Geoscience Australia values the lands, water and sky as we work to deepen a shared understanding of Country and Earth. We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection, contribution and obligations to Country. Reflecting on our shared history, we are committed to listen and learn. About us Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation. Our culture Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged. Our workplace is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offers a variety of flexible working arrangements to enhance flexibility, including remote working arrangements. What we can offer you When you work at Geoscience Australia you will have access to a range of benefits and the opportunity to experience a workplace culture that truly values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. To learn more about our competitive salary, free onsite parking, generous flexible working arrangements and the role you can play in growing our culture click here. Our team The Earth Observation Calibration and Validation (EO CalVal) team is part of the Research and Product Delivery directorate within the Digital Earth (DE) Branch, which resides in the Space Division. The EO CalVal team is currently expanding its remit and providing a wide variety of field data acquisition services to both internal and external stakeholders. Its primary mission is the collection of earth observation field data and the validation of satellite sensor products. The team owns and operates airborne and ground-based instruments including LiDAR, Multispectral and Hyperspectral visible to shortwave infrared sensors. EO CalVal also operates and maintains a fleet of Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the collection of a wide variety of field data. Responsible for the collection, storage and post-processing of these data, the team has created a number of bespoke workflows and database systems to ensure efficient validation of the downstream product offering The key duties of the position include The Mechatronics Engineer will represent GA as an electro-mechanical specialist, engaging with both internal and external stakeholders to support the delivery of national scientific field data collection and validation campaigns. This role will contribute to DE delivering new products and capabilities that support the Australian government, academia and commercial spatial sector. In this role you will: Manage the operation of GA's Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems (RPAS) workshop; Hold the formal maintenance controller role under our Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator's Certificate (ReOC) and its associated responsibilities in continuing to improve our RPAS operational capabilities; Create, improve and evaluate prototype aircraft mounts and instrumentation systems associated with the collection of a wide variety of data, including hyperspectral, thermal, LiDAR and magnetometric; Utilise your electro-mechanical and software expertise in the implementation of control system improvements, communication protocols (CAN, UART, I2C) interfacing and the development of data collection and processing solutions; Contribute to field validation campaigns aligned with the requirements of the DE Program, including preparation works and safety management; Maintain expert knowledge in relevant subject domains, including standards / protocols and measurement science; Support the DE program in influencing domestic and international partners, to develop global calibration and validation frameworks; Foster relationships with key DE stakeholders and users to ensure that the EO CalVal team continues to develop and deliver products and services that improve efficiency and/orneffectiveness of operations; and Exemplify and drive a culture of inclusiveness, open and transparent communication, collaboration, innovation, accountability and delivery across the DE Program. To be successful in the role you will: A strong understanding of scientific data processing approaches and workflows, modern software development practices, and their potential to improve the effective utilisation of products generated as a result; A track record of being able to plan, lead, manage and deliver innovative scientific data projects that deliver effective outcomes; Strong communication skills and a track record of being able to build, foster and leverage relationships with stakeholders at different levels. Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications Essential Criteria Qualifications and/or experience in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering. Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment. Sound knowledge and experience in stakeholder engagement. Commitment to a culture of continuous improvement, and user engagement. Desirable Criteria Knowledge / experience using UAV-based sensors for collecting field validation data. An Australian Remote Pilot Licence to operate a sub-25 kg UAV or the willingness and ability to obtain one. Knowledge / experience in the operation of CAD software, 3D printers and fabrication techniques. Familiarity with a variety of coding languages, ML and AI techniques. Knowledge / experience in automating scientific workflows. Knowledge / experience with collecting field validation data. A sound knowledge of remote sensing principles.