Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineer

Company: Macquarie University Location: North Ryde Work Type: Full-time Work Setting: Onsite

Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde, is seeking an Electronics Engineer for Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO). This full-time, 2-year fixed-term role offers a HEW Level 7 salary ($114,992 - $124,676 per annum), plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

You will join a world-class team focused on developing innovative telescope instrumentation and technology for the global astronomy community. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to projects with real scientific impact, building instruments deployed on major telescopes worldwide, while also engaging with students and contributing to Macquarie's research-based learning and teaching objectives.

About the Role

Reporting to the Electronics Engineering Manager, your key responsibilities include:

• Analysing the requirements of instrument electro-mechanical systems and developing computer control and interface solutions, encompassing servo and stepper motors, relays and solenoids, piezo-electric devices, resolvers, encoders, and sensors such as optical and infrared image arrays.
• Evaluating and selecting commercial off-the-shelf electronics components and assemblies, including motor controllers, detector controllers, amplifiers, power supplies, digital interfaces, enclosures, connectors, and cables.
• Designing, developing, constructing, and testing electronics assemblies for signal conditioning, interfacing, and electro-mechanical controls, including cable assemblies, enclosures, and racks.
• Developing prototype electronics systems for proof-of-concept design studies, along with microcontroller firmware and PLC code as required.
• Liaising with optical, mechanical, and software professionals to ensure electronics systems meet design and software requirements.
• Developing and implementing test and commissioning plans for sub-systems, systems, and whole instruments, working with colleagues across disciplines.
• Preparing and presenting reports for in-house and external design reviews, and producing operational and maintenance documentation.
• Assisting lead engineers, systems engineers, and project managers in delivering project objectives, plans, and budgets.
• Undertaking occasional travel to national and international telescopes and institutions for project reviews, installation, commissioning, testing, and support.

About Us

Macquarie University is now home to the instrumentation group of the former Australian Astronomical Observatory. This Sydney-based group has established a strong reputation for its precision engineering capability and expertise within astronomy instrumentation across optical, mechanical, and electronic precision engineering.

Macquarie is playing a significant role in leading and growing Australia's strength in astronomical instrumentation, partnering with the Australian National University and the University of Sydney to establish a new national capability under the banner Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO).

AAO-Macquarie has a new vision and an exciting agenda for transformation, in both scale and efficiency. Our team of experts builds on the University's existing strengths in astronomy, photonics, laser technology, microfabrication, applied optics, and sensing communications. The aim is to grow industry engagement, apply expertise to medicine and defence, and expand our presence in optics and sensing, alongside our ongoing mission of world-leading excellence in astronomical instrumentation.

The AAO-Macquarie group has a long-standing commitment to advancing equity and diversity principles. We hold silver status in the Pleiades awards, Australia's scheme for certifying progress in equity, diversity, and inclusion in astronomy and physics, and are committed to continual improvement.

About You (Selection Criteria)

You are a skilled Electronics Engineer who enjoys applying technical expertise to complex instrumentation challenges within a multi-disciplinary team. You bring sound design capability, clear communication, and a methodical approach to building and testing electronic systems.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering or a related discipline, with at least 5 years' experience in a relevant field.
• Highly competent in electronics design for instrumentation and control, including interfacing with electro-mechanical devices and systems, DC servo and stepper motors, piezo actuators, infrared and optical detector arrays, and cabling systems.
• Ability to specify, evaluate, and select components from commercial suppliers.
• Experience with the construction, packaging, and integration of electronic assemblies and systems.
• Experience in testing and debugging electronics.