Senior Antenna Servo Technician

Acknowledgement of Country

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Role highlights

Contribute to NASA’s Deep Space Network by supporting the antenna control electronics and interface systems

Join a skilled team supporting science and space missions at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Join CSIRO – Australia’s National Science Agency!

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 Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) supports ground-based spacecraft telecommunications as part of the international National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) Deep Space Network (DSN), under contractual arrangements between the NASA and Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The successful candidate will become a member of the Antenna Servo Systems Team responsible for maintaining antenna control electronics and interface systems. These include servo drive, control, monitor, pointing assemblies, SCADA & PLC, all of which operate in a 24/7 environment, and are upgraded periodically requiring hardware and/or software installation and testing.

Your high-level duties will include:

Perform maintenance and installation activities, to JPL or manufacturers’ specifications.

Respond to faults, audits, investigations and incident reports.

Assist with necessary training to Operations staff following new hardware/software upgrades.

Assist with out of hours emergency support via telephone analysis where possible and attend the site for diagnostics and repairs where necessary and if available to do so.

Selects the appropriate methods to perform standard analysis and be able to undertake technical tasks associated with tests, measurement, reviews and investigations.

Willingness to participate in major facility & system upgrades at other DSN sites. This would involve international travel to the US (California) and/or Spain (Madrid).

Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, on technical and non-technical matters at team and individual levels across the Complex.

Utilise Windows-based and other manufacturers proprietary software tools in support of these systems, such as Rockwell Automation & Kollmorgen packages.

Utilise basic commands in a UNIX/Linux type environment in support of data acquisition & transfer, and perform basic file system maintenance.

Ensure critical spares levels are maintained and where necessary research & order suitable replacement parts and/or alternate source of supply with JPL engineering concurrence.

Provide support for configuration management within the Antenna Servo group including assisting with the maintenance of system drawings, schematics, technical manual updates & parts lists to reflect as-installed configurations.

Assist in maintenance and technical planning within the Antenna Servo group.

Look for opportunities to develop and enhance current methods in the use of equipment, software, maintenance and installation techniques as a means of continuous improvement.

Role particulars

Location: Tidbinbilla, ACT – Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC)

Salary: AU$105,158 - AU$118,538 per annum + 15.4% superannuation, plus tracking station allowance of AU$133.81 per week (also eligible for fleet transport to & from site within a defined Canberra region)

Reference: 100686

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria

A tertiary qualification (Diploma or above) in Electronics, Communications and/or equivalent.

A current driver’s license, and a current certification in Hand Soldering (IPC).

Other currently held certifications (or willingness to obtain on commencement) including Restricted Electrical License (REL), Elevated Work Platform, Working at Heights, White Card, Working with Asbestos, Silica dust awareness certification.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in repair, maintenance, installation and diagnosis of analogue and/or digital control equipment.

Proficient in system performance and integration testing of equipment.

Ability to read and understand detailed electronic schematics.

Demonstrated Electrical Safety Awareness.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Desirable criteria

Advanced Diploma in Electronics and/or Communications or equivalent.

Previous experience developing and updating technical drawings e.g. using AutoCAD.

Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with wide range of hand and electrical tools.

Other Certifications such as a Forklift License, Basic Rigging, ACMA (open license), Confined Spaces.

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 Laura Mason via 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. Appointment to this role is subject to 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 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 CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the selection criteria of this role.

Applications close

7 September 2025, 11:00pm AEST