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
- Build custom components for cutting-edge marine research
- Program CNC machines to deliver complex, high-quality parts
- Share your expertise by improving workflows and mentoring others
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
CSIRO’s National Collections and Marine Infrastructure (NCMI) research unit is seeking a skilled CNC Mechanical Technician to join the Engineering and Technical Services (ETS) team based in Hobart.
In this role, you will fabricate bespoke mechanical components in a variety of materials, as part of construction of novel platforms and apparatus, in support a diverse range of research projects in the laboratory and in the field, often for deployment in the deep sea. You will work within a team of 5 specialist tradespeople provide engineering solutions to the Engineering and Technology Program, and other groups both within and also external to CSIRO, including the Marine National Facility (Research Vessel Investigator) and the Integrated Marine Observing System.
You will program and operate CNC centres, fabricating bespoke, complex parts which are generally designed in-house. You will assist in the development of CNC workflows, and training other ETS staff in CNC operation, in particular apprentices.
In addition to CNC responsibilities, like the other technicians in ETS, there may be general engineering duties, and so broad experience in turning/machining or fabrication will be highly regarded.
Your high-level duties will include:
- Program and operate CNC lathe, and 5-axis milling machine, to fabricate bespoke, complex parts for construction of novel scientific research equipment
- Translate client instructions and engineering drawings to computer commands through an effective CAD/CAM package
- Work closely with mechanical engineers to iterate and improve manufacturability of designs
- Provide technical general engineering, and CNC support within CSIRO along with external clients
- Develop original techniques, processes, equipment or software, especially when encountering new problems where methods are not defined and initiative is required in seeking new approaches in support of existing and further research.
- Assist the activities of less experienced staff and apprentices and provide on-the-job training.
- Run diagnostics to fault find machine errors and rectify poor machine outputs
- Liaise with clients to determine their needs and take personal responsibility for their satisfaction, correct problems promptly and in a constructive manner.
- Perform other duties as directed.
Role particulars
Location and office arrangements: Hobart, Tasmania
Salary: AU$100k – AU$113k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation
Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full time.
Reference: 102976
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
- Substantial experience in at least 4 axis CNC milling and 2 axis Turning applications
- Relevant trade certificate in Fitting and Machining, with extensive experience as a full qualified Tradesperson
- Experience in 3D drawing packages along with CAD-CAM software
Desirable
- Proven programming/ operating proficiency on Heidenhain, DMG Celos and FANUC control systems
- Operational knowledge of 5 axis CNC milling operations
- Operational Knowledge of 3 axis turning centre operations incorporating live tooling
- Knowledge of Solid edge 3D drawing packages, OneCNC CAD-CAM software
- Experience with DMU 50 5 axis machining centres, NLX 2500/700 turning centres or similar systems from DMG Mori
For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description.
Not sure if you meet all the criteria?
While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.
Setting you up for success
We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact [email protected] and let us know how we can support you.
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.
Eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian / New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents only.
Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character clearance requirements.
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 submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.
Applications close
Friday 22nd May 2026, 11:59pm AEST
