Classification: Senior Manager 1 (Specialist)
Salary package: $138,182 - $144,783 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Continuing (contingent-funded) appointment
This position is continuing (contingent funded). The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of 31 December 2030.
Position
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineering Specialist to provide high‐level expertise and leadership across a diverse portfolio of cutting‐edge research and engineering projects. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and is excited by the opportunity to design, build, and commission next‐generation instrumentation for ground‐based and space‐based astronomy.
Key responsibilities
* Work with experts across mechanical, optical, systems, software, detector, electronics and controls engineering.
* Contribute to international, high‐impact astronomy and space missions.
* Lead technically challenging mechanical engineering work from concept to delivery.
* Influence the future direction of engineering practice within a national research facility.
* Join a respectful, gender‐balanced, inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and flexible working arrangements.
Expected role focus
* Provide leadership and technical mentoring within the Mechanical Engineering Group.
* Lead mechanical design, modelling, analysis, prototyping, assembly, integration, and testing activities across multiple projects.
* Develop and maintain engineering frameworks, standards, procedures, and best‐practice methodologies.
* Contribute to project proposals, costings, resource planning and risk assessments.
* Guide interdisciplinary design discussions and provide specialist advice to project managers and systems engineers.
* Oversee the mechanical engineering lifecycle for prototype and operational instrumentation.
* Prepare documentation, engineering reports, and contributions to publications.
Qualifications
* Postgraduate qualifications and/or extensive professional experience in mechanical engineering or a related specialist field.
* Significant experience in mechanical and opto‐mechanical design, analysis, and validation—ideally in research, aerospace, physics, or astronomy environments.
* Advanced proficiency in CAD modelling, mechanical analysis, and integration of optical, thermal, and mechanical design approaches (e.g. FEA; ASME Y14.5 or equivalent).
* Experience with vacuum cryogenic systems (highly desirable).
* Strong capability in the design, assembly, alignment, and testing of precision mechanical systems.
* Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to foster inclusive team culture.
* Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and safe workplace practices.
Commitment to diversity
The ANU is committed to fostering a safe, equitable and inclusive environment where all genders and identities can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from women, gender‐diverse candidates, First Nations engineers, and people from other under‐represented groups in STEM.
Contact
Dr Roger Haynes, +61 2 61250313, .
Closing deadline
CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 7 May 2026 11:55pm (Canberra Time)
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