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.
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our .
The opportunity
The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. Enabled by cutting‐edge technology, it promises to have a major impact on society, in science and beyond.
In Australia, the SKAO is collaborating with CSIRO to operate and support the construction of the low frequency telescope (SKA‐Low) in remote Western Australia on Wajarri Yamaji Country.
The Traditional Owners and native title holders, the Wajarri Yamaji, have gifted CSIRO with the traditional name Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara for the CSIRO Murchison Radio‐astronomy Observatory, home to the SKA‐Low telescope. The traditional name means 'sharing sky and stars' in the Wajarri language.
Job role: SKA‐Low HVAC Technician
The role will ensure the reliable operation of sophisticated cooling systems across the telescope site. It will be responsible for diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and upgrading of a range of high‐performance HVAC systems, including water‐cooled chillers, split systems, and specialised industrial air‐conditioning and cooling infrastructure.
This role works on a FIFO (Fly‐In‐Fly‐Out) 8‐days on 6‐days off roster.
Your duties will include:
* Investigate and resolve system faults, alarms, and incidents swiftly, collaborating with internal teams and contractors to ensure minimal disruption.
* Provide expert technical guidance on fault diagnostics, system reliability, and performance improvement opportunities.
* Perform routine and corrective maintenance on site infrastructure to maximise system reliability and uptime.
* Respond promptly to system failures and malfunctions, implementing effective corrective actions in coordination with stakeholders.
* Plan and execute system upgrades, installations, and modifications in accordance with engineering specifications and site standards.
Location: Geraldton, Western Australia - FIFO or DIDO to Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio‐astronomy Observatory
Salary: AU$96,811 – AU$109,527 plus 15.4% superannuation plus all applicable allowances
Tenure: Indefinite – Full‐time, Part‐time or Job‐Share
Reference: 100071
To be considered you will need:
* Current Australian Refrigeration Mechanic Trade qualification.
* Valid Arctick Refrigerant Handling Licence, and either a Restricted Electrical Licence or a full WA Electrical Licence.
* Proven experience with complex HVAC systems, particularly water‐chilled equipment racks, flow balancing, and precision cooling in critical environments.
* High‐Risk Work Licences: Willing to obtain Working at Heights and Confined Space Entry licences within three months of commencement.
* Capacity to work safely and productively within a small engineering team, showing initiative, self‐motivation and independence.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, and ability to prepare clear documentation using standard software tools.
Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
Flexible working arrangements
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We are open to discussing flexible working opportunities with this role being offered on a full‐time, part‐time or job‐share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.
Diversity and inclusion
We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.
About CSIRO
At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. CSIRO is committed to values‐based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please apply online providing your CV, and a Cover Letter clearly addressing the essential criteria of this role and your motivation for applying. Under CSIRO policy, only those who are able to demonstrate how they can meet the essential criteria may be appointed.
28 September 2025, 11:59pm AWST
#J-18808-Ljbffr