HVAC Technician - SKA-Low Telescope
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. View our vision towards reconciliation
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.
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.
The SKA-Low HVAC Technician will ensure the reliable operation of sophisticated cooling systems across the telescope site. The role will be responsible for the 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 will work on a FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) 8-days on 6-days off working 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:
Essential
- Recognised Trade Qualification: Possess a current Australian Refrigeration Mechanic Trade qualification, demonstrating a solid foundation in mechanical and HVAC systems.
- Licensing Requirements: Hold a valid Arctick Refrigerant Handling Licence, and either a Restricted Electrical Licence or a full WA Electrical Licence, enabling safe and compliant electrical work associated with HVAC systems.
- HVAC Experience: Proven hands-on experience working with complex HVAC systems, particularly those involving water-chilled equipment racks, flow balancing, and precision cooling in critical environments.
- High-Risk Work Licences: Hold, or be willing to obtain within three months of commencement, High-Risk Work Licences for: Working at Heights, Confined Space Entry.
- Teamwork and Independence: Demonstrated capacity to work safely and productively within a small engineering team, showing initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to operate effectively with minimal supervision.
- Communication and Documentation: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear documentation and effectively use standard software tools for correspondence, record-keeping, and updates.
CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to equitable employment outcomes for under-represented groups, preference will be given to Indigenous Australian people, women and people with a disability who meet the role criteria.
For Full details about this role, please review the Position Description
Eligibility
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.
CSIRO and the SKA Observatory value and respect difference, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. 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.
Join us and start creating tomorrow today!
How to apply
To apply for this role, please apply on-line 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
Applications close
6 JULY 2025, 11:59pm AWST
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. View our vision towards reconciliation
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.
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.
The SKA-Low HVAC Technician will ensure the reliable operation of sophisticated cooling systems across the telescope site. The role will be responsible for the 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 will work on a FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) 8-days on 6-days off working 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:
Essential
- Recognised Trade Qualification: Possess a current Australian Refrigeration Mechanic Trade qualification, demonstrating a solid foundation in mechanical and HVAC systems.
- Licensing Requirements: Hold a valid Arctick Refrigerant Handling Licence, and either a Restricted Electrical Licence or a full WA Electrical Licence, enabling safe and compliant electrical work associated with HVAC systems.
- HVAC Experience: Proven hands-on experience working with complex HVAC systems, particularly those involving water-chilled equipment racks, flow balancing, and precision cooling in critical environments.
- High-Risk Work Licences: Hold, or be willing to obtain within three months of commencement, High-Risk Work Licences for: Working at Heights, Confined Space Entry.
- Teamwork and Independence: Demonstrated capacity to work safely and productively within a small engineering team, showing initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to operate effectively with minimal supervision.
- Communication and Documentation: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear documentation and effectively use standard software tools for correspondence, record-keeping, and updates.
CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to equitable employment outcomes for under-represented groups, preference will be given to Indigenous Australian people, women and people with a disability who meet the role criteria.
For Full details about this role, please review the Position Description
Eligibility
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.
CSIRO and the SKA Observatory value and respect difference, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. 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.
Join us and start creating tomorrow today!
How to apply
To apply for this role, please apply on-line 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
Applications close
6 JULY 2025, 11:59pm AWST
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