Job Description
SKA-Low is one of the world's most ambitious scientific infrastructure projects, combining advanced engineering, large-scale technology and international collaboration to deliver the world's largest low-frequency radio telescope. As the telescope progresses from construction into long-term operations, technical leaders play a critical role in establishing the systems, practices and expertise required to support a globally significant scientific facility.
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As a Senior Technical Officer, you will provide technical leadership across the installation, commissioning, operation and lifecycle support of SKA-Low telescope systems. Working with a high degree of independence, you will apply specialist knowledge across RF, electronics, optical and signal-processing infrastructure to address complex technical challenges and support the ongoing evolution of telescope operations.
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A key focus of the role will be developing and improving the technical frameworks that underpin operational success. You will establish maintenance strategies, commissioning approaches, fault-finding methodologies and technical procedures, often in environments where established precedents do not exist. Your technical judgement and recommendations will directly influence system reliability, maintainability and operational readiness.
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The ideal candidate will be an experienced technical specialist with strong systems thinking, advanced troubleshooting capability and a track record of leading complex technical activities. You will be confident providing technical guidance to others, sharing specialist knowledge and driving continuous improvement across multidisciplinary teams.
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If you're passionate about solving complex technical problems, influencing the operation of a world-class scientific facility and helping build the future of radio astronomy,



this would be unique prospect to grow your career in a multi-faceted role.
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Your high-level duties will include:
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Leading the development and periodic review of technical standards, maintenance philosophies and operational procedures adopted by the SKA-Low Operations team.
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Acting as the recognised technical authority for assigned telescope systems, determining technical approaches and providing specialist advice across operational, engineering and scientific teams.
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Developing, validating and implementing original diagnostic techniques, maintenance methodologies, commissioning procedures and operational practices where established approaches do not exist.
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Assuming technical ownership of assigned telescope subsystems, establishing maintenance frameworks, technical standards and lifecycle strategies, and being accountable for system reliability, maintainability and operational readiness outcomes.
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Leading multidisciplinary technical investigations involving uncertain failure modes, complex system interactions and cross-disciplinary technical issues.
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Independently planning, prioritising and coordinating major technical work packages and maintenance activities.
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Leading the development, governance and periodic review of technical standards, maintenance philosophies, engineering procedures and operational practices adopted by the wider SKA-Low Operations organisation.
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Leading development of the technical support model, maintenance regime, acceptance criteria and operational readiness activities required to transition telescope systems from construction into service.
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Developing and optimising spares holdings, repair strategies and lifecycle support frameworks for assigned telescope systems, using reliability, failure and maintenance data to improve availability, minimise operational risk and ensure long-term sustainability of telescope operations.
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📌 Ska-Low Senior Technical Officer (Geraldton)
🏢 Skatelescope
📍 Geraldton