Application closing date: Thursday, 08 January 2026
• 11:59pm, Canberra time
Estimated start date: Monday, 02 March 2026
Location of work: ACT
Working arrangements: Onsite, unfortunately due to the requirements of the role, hybrid/remote working arrangements are not being offered.
Length of contract: 12 months
Contract extensions: 1x 12 months
Security clearance: Must have Negative Vetting Level 2
Rates: $110 - $140 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. This includes:
* integration of high performance, low-maintenance satellite terminals
* deployment of NGSO capabilities to pilot sites
* maintenance of high-risk GEO locations.
The project supports DFAT's broader digital transformation goals, enabling secure, infrastructure-independent communications that are essential for delivering cloud-hosted services and maintaining operational continuity in remote and challenging environments.
The Telecommunications and Data Centre Support Section within the Infrastructure and Operational Support Branch of DFAT's Information Management and Technology Division, has a requirement for a Satellite Communications Engineer who 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 candidate with the following relevant skillset:
* Category: Development and Implementation
* Subcategory: Systems Development
* Skill: Radio Frequency Engineering (RFEN) - (Level 5)
Qualifications:
* (1) Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and/or Communications OR
* (2) Diploma of Engineering in Electronics and/or Communications
Essential criteria
1. Demonstrated experience (5+ years) in satellite communications engineering, including GEO and NGSO systems.
2. Strong understanding of RF and microwave communication systems, including design, testing, and optimisation.
3. 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.
4. Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation, including high-level designs and maintenance plans.
5. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working in cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.
6. Willingness and ability to travel regularly to geographically dispersed DFAT Posts and remote locations as required for system deployment, maintenance, and support activities.
Desirable criteria
1. Experience supporting government or defence satellite communications projects.
2. Ability to mentor or provide technical guidance to junior engineers or field technicians.
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 a summary which is no more than 5000 characters in total in response to the requirements for the role and the essential and desirable criteria. Your application will be reviewed based on ability to demonstrate, or potential to develop, the capabilities required.