Satellite Operations Engineer

Geoscience Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Cultures, and to elders past and present.

About us

Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation.

Our culture

Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged.

Our workplace is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offers a variety of flexible working arrangements to enhance flexibility, including remote working arrangements.

What we can offer you

When you work at Geoscience Australia you will have access to a range of benefits and the opportunity to experience a workplace culture that truly values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. To learn more about our competitive salary, free onsite parking, generous flexible working arrangements and the role you can play in growing our culture click here.

Our team

The Satellite Land Imaging Collections Branch conduct the collection of satellite data via a ground station and through international partnerships. The collection of data involves processing data on premises and in cloud applications. The Satellite Ground Network Operations team are responsible for the operations of the ground station and associated local compute infrastructure, and ensures technology is maintained and lifecycle-managed.

You will be joining the Satellite Land Imaging Collection (SLIC) branch within Geoscience Australia’s Space Division. SLIC comprises of a team of highly skilled professionals in diverse disciplines such as systems engineering, ground station engineering and operation, Earth observation science and data processing, cloud workflow and infrastructure development, and strategic project and program design and management.

Geoscience Australia has operated a satellite ground station in Alice Springs since 1979 to support the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat missions and several other Earth observation satellites. The facility currently consists of four full motion antennas and station automation systems to meet the requirements as a Landsat Ground Network station and downlink land imagery data from satellites for use in Geoscience Australia’s Digital Earth Australia (DEA) programme and DEA Hotspots national bushfire monitoring system.  

The role

As part of this multi-disciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to play your part, supporting activities that deliver real world outcomes for all Australians. We benefit from more frequent and precise information about climate change and natural hazards, to more accurate information about crop health and water availability.

As part of a team of Systems Engineers and technicians, the Satellite Operation Engineer will support the ongoing technical operations and engineering requirements of our facility in Alice Springs. The role will provide high level engineering services, planning, coordination and advice that supports current operations and future project requirements.

In this role you will:

• lead and provide technical input as part of a team for the system design and conduct engineering reviews throughout the project life-cycle.
• monitor station performance against performance indicators, identify, diagnose and rectify system faults to ensure performance indicators are achieved.
• gather and manage the requirements verification siacross several disciplines including but not limited to civil works, communications, power, network and satellite communications.
• apply your experience and knowledge of satellite ground station engineering, providing leadership to manage and implement integration of new equipment and systems. This includes supporting various test and evaluation areas such as developmental acceptance and operational test and evaluation.
• develop procedures that support efficient and safe work practices.
• develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders from other divisions, agencies, and organisations and liaise with stakeholders on project or operational issues.

Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications

• Advanced practitioner in satellite ground station requirements and design engineering.
• Previous experience in supporting design and/or operation of satellite ground station facilities. 
• Experience in linux operating systems and network switching/routing.
• Ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders both internal and external to Geoscience Australia.
• Experience in project management is highly desirable. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Bachelor’s (or higher) Degree in engineering in a related technological field is highly desirable. 

Are you unsure about applying?

Did you know that a Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60 per cent of the job requirements? Women and other people from diverse backgrounds tend to only apply when they check every box. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on what we are looking for, please still apply or get in touch with the contact officer to learn more about the role.

Please visit the careers page of our website to submit your application via our e-Recruit system. Your application should include:

• Your resume (no more than 3 pages)
•  A brief statement (no more than 700 words) outlining your transferable skills, experience and capabilities related to the role and the value you would bring to Geoscience Australia.

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Roger Melton on (02) 6249 9*** or email  ************@ga.gov.au

To learn more about applying for roles within the Australian Public Services please review, ‘Applying for an APS job: cracking the code’.

To be eligible to apply for this position you must meet the below eligibility criteria.

·        Be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application.

·        The successful applicant must be able to obtain, hold and maintain a security clearance of an appropriate level relevant to this role.

·        Commencement of employment is subject to the successful applicant undergoing and satisfying pre- employment screening, which includes a police history check.

Recruitability

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position. For more information please visit the Australian Public Service Commission website.

Hearing or speech impaired applicants are invited to use the National Relay Service by contacting 133 677, and requesting to be connected with our Recruitment team on 02 6249 9*** in order to obtain selection documentation.

Technical Assistance

If you require technical assistance, call Human Resources on (02) 6249 9*** or email **@ga.gov.au.

A merit list/pool may be created from this process. If you are successful for the merit pool, your details may be shared with other Australian Public Service agencies unless you choose not to have your details disclosed.