Multiple Mechanical, Electronics and Electrical technical and trades roles – Australia Telescope National Facility

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.

CSIRO has several roles across 3 of our Observatories, located at Parkes – NSW, Narrabri – NSW and Murchison – WA. On Wiradjuri Country near Parkes, NSW, our Parkes Observatory hosts Murriyang, our Parkes radio telescope, famous for its role in the Apollo 11 Moon mission and ongoing collaborations with NASA. On Gomeroi Country near Narrabri, NSW, our Paul Wild Observatory is home to the Australia Telescope Compact Array, a powerful instrument advancing research on neutron stars, black holes, and gravitational waves. And on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote WA, Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara – our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory hosts the ASKAP radio telescope and contributes to the global SKA project, generating groundbreaking discoveries about our Universe.

Locations

• Narrabri, New South Wales (Gomeroi Narrabri Country)
• Parkes (Regional) New South Wales. (Wiradjuri Country)
• Geraldton, WA. (Nhanhangardi, Naaguja, Wilynyu and Amangu Country)

Why join us?

Whether you’re based at Parkes or Narrabri in NSW, or Geraldton in WA, you’ll enjoy a rewarding role at the heart of world-leading radio astronomy — combined with the advantages of regional living: fresh air, minimal traffic, and affordable real estate. We offer flexible hours, generous leave entitlements (four weeks annual leave plus up to 15 days for personal or family needs), and support for relocation including short-term accommodation or rental assistance. You’ll also benefit from salary packaging options, health and well-being initiatives, and superannuation of 15.4% as well as other benefits specific to each location. Each site provides a welcoming community and excellent employment opportunities for partners and families in sectors such as mining, construction, transport and agriculture.

These roles typically work on a Monday to Friday schedule, often 8.00am – 4.00pm (flexible) with occasional shift or on-call work for some positions. Perfect for someone wanting to move away from extended shift hours often seen in mining or agriculture.

The opportunities

If you’re looking for a role that combines scientific impact with a peaceful regional lifestyle, or are simply passionate about astronomy, these positions are a compelling choice. We have multiple roles across three sites from early career electronics and mechanical technicians through to more senior positions. We have the potential to scale up or scale down the role to suit varying levels of skills and experience and adjust the duties and salary accordingly. Speak to us if you would like to learn more about the roles and whether they might suit you.

The roles we have on offer:

Narrabri

• Electronics Team Lead [Senior Electronics/Electrical Engineering Lead] ($135 – $158k plus 15.4% super)
• Electronics Technician ($100k – $113k plus 15.4% super)
• Industrial Electrician ($100k – $113k plus 15.4% super)
• Mechanical Technician ($100k – $113k plus 15.4% super)
• Mechanical Technician (Cryogenics) ($100k – $113k plus 15.4% super)

Parkes

• Senior Electronics Technician ($100k – $113k plus 15.4% super)
• Junior Electronics Technician ($76k – $96k plus 15.4% super)
• HSE Advisor / Trades Assistant ($76k – $113k plus 15.4% super)

Geraldton/Murchison

• Mechanical Technician x 2 ($76k – $113k plus 15.4% super)
• Industrial Electrician x 2 ($76k – $113k plus 15.4% super)

Please view the position descriptions for the individual roles to find out more about the duties and requirements.

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, 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 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 via the CSIRO website, using the links for the individual roles. Please provide a CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), that best demonstrates 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.

Find out more: https://jobs.csiro.au/