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.
Role highlights
- Great opportunity to shape firmware for a world-leading telescope
- Apply your embedded systems expertise to cutting-edge technology
- Join a collaborative team driving innovation in global science!
About CSIRO
As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.
Visit CSIRO.au for more information.
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.
As a Firmware Engineer, you will be part of the broader SKA-Low Computing and Software group, which delivers advanced computing and technology solutions for the SKA Project. This group works on integrated control systems, high-performance data processing, and embedded solutions that enable the SKA-Low Telescope to operate at unprecedented scale and speed. Within your role, you will contribute to the development, integration, and maintenance of firmware for SKA-Low’s monitoring, control, and signal processing systems. Your work will involve building and testing FPGA firmware, supporting embedded software development, and collaborating with global teams to ensure robust and efficient telescope operations. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex systems in a dynamic, distributed environment.
You will bring experience in firmware development and/or programming for embedded systems, along with familiarity with modern development practices such as version control, CI/CD, and testing. Knowledge of FPGA technologies, control systems, and Linux environments will be highly regarded. Your ability to work collaboratively, solve technical challenges, and adapt to evolving project needs will be key to success.
If you’re passionate about firmware engineering and excited to contribute to a globally significant science project, this is a great opportunity to apply your skills and grow your career, and we would love to hear from you!
Your high-level duties will include:
- Building, testing, integrating, documenting, deploying and maintaining firmware, in accordance with the SKA quality framework and continuous integration processes.
- Contributing to the maintenance and operations of the SKA-Low telescope, as part of a local firmware team.
- Communicating openly, effectively, and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of SKAO and CSIRO’s reputation.
- Performing some non-routine analyses or technology development activities using a range of techniques, often working on a number of parallel and competing tasks.
- Independently testing possible solutions to resolve identified problems.
Role particulars
Location and office arrangements: Perth, Western Australia
Salary: AU$76K – AU$96K per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite; Full-time (We are open to applicants who wish to work part-time or job-share. Please indicate this in your application).
Reference: 102015
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
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 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, women and people with a disability who meet the role criteria.
Essential
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science/Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, and/or equivalent demonstrated work experience in a related field.
- Experience in and knowledge of development of firmware and/or low-level C/C++ software for embedded systems.
- Experience in and knowledge of modern development practices, including version control, CI/CD, testing, documentation, and code quality aspects.
Desirable
- Experience developing firmware and/or software in a control systems context.
- Experience in python programming.
- Familiarity with working on GNU/Linux platforms.
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.
Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.
Inclusion and belonging
Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.
CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.
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.
How to apply
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
1 February 2026, 11:00pm AWST
