"Senior RPAS Technician (Maintenance Controller)"

Job Requisition ID:

R-39999

• UQ Research Infrastructure / UQ Drones Platform
• Full time fixed-term HEW 7 position for up to 4 years
• Base salary will be in the range $98,582 - $107,349 + 17% Superannuation
• Based at our Long Pocket campus

About This Opportunity 

Join us as a Senior RPAS Technician (Maintenance Controller), where you'll bring your technical expertise to the forefront, collaborating with research teams, teaching staff, and industry partners. Support the establishment and ongoing development of the Drones Collaborative Research Platform at the University of Queensland.

You'll oversee the safe and efficient operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) at UQ, serving as the Maintenance Controller for our Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC).

You will work on diverse RPAS-focused projects, provide key operational insights, and contribute to system design and development. Your responsibilities include monitoring and maintaining equipment, sensor integration, and ensuring best-practise in RPAS operations.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Collaborate with the Chief Pilot, Academic Director, university communities, industry, and government to enhance research, teaching, and operational outcomes.
• Provide technical support for field-based research and RPAS operations, including data collection and sensor management.
• Design, test, and build hardware solutions for research projects, and implement testing procedures to ensure equipment reliability.
• Specify and implement technical upgrades for RPAS and associated sensors.
• Oversee RPAS airworthiness and compliance with health and safety policies as the Maintenance Controller on UQ’s ReOC.
• Contribute to quality assurance and control of RPAS activities, and assist in developing UQ training for researchers, students, and operators.
• Support the Chief Remote Pilot with RPAS maintenance, performance, risk assessments, and operational approvals.

This is a full-time, fixed term position for up to four years at HEW Level 7.

UQ offers a range of flexible work arrangements including working from home two days per week (when appropriate), purchased leave and flex-time.

About You  

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated RPAS Technician with significant expertise in the maintenance of drones and both physical and digital drone infrastructure.

• Relevant experience and/or education/training in the design, maintenance, and operation of RPAS, alongside CASA RePL certification.
• Advanced technical capabilities in the maintenance of RPAS, related infrastructure, systems, and associated reporting, including expertise in the integration of specialised equipment (e.g., LiDAR, Hyperspectral cameras, Multispectral cameras, geophysical sensors, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation, deliver presentations and workshops and liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A commitment to upholding the highest standard of research integrity, ethics and workplace health and safety.
• Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate equipment and systems, effectively identify problems and implement strategies for their resolution. The ability to program and diagnose problems with operating systems, controllers, and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) would be highly regarded.
• Knowledge of and experience with CAD tools or similar, to work effectively with schematics, mechanical diagrams and install drawings, and/or to develop your own designs when required.
• Desirable: Knowledge/understanding of requirements (technical and regulatory) necessary to make BVLOS, multi-drone cooperative and swarm operations possible.
• Desirable: Willingness to support field surveys occasionally as required.

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks including, criminal history and education checks.

About The University of Queensland (UQ)

For more than a century, UQ has educated and worked with outstanding people to deliver unparalleled teaching, learning and research excellence that creates positive change globally. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• Annual salary increases in line with our enterprise agreement
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• On campus childcare options
• Cheap parking (from just $5 a day)
• Salary packaging options

Want to Apply? 

Should you wish to apply, please attach the following documents to your application:

• Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section above 
• Resume 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite (s.micklethwaite@uq.edu.au).

For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.                                                                                                               

Applications close 12 August 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number - R-39999).

At UQ, our strength lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.