Application closing date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026 • 11:59pm, Canberra time
Estimated start date: Monday, 25 May 2026
Location of work: ACT
Working arrangements: Candidates must work on-site at the Departments Canberra office, 40 hours per week
Length of contract: 12 months
Contract extensions: 2x 12 months
Security clearance: Must have a current and active Negative Vetting Level 1
Rates: $100 - $130 per hour (inc. super)
The Satellite Modernisation Project is a multi-year initiative led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to upgrade and future-proof its satellite communications infrastructure across global Posts. The project aims to improve the performance, reliability, and resilience of DFAT's Wide Area Network (WAN) links by transitioning from legacy Geostationary Orbit (GEO) systems to modern Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) technologies.
The Satellite Communications Engineer will play a critical role in the delivery of DFAT's Satellite Modernisation Project. This role involves the design, implementation, and maintenance of satellite communication systems, with a focus on both legacy GEO infrastructure and emerging NGSO technologies. The engineer will support high-level design activities, contribute to technology investigations, and assist in the deployment and upkeep of satellite terminals across DFAT Posts.
The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams including architecture, cyber assurance, and regional technical officers to ensure reliable, secure, and high-performance satellite communications.
The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) has been used to inform the requirements. In summary, DFAT seeks a suitable candidate with the following relevant skillsets:
Skills/Levels
* Development and implementation - Systems development - Radio Frequency Engineering (RFEN) - Level 5
The following qualifications would be highly desirable:
* Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and/or Communications
* Diploma of Engineering in Electronics and/or Communications
Essential criteria
* Demonstrated experience (5+ years) in satellite communications engineering, including GEO and NGSO systems.
* Strong understanding of RF and microwave communication systems, including design, testing, and optimisation.
* Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing high-availability WAN services, including satellite-based connectivity solutions that ensure reliable and resilient communications across geographically dispersed locations.
* Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation, including high-level designs and maintenance plans.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working in cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.
* Willingness and ability to travel regularly to geographically dispersed DFAT Posts and remote locations as required for system deployment, maintenance, and support activities.
HOW TO APPLY
Please provide an updated CV (a maximum of 3-5 pages) to reflect your suitability to the role based on the job description. You will also need to complete responses to the essential and desirable criteria which is no more than 5000 characters for each response. Your application will be reviewed based on ability to demonstrate, or potential to develop, the capabilities required.
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