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

• Geraldton based, global project opportunity
• Be responsible for day-to-day operational, maintenance and engineering activities that keep the Observatory's facilities functioning safely, reliably and efficiently
• Join CSIRO - Australia's premier research organisation

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 Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will transform our understanding of the Universe and fundamental physics. In Australia, SKAO is partnering with CSIRO to construct and operate the SKA-Low telescope on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote Western Australia, supported by teams in Geraldton and Perth.

The Technical Facilities Manager plays a key role in ensuring the reliable operation of the SKA-Low telescope’s specialised infrastructure across the newly constructed Central Processing Facility (CPF), Remote Processing Facilities (RPF), and Central Power Station (CPS). These facilities house the core signal‑processing, control, monitoring and support systems for SKA‑Low. They contain major equipment including the power, cooling and other infrastructure needed to run the processing systems. The role will support handover of the facilities for operational readiness and into ongoing operations.

In this role, you will lead a skilled buildings team, including electricians and HVAC Technicians while planning and overseeing maintenance across critical infrastructure including high and low voltage electrical systems, advanced cooling systems for data processing equipment, HVAC, fire detection and suppression systems, and facility assets. Working closely with contractors and in-house trades, you will coordinate and supervise maintenance activities to ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest technical and operational standards.

Your work will directly support the performance and uptime of the infrastructure that underpins the world’s largest low-frequency radio astronomy observatory.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee planned and reactive maintenance of critical facility systems and building services.
• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance schedules and work programs for facility assets.
• Monitor system performance, assist with fault diagnosis, and coordinate corrective actions to ensure operational continuity.
• Engage, supervise, and coordinate in-house tradespeople and external contractors performing maintenance, upgrades, or inspections.
• Direct and coordinate the completion of complex technical projects and undertake development, implementation or standardisation of procedures and techniques.

Role Particulars

Location and office arrangements: Geraldton, Western Australia. The role requires FIFO or DIDO to Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (please see Position Description for further details)

Salary: AU$135,571– AU$158,863 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite; Full-time (We are open to applicants who wish to work part-time or job-share. Please indicate this in your application).

Reference: 102581

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• Relevant technical qualifications: A trade certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in electrical, mechanical, or related building services fields, with demonstrated cross‑trade competency.
• Demonstrated expertise in critical building services: Proven experience managing Australian HV/LV electrical systems, HVAC, industrial chillers, fire protection systems, and general building services maintenance, including the ability to develop and interpret technical documentation.
• Proven capability in contractor and maintenance coordination: Experience overseeing contractors and technical service delivery across large, complex, or critical facilities such as data centres, hospitals, or industrial sites.
• Strong safety, compliance, and operational discipline: Ability to plan and deliver work safely, efficiently, and in accordance with relevant legislation, standards, and organisational procedures.
• Effective leadership and communication skills: Well-developed interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff, build strong working relationships, and foster an inclusive, high‑performance team culture.

Desirable

• Experience working in remote or regional environments, including the ability to operate effectively with limited on‑site support.
• Familiarity with computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) or asset management software for planning, tracking, and reporting maintenance activities.
• Relevant technical certifications, such as HV switching accreditation, restricted electrical licence, refrigerant handling licence, or the ability to obtain these qualifications.
• Understanding of procurement and contract processes, including preparing technical specifications and supporting tender evaluations.

For full details about this role, please review the

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. Given the nature of the role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical examination prior to commencement.

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

Applications close

12 APRIL 2026, 11:59pm AWST