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
-
Work on complex electrical and HVAC systems supporting critical infrastructure
-
Lead contractor and project activities onsite, ensuring compliance, safety, and on-time delivery
-
Contribute within a high-performing, supportive team environment, while sharing expert insights to enhance operational performance
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 and CDSCC for more information.
The opportunity
The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) supports ground-based spacecraft telecommunications as part of the international National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Deep Space Network (DSN), under contractual arrangements between NASA and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Join a highly skilled Electrical/HVAC team supporting critical national infrastructure, where your expertise will directly contribute to the reliability and performance of complex antenna, power, and building systems. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you’ll play a hands-on role in maintaining, fault-finding, and upgrading electrical and HVAC systems, ensuring optimal operation in a technically advanced environment.
This is a diverse and impactful role that combines technical excellence with leadership responsibilities. You will lead and supervise contractors delivering installation and maintenance works, ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, and mentor apprentices and junior technicians—helping build future capability within the team.
You will also work closely with internal stakeholders and global partners, including CSIRO teams and external collaborators, providing specialist advice on system improvements, fault resolution, and infrastructure upgrades. Your contributions will help drive continuous improvement in maintenance strategies, reliability, and operational efficiency across the site.
If you’re motivated by complex problem-solving, enjoy working in a collaborative and safety-focused environment, and want to contribute to infrastructure that supports world-class science and engineering, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This role is ideal for electrical tradespeople with some experience in HVAC, seeking stability and genuine work–life balance—whether you’re prioritising time with family, looking to step away from the pressures of the private sector, or keen to continue building your skills through ongoing training and development in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.
Your high-level duties will include:
-
Perform maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repairs on complex electrical and HVAC systems.
-
Deliver installation, upgrade, and modification works across the site infrastructure.
-
Manage and supervise contractors to ensure compliance with safety, security, and technical standards.
-
Monitor and maintain Building Management Systems (BMS), responding to alarms and system faults.
-
Provide specialist technical advice on system performance, reliability, and improvements.
-
Mentor and supervise apprentices and technicians to build team capability.
-
Maintain accurate documentation, asset records, and contribute to maintenance planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
Role particulars
Location: Tidbinbilla – Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC), ACT
Salary: AU$93,814 to AU$123,280 pa, plus Tracking Station Allowance of $139.16 per week, Electricians license allowance of $54.66 per week, plus annual Antenna Allowance of $760 per annum, plus 15.4% superannuation (also eligible for fleet transport to & from site within a defined Canberra region)
Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full-time on a 9-day fortnightly schedule
Reference: 103456
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
Essential
- Recognised Trade Qualification: Possess a current Australian Electrical Trade qualification
- Licensing Requirements: ACT Drivers Licence, White card, Working with asbestos certification, Silica-dust awareness certification.
- Electrical/ HVAC Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience working in an industrial-type maintenance or operations environment
- Demonstrated experience with HVAC, BMS and PLC systems
- High-Risk Work Licences: Hold, or be willing to obtain within three months of commencement: Working at Heights and Confined Space training & Elevated work Platform (EWP) licence
Desirable Criteria
- Further education in HVAC, PLC, or electrical disciplines.
- Experience with high-voltage switchgear switching and coordination.
- Familiarity with Maximo and/or SAP business systems.
For full details about this role, 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 that 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 Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents only, who can meet the US Export Administration Regulation requirements (eligibility to be determined).
Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and well-being 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 CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document.
Applications close
31 July 2026, 11:00 pm AEST
We strongly encourage you to apply early, as we will review applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.
