Job Details
Title: Radio Frequency Engineer (ICT Labour Hire)
Agency: Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Location: Canberra, ACT (Onsite, 5 days per week)
Start Date: 25 May 2026
Contract: 12 months with up to 2 extensions of 12 months each
Maximum Hours: 40 per week
Security Clearance: Must obtain Negative Vetting Level 1, capable of progressing to NV2
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Satellite Communications Engineer will play a critical role in the delivery of DFAT’s Satellite Modernisation Project. Responsibilities include:
* Design, implementation, and maintenance of satellite communication systems (both legacy GEO and emerging NGSO technologies)
* Support high‑level design activities and contribute to technology investigations
* Deploy and maintain satellite terminals across DFAT posts and remote locations
* Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (architecture, cyber assurance, regional technical officers) to ensure reliable, secure, and high‑performance satellite communications
Qualifications and Experience
Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) Level 5 in Development and Implementation – Systems Development and Radio Frequency Engineering.
Desired credentials:
* Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and/or Communications
* Diploma of Engineering in Electronics and/or Communications
* Minimum 5 years of satellite communications engineering experience (GEO and NGSO systems)
* Strong understanding of RF and microwave communication systems – design, testing, optimisation
* Experience in planning and implementing high‑availability WAN services, including satellite‑based connectivity
* Ability to produce high‑quality technical documentation (high‑level designs, maintenance plans)
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience in geographically distributed teams
Desirable Criteria
* Experience supporting government or defence satellite communications projects
* Mentoring or technical guidance for junior engineers or field technicians
Additional Requirements
* Acknowledgement of DFAT contractor stand‑down periods (typically 4‑6 weeks in December and January)
* Confirmation of candidate’s willingness to travel regularly to geographically dispersed DFAT posts and remote locations
* Confirmation of candidate’s ability to attend the Canberra office on a full‑time basis (5 days per week)
* Seller acknowledgement that candidate must maintain an active security clearance at NV1 level with capacity to obtain NV2
Application
Applicants must provide the following:
* Start date
* Hourly rate
* Service management fee
* Citizenship status
* Security clearance level
* One‑page pitch addressing all criteria (max 5000 characters)
* Curriculum Vitae
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