAP are delivering exciting new results, including mapping jets powered by black holes, discovering a million new galaxies and finding clues to the origin of fast radio bursts. Visit ASKAP radio telescope - CSIRO for more information.

The opportunity

If you're looking for a role that combines scientific impact with a peaceful regional costal lifestyle and tired of the challenging hours of mining or shift work, or are simply looking for a tree change, this role has so much to offer.

We’re seeking two highly motivated industrial electricians to join a small multi-disciplinary engineering team to support ASKAP operations. You will work under broad supervision to assist in the maintenance, operation and upgrade of a wide range of electrical systems at the observatory. The role includes participating in planning, fault finding and repair, testing and installation work. If you have industrial experience and practical skills in planning and conducting the maintenance, repairs, fault finding and diagnosis of electrical systems, monitor system performance and maintain or are currently building these skills as you grow in your career then do not miss out on this fabulous opportunity to bring your trades expertise to a unique national facility, supporting ground-breaking science in a regional setting with a strong sense of community and a safe place to work.

We have multiple opportunities available across three different locations in Australia (one in WA and two in NSW). We offer generous relocation support for individuals and families, and there are options for part-time too, which can be discussed based on the needs of the role and individual circumstances. So, if you or someone in your professional network is looking for a tree change, or keen to venture into the space industry, submit your application and talk to us!

Why join us? Our benefits

Enjoy the benefits of country living in a unique coastal regional location with easy access to Perth—just a 1-hour flight or a scenic 5.5-hour drive. This role offers flexible working hours, generous leave entitlements including four weeks’ annual leave and up to 15 days for personal or family needs, plus short-term accommodation or rental assistance when relocating. You'll benefit from a Mon – Fri schedule and additional perks include salary packaging options, health and well-being initiatives, and comfortable accommodation with catering, gym, and pool access during observatory visits. The region also offers strong employment opportunities for partners and family members in mining, construction, transport, and agriculture.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Work within a small multi-disciplinary team, sharing your knowledge and skills with other staff, to maintain the observatory electrical and electronic systems to the highest levels of availability required for the National Facility.
• Apply your knowledge and experience, working under limited direction, to undertake routine maintenance, repairs and upgrades across a range of electrical systems that include:

• • electrical distribution switchboards and power reticulation (up to 415V),
  • extensive system of servers and other electronics in water-cooled cabinets,
  • antenna drive systems including DC and AC motors,
  • air conditioning and refrigeration plant & equipment.
• Actively contribute to written and online documentation associated with equipment repair and maintenance, including management of system drawings and schematics, and configuration management.
• Ensure test equipment, electrical spares and components, consumables, and other workshop equipment are well stocked and maintained.
• Carry out regular safety inspections and effect prompt repairs of all electrical equipment. Keep up to date with the latest relevant electrical regulations.
• Assist in a range of site activities and interact and co-operate with other technical and non-technical staff to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the observatory systems.
• Liaise with the internal group responsible for buildings and other corporate infrastructure and support their contractors in fulfilling this role where necessary.
• Liaise with S&A staff from other observatories to help undertake collaborative projects as required.

Role particulars

• Location: Base location Geraldton, WA. (Nhanhangardi, Naaguja, Wilynyu and Amangu Country) with routine deployments from Monday to Friday to Murchison (350km north-east of Geraldton)
• Salary: AU$76K – AU$113K per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% super across two capability levels. Remote area allowances and close call allowances apply when deploying to the remote site.
• Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full time or part-time (minimum of 0.8 FTE) | 5-day work week with weekly onsite travel
• Reference: 101679 & 101680

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A WA Electrical licence (or ability to obtain one if from another state) with relevant post trade experience and relevant trade qualifications for an Electrician.
• Due to the specific duties and/or conditions associated with this role, it is essential that the preferred applicant can climb steep stairs and ladders and work on structures at heights of up to 60m and at times work in confined spaces (occasionally).
• Hold a current Class ‘C’ Australian driver’s licence.
• Demonstrated industrial experience in the maintenance and operation of electrical systems for buildings and plant, preferably including power generation and distribution, servo drive systems, and refrigeration plant and equipment.
• Practical knowledge in the design, upgrade, and installation of switchboards and electrical distribution systems to meet Australian electrical standards.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and conducting the maintenance, repairs, fault finding and diagnosis of electrical systems, including interpretation of civil, mechanical, and electrical drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively as part of a small engineering team with minimal supervision and display a high level of initiative and self-motivation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to utilise computer software packages for general correspondence and documentation updates.

For full details about this role, please review the

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

We recognise there are many pathways to developing skills and experience, and we can consider appointing at different levels depending on what you bring. If you have more experience and capability than outlined, the role may be upgraded to a higher level; likewise, if you are still developing in some areas, we may be able to offer the role at a lower level. If you’d like to discuss whether this opportunity could be the right fit, please contact us.

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 careers.online@csiro and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, and 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 that 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.

The CSIRO Space & Astronomy Research unit was also awarded the Gold Pleiades Award, demonstrating the highest level of recognition from the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy chapter: Gold Pleaides awarded to CSIRO Space and Astronomy - Australia Telescope National Facility

Eligibility

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

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 (maximum 2 pages), that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

30 November 2025, 11:00 pm AEDT

We strongly encourage you to apply early, as the selection panel will be reviewing applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.