HVAC Technician - SKA-Low Telescope

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

 

• Geraldton based role
• Join the team building the world’s largest Radio-astronomy telescope
• 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 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.

 

The HVAC Technician is responsible for the diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and upgrading of a range of high-performance HVAC systems, including water-cooled chillers, split systems, and specialised industrial air-conditioning and cooling infrastructure.

 

Working in a remote environment, this role is a mix hands-on technical expertise with oversight of contractors. The position operates on a FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) basis via charter flights, with occasional DIDO (Drive-In Drive-Out) options. The standard roster consists of 8 consecutive days on-site followed by 6 days off, supporting a sustainable and balanced work-life schedule.

 

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Investigate and resolve system faults, alarms, and incidents swiftly, collaborating with internal teams and contractors to ensure minimal disruption.
• Perform routine and corrective maintenance on site infrastructure to maximise system reliability and uptime.
• Respond promptly to system failures and malfunctions, implementing effective corrective actions in coordination with stakeholders.
• Ensure all repair activities follow established safety procedures, technical standards, and documentation practices.
• Plan and execute system upgrades, installations, and modifications in accordance with engineering specifications and site standards.

Role Particulars

Location and office arrangements: Geraldton, Western Australia

Salary: AU$100,103 – AU$113,251 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation plus overtime and applicable allowances for site based work

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: 102854

 

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• Recognised Trade Qualification: Possess a current Australian Refrigeration Mechanic Trade qualification, demonstrating a solid foundation in mechanical and HVAC systems.
• Licensing Requirements: Hold a valid Arctick Refrigerant Handling Licence, and either a Restricted Electrical Licence or a full WA Electrical Licence, enabling safe and compliant electrical work associated with HVAC systems.
• HVAC Experience: Proven hands-on experience working with complex HVAC systems, particularly those involving water-chilled equipment racks, flow balancing, and precision cooling in critical environments.
• High-Risk Work Licences: Hold, or be willing to obtain within three months of commencement, High-Risk Work Licences for: Working at Heights, Confined Space Entry.
• Teamwork and Independence: Demonstrated capacity to work safely and productively within a small engineering team, showing initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to operate effectively with minimal supervision.
• Communication and Documentation: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear documentation and effectively use standard software tools for correspondence, record-keeping, and updates.

 

Desirable

• Remote Site Experience: Previous experience working in remote locations demonstrating adaptability and resilience in isolated or challenging environments.
• Software Proficiency: Experience using industry-relevant software tools such as electrical diagnostic software, SCADA systems, SAP, Maximo, CITEC, PLC programming environments, or equivalent platforms.
• Support for Complex Facilities: Experience supporting high-reliability technical or scientific infrastructure such as data centres, laboratories, or research facilities.

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. Given the nature of the role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical examination prior to commencement.

 

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 

31 May 2026, 11:59pm AWST