"Senior Technical Officer"

Job Description:

• Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT)
• Full-time (100%), Permanent position
• Base salary will be in the range $93,491.78 - $100,296.98 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity

The Senior Technical Officer provides expert support in design and fabrication for teaching and research activities, delivering high-quality educational outcomes for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and applies advanced manufacturing knowledge as an experienced, trade-qualified machinist or fabrication specialist to support the Innovation Group’s technical workshop facilities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Core Technical: Set up, optimise, and maintain manufacturing equipment in the Innovation Group technical workshops, provide training and technical support to students and research staff, and offer advice on methods, equipment, quality assurance, risk, and waste management, while implementing standards, controls, and routine maintenance to ensure reliable performance.
• General: Assist with the daily operations of the team and facilities, support business processes and client engagement, provide consultations and advice on services, conduct safety inductions and training, gather client feedback, coordinate external technical support and contribute to teaching programs with technical demonstrations.
• Research Engineering/Technical Officer: Assist in designing and developing new research products and technologies, build and improve research-focused engineering systems, prototypes, machines, and processes within cost structures, and collaborate on standards for procedures and component requirements.
• Safety: Maintain high occupational health and safety standards, including inductions, supervision, equipment training, workshop administration, inventories, and incident reporting, while promoting a proactive safety culture and supporting continuous improvement.
• Leadership and management: Undertake supervisory duties following the UQ Leadership Framework and support or lead the development of junior research technicians.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

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:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• 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
• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a relevant metal-based trade qualification with subsequent experience in coordinating activities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of specialist and general fabrication techniques suitable for assisting various stages of both teaching and research cycles.
• Expertise in the application of both manual and CNC fabrication methods.
• Advanced knowledge of 5-axis CNC machining applications highly referenced.
• Significant experience of working in industrial and educational training environments.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability, both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation and the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment.
• Commitment to upholding the University’s values, and with the outstanding personal qualities of openness, respectfulness and integrity.
• An avid interest or previous experience in the teaching and training of undergraduate/post graduate students and developing more junior research staff is desirable.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and other role-specific requirements such as Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Work Rights?

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Mr Vince Kelly via vince.kelly@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close on Monday, 2 February 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60587).