Fire Systems Technical Officer

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

CSIRO’s Fire Systems Laboratory conducts independent testing of fire detection, fire suppression and emergency warning system products for Australian and international clients. You’ll work with a variety of fire safety technologies, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory tests, data analysis and technical reporting.

As a Fire Systems Technical Officer, you’ll join a welcoming team that values curiosity and continuous learning, with opportunities to contribute to commercial testing projects in

Qualifications

• Trade certificate/diploma or bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent relevant work experience in fire protection, electronics, mechatronics, or electrical engineering disciplines.
• Ability to learn and apply new technical knowledge, systems and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and circuit schematics.
• Organise and prioritise work activities, meet deadlines and manage priorities with limited supervision.
• Deliver work to agreed timelines while maintaining quality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory testing of fire system products including smoke sensitivity and other physical test methods.
• Set up, operate and maintain laboratory test equipment and instrumentation used in fire systems testing.
• Witness and document fire tests for various fire suppression products with accurate recording of observations.
• Assist with implementation and ongoing use of CSIRO’s Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) system.
• Prepare and contribute to technical reports with testing data and observations.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Trade certificate or diploma

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

LIMS system

Excel

MS Access

Job description

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CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation .

Role highlights

• Build hands-on technical expertise testing fire safety products that help protect lives and property.
• Learn from experienced technical specialists while developing skills in laboratory testing, technical reporting and quality systems.
• Join a supportive, collaborative team where curiosity, initiative and continuous learning are valued.

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

CSIRO's Fire Systems Laboratory conducts independent testing of fire detection, fire suppression and emergency warning system products for Australian and international clients. The laboratory plays an important role in helping manufacturers demonstrate that their products meet Australian and international standards, supporting the safety of buildings and communities.

As a Fire Systems Technical Officer, you'll work with a variety of fire safety technologies, from smoke and heat alarms through to fire detection and control systems. You'll gain hands‑on experience conducting laboratory tests, collecting and analysing data, preparing technical reports and supporting the delivery of commercial testing projects.

Whether you're a recent graduate or bringing experience from a technical trade or laboratory environment, this is an opportunity to learn from experienced specialists, develop valuable technical skills and build a career in a unique and growing field. You'll be part of a welcoming team that values curiosity, initiative and continuous learning.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Conducting laboratory testing of fire system products including smoke sensitivity, climatic, corrosion, sound pressure and various other physical test methods.
• Setting up, operating and maintaining laboratory test equipment and instrumentation used in fire systems testing.
• Witnessing and documenting fire tests for various fire suppression products, ensuring accurate recording of test observations and results.
• Assisting with implementation and ongoing use of CSIRO’s Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) system.
• Preparing and contributing to technical reports, ensuring testing data and observations are accurately recorded and documented.

Location and office arrangements: Melbourne (Clayton), VIC

Salary: AU$76k – AU$96k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Specified term of 3 years; full time

Reference: 103871

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• Relevant trade certificate/diploma/bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent relevant work experience in fire protection, electronics, mechatronics, or electrical engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technical knowledge, systems and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and circuit schematics.
• Demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise work activities, meet deadlines and manage competing priorities while working with limited supervision and adapting to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver work to agreed timelines while maintaining quality standards and responding professionally to customer or stakeholder requirements.
• Effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including
  • The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
  • Demonstrated ability to independently prepare clear, accurate and well-structured technical reports and documentation.
• Understanding of customer service principles and the importance of quality, timeliness and professionalism in a fee-for-service-delivery environment.
• Proficiency in the MS Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel and Access Database.

Candidates who also demonstrate one or more of the following will also be considered favourably:

• Experience in fire detection, fire suppression, and evacuation systems.
• Previous experience in use and/or development of a LIMS system.
• Previous experience operating within a QA-based environment.
• Previous experience in a NATA accredited laboratory.
• Knowledge of network hardware/infrastructure.

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Cristina O’Brien via email at [e-mail] and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens, and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy .