Head of Engineering Operations - SKA-Low Telescope
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters of Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
About CSIRO
We solve greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put safety and wellbeing above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts.
CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock potential of people.
About the SKA Observatory
The SKA Observatory is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise understanding of Universe and laws of fundamental physics.
It promises to have major impact on society, in science and beyond.
In Australia, SKAO is collaborating with CSIRO to operate and support construction of low frequency telescope (SKA-Low) in remote Western Australia.
The role
The SKA-Low Head of Engineering Operations will lead a high-performing team of engineers, technicians and logistics specialists in building, maintaining and enhancing the SKA-Low telescope.
This includes overseeing 512 stations with 131072 antennas across 72km in remote Western Australia and ensuring peak performance through the entire signal chain to central processing facility.
The SKA-Low Head of Engineering Operations will drive the transition from construction to full operational capability, leading a growing team in Geraldton to ensure system performs at its best.
You will be a compassionate leader who can foster collaboration, inspire confidence and overcome significant challenges.
You will combine strong theoretical and practical engineering expertise with deep passion for problem-solving, robust planning and people management.
Your duties will include:
1. Leadership and Team Management: Lead the SKA-Low Engineering Operations group, providing vision and leadership for a team of 50 to 60 engineers, technicians and logistics specialists.
2. Health and Safety: Lead the implementation of safe systems of work across all engineering operations, ensuring strict adherence to Health, Safety and Environment procedures.
3. Operational Oversight: Own the SKA-Low Telescope's Standard Operating Procedures for engineering and maintenance.
4. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support: Work closely with teams across the Observatory to ensure common approaches to engineering operations and performance.
To be considered you will need:
1. Relevant Qualifications: A minimum of an undergraduate degree in engineering, science or a related field.
2. Leadership and Line Management Experience: Experience leading engineering operations and maintenance teams in scientific, industrial, military or similar settings.
3. Exceptional Communication and Influencing Skills: Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with ability to present complex engineering issues clearly to diverse audiences.
4. Safety and Risk Management: Demonstrated experience in conducting risk assessments, mitigating hazards and ensuring well-being of team members.
5. Infrastructure and Lifecycle Management Understanding: Demonstrated expertise in leading complex technical operations, focusing on system performance, infrastructure management and cutting-edge technologies.
6. Engineering Performance Management Knowledge: Demonstrated success in implementing long-term monitoring systems for engineering performance.
CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent representing diversity across society.
We value respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture.
Diversity and inclusion
We are working hard to recruit people representing diversity across society and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please provide CV and Cover Letter addressing essential criteria and your motivation for applying.