Technical Officer

• Casual Technical Officer (Tip-Tilt & Thermal Systems) - TOLIMAN Space Mission
• Casual position starting ASAP – based in the Physics Building (A28)
• HE06 Step 1 $73.45p/hour Plus Super
• Must be an advanced undergraduate or final-year student / Master’s student / early-career engineer / technician

About the opportunity 

The TOLIMAN Space Telescope is an ambitious international space mission led by the University of Sydney, designed to search for planets orbiting Alpha Centauri, our nearest neighbouring star system.

The mission combines cutting-edge optics, precision mechatronics, advanced electronics, spacecraft engineering, and data science to achieve astrometric measurements at unprecedented levels of precision. To accomplish this, a unique optical system has been developed that uses a diffractive mask to imprint a highly stable optical ruler onto the telescope image, enabling the detection of minute stellar motions caused by orbiting planets.

To make this measurement possible, several novel and highly precise engineering systems are being developed, including advanced fine-pointing mechanisms, thermal control systems, precision electronics, and specialised flight instrumentation.

The mission is progressing rapidly toward spacecraft integration and testing ahead of its planned 2027-28 launch window, and an exciting opportunity exists to join the engineering team during this critical phase of development.

Your key responsibilities will be

Core responsibility is to support the design, development, build, documentation and testing of key mission hardware, including:

• TOLIMAN Tip-Tilt fine pointing mechanism and associated electronics
• mission payload thermal control and monitoring electronics
• prototype and flight model engineering hardware
• laboratory test setups and supporting infrastructureThe successful candidate will work closely with experienced team members, including the Mission Chief Engineer and the Electronics Lead, contributing to the development and validation of key subsystems under their guidance

About you

• this role is suited to a highly motivated and reliable individual who can contribute effectively with minimal onboarding and operate with a high degree of independence in a fast-paced engineering environment
• strong hands-on experience in

-            Electronics (circuit design, assembly, testing)

-            Mechatronic systems

-            Mechanical prototyping and assembly

• PCB schematic design and layout experience
• experience working in a laboratory or experimental environment
• ability to work independently and take initiative
• ability to rapidly prototype and experimentally validate mechatronics concepts
• strong problem-solving mindset and practical engineering judgement
• ability to quickly understand complex systems and become productive with limited supervision
• clear and structured documentation and communication skills
• commitment to safe laboratory practices and engineering procedure

Desirables

• embedded systems development (C/C++)
• firmware development and debugging experience
• modelling, simulation, and data analysis using Python and/or MATLAB
• experience with thermistor sensors, piezoelectric actuators, infrared cameras, or precision sensors
• experience with closed-loop control systems
• experience with piezo sensor characterisation and calibration
• familiarity with laboratory instrumentation including oscilloscopes, DAQ systems, power supplies, and soldering equipment
• competence in fine-pitch hand soldering and PCB/PCA rework
• experience with precision mechanisms or opto-mechanical systems
• exposure to thermal control systems or thermal engineering hardware
• experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, or equivalent
• familiarity with Git or other version-control systems
• experience in space, aerospace, scientific instrumentation, or other high-reliability engineering environments
• experience with Altium Designer or equivalent electronic design software
• demonstrated interest in space engineering, astronomy, scientific instrumentation, or advanced technology development

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.   

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Michael Abelardo, Recruitment Consultant Recruitment Operations, by email to [email protected] 

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