Universal Motion Simulation (UMS)
UMS designs and manufactures reconfigurable, high fidelity motion simulators for military driver training. Our core product, the Reconfigurable Driver Simulator (RDS), is a highly dynamic motion platform consisting of a six degree of freedom robotic arm, interchangeable replica vehicle cabins, haptically enabled control devices and immersive simulation environments featuring detailed vehicle dynamics and terrain modelling.
UMS designs and supplies the Australian Army our RDS for training drivers of existing and future armoured vehicles.
UMS is currently contracted to the Commonwealth of Australia to supply and support 6 RDS systems and multiple vehicle variants installed in a state-of-the-art simulation facility, at the Australian Army training facility and base in Puckapunyal, Victoria, with future growth in Australia and internationally.
UMS headquarters are based in a unique advanced manufacturing innovation hub on the Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus, Waurn Ponds, Victoria.
The Role – Electronics Technician
Reporting to the Principal Electronics Engineer, the Electronics Technician is responsible for assisting in the development, build, installation and testing of electronic hardware solutions for simulating military vehicle driver cabin instrumentation, including printed circuit boards, wiring and cabling. This role involves collaborating with other engineers and technicians to ensure high-quality hardware design aligned with project requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Support & Design Assistance:
* Assist in developing electronics schematics documenting the electronic architecture of the RDS, at both system and sub-system levels.
* Support the design and development of reusable electrical architectures for the RDS.
* Check PCB layouts and fabrications, and integration testing of custom driver instrument panels for future cabin variants.
* Electronics debugging, repair, rework and inspection.
* Building, prototyping, and testing new/existing products.
* Review Supplier Quality reports.
* Training of junior Technicians.
* Prepare NCR and quality reports after fault finding and inspection.
* Raise Quality Alerts/NCRs for the failed parts.
* Perform other additional duties as required to support the growth of an emergent small to medium-sized organisation
Hardware Development:
* Test electronic hardware including power, serial, Ethernet communication, digital and analogue circuits.
* Design cabling for AC/DC power, communication, and control.
* Select components optimizing for performance, reliability, cost, and availability.
* Ensure designs consider EMI/EMC compliance, including cable and PCB layout best practices.
* Support design for manufacturability and testing.
Testing & Production Support:
• Create accurate BOMs and high-quality documentation to support manufacturing and testing.
• Provide technical support for prototype builds, production testing, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with transitioning new designs into production and support existing product lines.
• Participate in on-site customer vehicle surveys for future cabin replication.
Collaboration & Innovation:
• Work collaboratively with mechanical, and production engineering teams to meet design objectives.
• Contribute to the development of new intellectual property, designs, and services.
Workplace Health & Safety
• Adhere to UMS' workplace policies, procedures, guidelines, and work instructions.
• Ensure that all work carried out complies with all health and safety standards, regulations, and relevant OH&S policies, including the timely completion of all mandatory OH&S training.
• Monitor and support employee wellbeing.
• Support the ongoing development of a "Safety First" culture.
• Demonstrate a commitment to UMS's values and behaviours.
Required Skills & Experience
• Minimum Certificate II in Electronics (or equivalent qualification).
• Minimum 10 years' experience as an Electronics Technician, including at least 5 years in hands-on electronics work.
• IPC-A-610 certification.
• Demonstrated experience in repair, fault-finding, and debugging of electronic equipment.
• Experience with microcontroller-based systems and safety-critical hardware designs.
• Experience working within a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience using inspection equipment
• Competent in soldering electronic components to industry standards.
• Proficient in the use of electronic test and measurement equipment, including oscilloscopes and VNAs.
• Sound understanding of signal integrity principles and practical diagnostic techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to comply with Australian and international electronics standards.
Skills & Attributes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical issues to stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and perform under pressure.
• High level of integrity and commitment to following processes and doing the right thing.
• Positive, proactive "can-do" attitude with flexibility to support tasks outside core responsibilities when required.
• Passion for technology and the ability to understand and solve complex technical problems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence security clearance
• Physically capable of lifting up to 20 kg and operating basic power tools.
Desirable Skills
• Experience with Python programming.
• Proficiency in communication protocols including I2C, RS-485, and TCP/UDP.
• Understanding of Configuration Management and Quality Assurance principles.
• Experience in schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium/KiCad.
Key Result Areas (KRAs)
• Deliver designs compliant with project scope and customer specifications.
• Prototyping and production capabilities.
• Support the development of internal electronics capabilities to a mature, production-ready state.
• Develop estimation for the work and design effort required timely.
• Develop and maintain engineering metrics and provide monthly team progress reports.
Requirements:
Please be aware that this role will require you to hold or be eligible to attain the appropriate Australian Security Clearances and, in some instances, comply with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations clearance procedures. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Furthermore, as a condition of employment with UMS, you will be subject to pre-employment background checks, including a police check.