Senior Mechanical Engineering Specialist

Senior Mechanical Engineering Specialist

• 561881
• Canberra / ACT, ACT, Australia, 2601
• Continuing (Contingent Funded)
• Closing at: May 7 2026 - 23:55 AEST

Position Description

Classification: Senior Manager 1 (Specialist)

Salary package: $138,182 - $144,783 per annum plus 17% superannuation

Term: Continuing (contingent-funded) appointment

This position is continuing (contingent funded). The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of 31 December 2030.

The Position

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineering Specialist to provide high‑level expertise and leadership across a diverse portfolio of cutting‑edge research and engineering projects. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and is excited by the opportunity to design, build, and commission next‑generation instrumentation for ground‑based and space‑based astronomy.

At the AITC, you will:

• Work with experts across mechanical, optical, systems, software, detector, electronics and controls engineering.
• Contribute to international, high‑impact astronomy and space missions.
• Lead technically challenging mechanical engineering work from concept to delivery.
• Influence the future direction of engineering practice within a national research facility.
• Join a respectful, gender‑balanced, inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and flexible working arrangements.

The ANU is committed to fostering a safe, equitable and inclusive environment where all genders and identities can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from women, gender‑diverse candidates, First Nations engineers, and people from other under‑represented groups in STEM.

Under limited direction, the Senior Mechanical Engineering Specialist will:

• Provide leadership and technical mentoring within the Mechanical Engineering Group.
• Lead mechanical design, modelling, analysis, prototyping, assembly, integration, and testing activities across multiple projects.
• Develop and maintain engineering frameworks, standards, procedures, and best‑practice methodologies.
• Contribute to project proposals, costings, resource planning and risk assessments.
• Guide interdisciplinary design discussions and provide specialist advice to project managers and systems engineers.
• Oversee the mechanical engineering lifecycle for prototype and operational instrumentation.
• Maintain up‑to‑date expertise in state‑of‑the‑art mechanical, opto‑mechanical, and integrated system design relevant to astronomy and space science.
• Prepare documentation, engineering reports, and contributions to publications.

The Person

We welcome applicants who can demonstrate:

• Postgraduate qualifications and/or extensive professional experience in mechanical engineering or a related specialist field.
• Significant experience in mechanical and opto‑mechanical design, analysis, and validation—ideally in research, aerospace, physics, or astronomy environments.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD modelling, mechanical analysis, and integration of optical, thermal, and mechanical design approaches (e.g. FEA; ASME Y14.5 or equivalent).
• Experience with vacuum cryogenic systems (highly desirable).
• Strong capability in the design, assembly, alignment, and testing of precision mechanical systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to foster inclusive team culture.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and safe workplace practices.

The School

The Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) at the Australian National University is a unique national facility supporting the development of world‑leading astronomical and space instrumentation. 

The College

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities. 

To find out more about the Science at ANU community, follow us on social media at Instagram and Facebook

For further information please contact, Dr Roger Haynes, +61 2 61250313, roger.haynes@anu.edu.au. 

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.