Junior Radio Frequency Technician

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised Job Title: / Junior Radio Frequency Technician
Reference Number: / 33321
Classification: / (NON CSOF) SCT 1.1 – 1.4 Technical/Trade Stream
Salary Range: / AU $62,216 to AU $72,205 plus superannuation and allowances
Location: / Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex, Tidbinbilla, ACT
Tenure: / Indefinite
Relocation assistance: / Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: / Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
 All Candidates
Functional Area: / Electronic Systems (Maintenance & Facilities)
% Client Focus - Internal: / 80%
% Client Focus - External: / 20%
Reports to the: / Electronic Systems Team Leader
Number of Direct Reports: / 0
Role Overview:
THE ORGANISATION
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. We offer excellent career development, professional support, and the opportunity to work with science leaders. CSIRO's purpose is to deliver great science and innovative solutions for industry, society and the environment by igniting the creative spirit of our people. For more information on CSIRO, please visit:
THE DIVISION
The CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS) division provides facilities for scientists from Australia and around the world to explore our solar system and beyond. These facilities include the Australian Telescope National Facility (ATNF), whichsupports radio astronomy by operating radio telescopes at three observatories across NSW and the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC). For more information on CASS, please visit:
CDSCC
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). For more information on CDSCC, please visit:
The Maintenance Facilities Section (MF) provides the technical expertise and engineering management services required to operate and maintain the wide range of technologies used in the radio antenna's and support infrastructure located at CDSCC. Maintenance & Facilities may also undertake engineering development work in support of new capabilities.
The Electronic Systems (ES)Team is responsible for installation, maintenance and testing of radio frequency (RF), microwave, command and monitor and control equipment. This equipment includes high power transmitters, receiver, exciter frequency and timing systems, cryogenic systems as well as associated cabling and support systems. Within Electronic systems, electronic services provides unique and specialised electronics repair skill sets to service, maintain and repair site and system equipment to the lowest replaceable element.
BASIC FUNCTION
This position is part of the Radio Frequency/Microwave/Closed Cycle Refrigeration (RF/UWV/CCR) sub-group within the Electronics Systems team and works under routine to broad supervision and guidance in performing their duties. The RF Technician provides technical support of radio frequency systems including microwave, transmitter receiver, exciter frequency and timing systems.
The RF Technicianhas varying levels of responsibilities, determined in consultation with the Electronic Systems Team Leader and the Maintenance & Facilities Manager, across these areas:
Maintenance and installation activities
Project maintenance, configuration management and technical planning.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
MAINTENANCE AND INSTALLATION ACTIVITIES
  • Perform maintenance and installation activities, to JPL or manufacturers’ specifications, including:
  • Commissioning, upgrading, testing, calibration and repair of equipment and subsystems associate with Electronics Systems Group;
  • Complete planned maintenance work orders as generated by Maximo maintenance routine;
  • Installation of new and upgraded operational software
  • Operational software programme maintenance and system administration in a secure networked computer environment
  • Transfer hardware and software to Operations for use.
  • Respond to faults, complaints, audits, investigations and incident reports
  • Assist or provide necessary training to Operations staff in new hardware/software upgrades
  • Facilitate, assist or advise in the development of local solutions.
  • Provide support to the maintenance of electronic equipment in other flight support areas
  • Provide out of hours emergency support via telephone analysis where possible and attend onsite for diagnostics and repairs where necessary
  • Liaise with internal and external customers, including local, CSIRO, JPL and ITT personnel. Work co-operatively with these same organisations to converge on solutions to problems or deficiencies.
  • Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, on technical and non-technical matters at Team and individual levels across the Complex.
  • Utilise UNIX and Windows based tools in support of these systems.
  • Identify potential Complex spares issues and if necessary determine suitable replacement parts and locate source of supply
PROJECT MANAGEMENT, CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL PLANNING
  • Provide support in Electronic Systems project management of specific tasks including:
  • Supervising contract staff on site on specific project tasks
  • Provide support for configuration management within the Electronic Systems group including:
  • Assist and advise in the management of system drawings and schematics to reflect as-installed configurations
  • Maintain appropriate recordkeeping and other tools for version control of hardware/software in use in the systems.
  • Assist in maintenance and technical planning within the Electronic Services group including:
  • Participate in design JPL and downtime readiness reviews;
  • Participate in and provide support for system performance testing, data capture and analysis to assist with JPL development work and anomaly resolution
  • Provide local support and facilitate the coordination, implementation and testing of JPL engineered solutions
  • Technology assessment and practical evaluation, contributing to specification preparation for future enhancements and planning for future upgrades
  • Use Reliability Centre Maintenance (RCM) and Computerised Maintenance and Management System (CMMS) based tools to maintain and improve where possible maintenance efficiencies and reliability of systems.
  • Participate in planning meetings.
Security Clearance
As this site works directly with NASA, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) clearance.
In order to perform the duties of the position, you will need to have access to information provided under technical assistance agreements between CSIRO and United States agencies and organisations. If you are a national or citizen of a country other than Australia, it may be necessary to obtain the specific approval of US government agencies to access the information in order to perform the duties. This approval may also be required if you are assessed as having substantive contacts with countries specified in the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) that pose a risk of diversion of the information to those countries.
Information on ITAR can be found at
Working Relationships:
External:
CSIRO – regular
JPL –indirect and regular
Harris – direct and regular
NASA – indirect and intermittent
MDSCC and GDSCC - indirect and intermittent
Internal:
Electronics Systems Team Leader – direct supervisor – day to day
M&F Manager - periodically
M&F Section – day to day
Operations – day to day
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
As this site works directly with NASA, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) clearance.
  1. Education/Qualifications: Diploma in Electronics & Communications or equivalent experience.
  2. Other Certifications: A Current ACT Driver’s License is required. Also the incumbent of this position will be required to either hold or be willing to undertake the following certifications:Elevated Work Platform;Working at Heights and Confined Spaces Training, OH&S White Card
  3. Communication: Ability to communicate in a fluent and courteous manner, both orally and in writing, offering factual information supported by proven data, and providing appropriate feedback when required.
  4. Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
  5. Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, and carry out non-routine tasks under technical direction from Senior Technical/Research staff.
  6. Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate routine problems by identifying and considering the implications of a range of available alternative solutions.
Essential Criteria:
  1. Minimum one years’ experience in repair, maintenance, installation of electronics equipment.
  2. Experience in the use of Radio Frequency measurement equipment
  3. Ability to read and understand complex electronic schematics
  4. The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team and carry out tasks under general direction from Senior Staff.
Desirable Criteria:
  1. Able to work (under routine) supervision
  2. Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with wide range of hand and electrical tools
  3. Experience in system performance and integration testing of electronic equipment
  4. Familiarity with visual programming languages for data acquisition and instrument control
  5. Familiarity with satellite communication receiver systems including low noise amplifiers, frequency conversion, IF distribution and telemetry data processing
Other special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able towork at heights and within confined spaces.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values of:
  • Integrity of Excellent Science
  • Trust & Respect
  • Creative Spirit
  • Delivering on Commitments
  • Health, Safety & Sustainability

Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at You may be asked to provide additional information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 301 509 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: .
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Marina Ford
0418 189 271
Please do not email your application directly to Marina Ford. Applications received via this method will not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities across the nation.
Find out more!
The CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS) division provides facilities for scientists from Australia and around the world to explore our solar system and beyond. These facilities include the Australian Telescope National Facility (ATNF), whichsupports radio astronomy by operating radio telescopes at three observatories across NSW and the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC). For more information on CASS, please visit: