Mechanical Engineering Technical Officer Australian Antarctic Division Kingston, TAS Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.
These goals are to:
Maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it. Protect the Antarctic environment. Understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system. Undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance. APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation Australian Antarctic Division Kingston, TAS Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.
These goals are to:
Maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it. Protect the Antarctic environment. Understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system. Undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance. The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The Assets and Technology (A&T) Branch provides and maintains the equipment and infrastructure to support the AAP. A&T Branch activities range from the maintenance of existing Antarctic stations and equipment through to the design, manufacture, testing, operation and procurement of advanced scientific equipment and systems. The Branch manages major infrastructure projects in support of AAP outcomes.
The Capabilities and Facilities section supports Southern Ocean and Antarctic research in the fields of aquaria, labs, engineering and marine science. Our diverse team manages lab facilities, cold store and samples both on station and at AAD headquarters, marine science assets, compliance and regulatory requirements, and workshops that design and construct bespoke technical equipment and facilities for the AAP. The Instrument Workshop (IWS) is a small, high performing team that plays a critical role in equipping many Antarctic operations and projects, both ship and continent based. The Technical Officer supervises and manages the design, development, manufacture and maintenance of electromechanical scientific equipment and facilities, much of which is unique, in the support of the Australian Antarctic science program.
The Job
Based at Head Office of the Australian Antarctic Division in Kingston, the Instrument Workshop Technical Officer will join the Capabilities and Facilities section of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). Work is undertaken primarily at Head Office but may include work on Antarctic or sub-Antarctic stations and on research vessels. The position will report to and work under limited direction of the Instrument Workshop Manager. The Instrument Workshop produces specialized scientific instruments and sampling equipment used in a wide range of scientific studies. The group is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of a large number of unique pieces of equipment that have been used in Antarctica, sub-Antarctic Islands, the Southern Ocean, probing the atmosphere above the Antarctic Continent or used in laboratories at the Australian Antarctic Division Headquarters.
Key duties will include, but are not limited to:
Undertake the manufacture, modification, installation, testing and maintenance of complex scientific equipment using advanced technical skills, including operation of computer numerical control machining centers and lathes, manual machine tools, MIG and TIG welding. Design and develop equipment utilizing CAD based design tools such as Solidworks to produce drawings to AS 1100. Document projects to in-house documentation standards. Produce equipment suitable for harsh operations and environments. Assist in the planning and costing of works and the prioritization of competing projects. Assist with quality and safety audits of the IWS in accordance with legislative and policy requirements, including collecting data, analysing results and make recommendations. Maintain and develop the IWS facilities and equipment. Work in teams with external clients and staff from across the AAD, including the Electronics laboratory, Marine Science Support on projects that may sometimes be very complex in nature. Provide advice and proactively build and manage relationships with external suppliers and AAD science program stakeholders to ensure that IWS support the AAD science program, agency goals and individual projects. What we are looking for Knowledge and experience
We are seeking applicants with demonstrated:
Knowledge and experience operating lathes and mills, both manual and CNC, to produce quality components to fine tolerances. Experience in MIG and TIG welding techniques across a variety of materials. Experience designing and developing equipment using parametric 3D CAD software. Experience in producing manufacturing drawings to AS1100. Experience servicing and maintaining equipment including fault finding and trouble shooting. Skills and capabilities
We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated:
Skills to work under limited direction both independently and as a team member. Be self-motivated with excellent technical skills and excellent attention to detail and will have the ability to develop innovative solutions to meet technical or operational problems, sometimes in remote areas without immediate technical or logistical support. Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and able to work in environments which are sometimes stressful and where priorities change, sometimes in short and / or shifting time frames. Ability to contribute to decisions around the allocation of resources, including contributing to prioritization between projects and the distribution of equipment between competing projects. Knowledge of Work Health & Safety (WHS) and experience in maintaining a safe workplace in a workshop environment. Skills and capacity to develop and support quality working relationships with a range of stakeholders to respond to needs, manage expectations and solve problems. The ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of technical and professional specialists, including senior scientists. Well-developed verbal and written communication skills Skills and experience to produce high-level technical drawings and specifications. Please note that the successful applicant will be required to travel to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions therefore they will be expected to meet specific medical, adaptability and personal qualities requirements appropriate to working in those environments.
They will need to:
Demonstrate the range of personal qualities and interpersonal skills necessary to perform as a successful team member within isolated Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments. Demonstrate an ability to effectively adapt and respond to the demands of living and working in an isolated and confined environment as determined by a psychological (adaptability) assessment. Be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the AAD's Polar Medicine Unit. Mandatory Qualifications Relevant experience and a mechanical engineering trade qualification OR; A degree or diploma in mechanical engineering from an Australian tertiary institution For additional information, please read the Job Description below. Candidate Information Pack (PDF) Opens in new window
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