Acknowledgement of Country
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Role highlights
* Great opportunity to support the world's largest radio‐astronomy telescope project
* Geraldton‐based role within a global scientific collaboration
* Join Australia's national science agency in a dynamic, ongoing role
The opportunity
The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next‐generation radio astronomy facility that will transform our understanding of the Universe and fundamental physics. In Australia, SKAO is partnering with CSIRO to construct and operate the SKA‐Low telescope on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote Western Australia, supported by teams in Geraldton and Perth.
Responsibilities
As the Engineering Operations Project Officer, you will report to the Head of Engineering Operations and work closely with a high‐performing multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians and logistics specialists responsible for the ongoing operation, maintenance and enhancement of the SKA‐Low telescope. You will support and lead the coordination of key operational readiness, contract governance and information management activities as the team transitions into a fully operational capability. You will play a central role in ensuring systems, processes and service arrangements are effectively established and integrated to support long‐term operations.
Your high‐level duties will include
* Supporting Engineering Operations in the establishment, administration, and scheduling of operational service contracts, including tracking contract terms, service periods, renewal dates, and key deliverables across SKA‐Low facilities.
* Providing project and administrative support to Engineering Operations initiatives, including action tracking, schedule coordination, meeting organisation, and follow‐up of agreed actions.
* Maintaining and updating Engineering Operations registers and records, including service contract registers, supplier and contractor contact lists, transition and operational readiness trackers, risk, issue, and decision registers, etc.
* Acting as an administrative and coordination interface between Engineering Operations, Commercial, Finance, Site Operations, and technical teams to ensure contractual and governance activities are aligned with operational requirements.
* Assisting Engineering Operations leadership by preparing briefing material, reports, dashboards, and presentation content related to service contracts, operational readiness, and project status.
Location and office arrangements
Geraldton, Western Australia
Salary
AU$118 K – AU$127 K per annum (pro‐rata for part‐time) plus 15.4% superannuation.
Tenure & work schedule
Indefinite – Full‐time (open to part‐time or job‐share).
Reference
102955
Essential Qualifications
* Experience providing high‐level project and administrative support to senior managers or leadership teams in a complex operational, engineering, or project‐based environment.
* Experience supporting the administration and coordination of service contracts, suppliers, or contractors, including involvement in transition, mobilisation, scheduling or contract lifecycle support activities.
* Ability to apply project management principles to plan, coordinate, track and report work across multiple stakeholders, priorities and workstreams.
* High‐level proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project) and enterprise systems such as SAP or equivalent for procurement, contract or administrative purposes.
* Well‐developed organisational and information‐management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, track actions and milestones, and support structured governance and reporting processes.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare clear documentation, briefings and reports, and to work effectively within multidisciplinary technical teams and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
* Experience maintaining structured documentation and collaboration platforms, such as Confluence or equivalent, to support operational knowledge management and consistency.
Desirable Qualifications
* Experience working in an infrastructure, engineering or large‐scale technical environment.
* Experience supporting the transition from construction or project delivery into operational or business‐as‐usual activities.
* Formal training or qualification in project management, contract management or a related discipline.
* Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements, influence stakeholders and contribute to implementing changes in complex operational or project environments.
* Experience providing advice or recommendations to support decision‐making within project, operational, or contract management contexts.
Eligibility
Applications are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security, medical or character requirements. A pre‐employment medical examination is required prior to commencement.
Application process
Please apply online and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.
Applications close
7 June 2026, 11:59 pm AWST
Benefits
We offer flexible work arrangements, a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities.
Inclusion and belonging
We are an equal employment opportunity organisation committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce where people feel they belong. We recognise diverse perspectives across age, ability, culture, faith, education, gender, sexuality and more.
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