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Child safety

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The opportunity

• Join us working in an intriguing environment at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
• Fleet transport to & from site available, within the Canberra region.
• Convenient 9-day fortnight schedule (open to considering applicants seeking part-time hours on min. 0.8FTE)

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) supports ground‐based spacecraft telecommunications as part of the worldwide Deep Space Network (DSN), under contractual arrangements between the National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) and the CSIRO.

Our Operational and Engineering Section is responsible for the operational support of spacecraft and radio astronomy activities, and the testing and calibration of systems.

We are seeking a skilled Systems Engineer to join our Engineering team providing support to senior engineers with tasks relating to telemetry, tracking, commanding and monitoring of spacecrafts, spacecraft passes, systems and server level tasks, performance testing, data analysis and assessment.

The role involves hands-on work utilising available test and operational equipment to gather data, followed by analysis to ensure the correct functioning of systems. Your work will primarily focus on configuration-controlled systems, with changes subject to formal processes.

You will be part of a diverse and dynamic team of engineers who collaborate daily across respective specialties. The work typically crosses multiple disciplines and typically involve a number of systems where the team leverage off the knowledge of others to formulate solutions.  Projects on configuration-controlled systems are generally of a long-term nature with smaller, more immediate tasks bridging the need to achieve the desired business outcomes.

Your duties will include:

• Assist with the installation, modification or upgrades of various subsystems: downlink, receivers, uplink, system performance test, telemetry simulation and antenna calibration.
• Troubleshooting issues related to downlink and antenna pointing.
• Assist with the administration of configuration-controlled computers and equipment.
• Gather and process data that is available from logs and interpreting results.
• Assist with the measuring and analysing for system performance.
• Assist with activities for telemetry simulation.
• Support the management of the restricted airspace above CDSCC.
• Assist with the process for developing improvements to the available airspace monitoring and airspace planning tools.
• Adapt techniques to meet special circumstances or undertake modifications to methods or equipment.
• Use discretion to decide which approaches are used and schedule own work around the availability of equipment.
• Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with colleagues in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s and CDSCC’s reputations.

Location: Tidbinbilla, ACT

Salary: AU$72,658 ‐ AU$106,057pa + 15.4% superannuation, + Tracking Station Allowance of $128.66/week (pro-rata for part-time)

Tenure: Specified term to July 2025

Reference: 96997

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• A degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of signal communications fundamentals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of RF and analogue fundamentals including tertiary education subjects touching on electromagnetic fields, electrical circuit theory.
• Strong attention to detail, with a proven ability to operate RF and signal analysis test equipment such as spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes, power meters, signal generators etc.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret technical information, process data using software packages such as Matlab, LabView or similar, and to present results to peers.
• A demonstrated ability to program in a scripting language such as Python or similar.
• Demonstrated ‘user level’ familiarity with UNIX systems. 
• Strong interpersonal and team skills, including a demonstrated ability to liaise appropriately with technical colleagues, and work collaboratively to diagnose issues and enhance systems.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

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

As this site works directly with NASA and JPL, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an Export Administration Regulations (EAR) clearance/approval, to perform the inherent requirements of the position.

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!

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

7th of July 2024, 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.