Job Description

Be challenged and imagine with us

As a Technical Officer (Workshop Tradesperson) within the Prototyping Workshop team, you will deliver high-quality technical support to education and research activities across the College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE), enhancing the student experience through access to prototyping services, technical expertise, and hands-on training.

Working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, you will contribute to workshop operations and teaching activities, helping students and staff bring innovative ideas to life. You will apply creative, solutions-focused thinking to develop practical and effective approaches to technical challenges.

In this role you will:

• Provide high-level technical support across prototyping and student workshop environments, including operation, maintenance and repair of equipment such as CNC machines and specialised machinery
• Support and deliver workshop activities and laboratory practicals, including troubleshooting, risk assessments, and safe work practices
• Deliver hands-on training and supervision to students, building capability in a safe and supportive environment
• Contribute to the design, construction and modification of specialised equipment for teaching and research purposes
• Coordinate workshop operations, manage priorities, and ensure compliance with work health and safety requirements
• Collaborate with academic staff and stakeholders to support teaching and research outcomes
• Maintain equipment, manage inventory, and support asset lifecycle activities including servicing, calibration and record keeping

This Full Time Ongoing position at a HEW 5 Higher Education Worker Level will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Demonstrated experience working in a technical workshop, prototyping lab or similar hands-on manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of workshop machinery, fabrication processes, and equipment maintenance practices, and asset/inventory management
• The ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• A commitment to safe work practices and regulatory compliance
• Strong organisational and planning skills, including the ability to schedule work, manage resources, and prioritise competing demands
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to support and engage students and staff

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 5 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• An FTE equivalent remuneration of $80,972 to $93,929 + superannuation and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• 17% super and salary packaging.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link

About our University

The University of Newcastle is a global leader distinguished by its commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and to create a better future for them and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement, and sustainability, the University of Newcastle's Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines the University's commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application:

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the attached Position Description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document This document should not exceed 4 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au.

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Chris Neenan, Senior Manager Technical Services on (02) 4921 7285 or via email at Chris.Neenan@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Thursday, 2nd July 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

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