Flow Standards Engineer

Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR); Sydney; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Vacation care subsidy

Healthy lifestyle subsidy

Study assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The National Measurement Institute (NMI), part of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources in Sydney, is seeking an early-career scientist or engineer to join our world-class flow calibration laboratories. You will gain practical training and develop transferable skills in measurement science, uncertainty, and laboratory operations.

Under experienced mentors, you will configure automated flow-meter testing systems, perform calibrations to ISO 17025 standards, analyze results, and

Qualifications

• Hold qualifications in science, engineering or a related technical discipline, or possess equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong analytical capability and meticulous approach to measurement data.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, automation and data acquisition is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Develop and configure complex, automated flow-meter testing configurations and diagnostic instrumentation.
• Conduct flow-meter calibrations in accordance with safety and quality requirements (ISO 17025).
• Analyse test results and prepare technical reports.
• Contribute to R&D programmes, method development and validation studies.
• Investigate technical issues, diagnose equipment faults, and implement practical solutions.
• Plan and prioritise calibration, testing and development activities to meet quality standards and timelines.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Laboratory instrumentation

Programming (Python, LabVIEW)

Education

Science or Engineering degree

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

VBA

Job description

About the Department The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people. If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future. Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS. About the team We develop and maintain Australia's highest accuracy standards for volume, liquid and gas flow measurement, delivering calibration and consultancy services from internationally recognised laboratories. Our activities are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and regularly reviewed by international peers. Our work supports industries that rely on accurate and trusted measurements, including oil and gas, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and healthcare. We are also developing new measurement capabilities to support emerging technologies and Australia's transition to a low-emissions future, including hydrogen and advanced manufacturing applications. The team operates primarily from NMI's Lindfield site and a dedicated hydrocarbon flow measurement facility in Western Sydney.

The opportunity Start or build your scientific or engineering career at Australia’s national measurement authority. With structured training and support from experienced scientists and engineers, you will develop specialist capability in precision liquid and gas flow measurement while contributing to nationally significant calibration services and Australia’s primary measurement standards.

What’s in it for you? Join a community of professionals committed to technical measurement excellence and cutting-edge research. We invest in advanced facilities, foster collaboration with leading institutions and support innovation. You will work with people who have diverse skill sets including scientists, engineers, policy specialists and regulatory professionals.

This role offers an early-career scientist or engineer a strong technical foundation in measurement science. You will receive practical training and develop valuable, transferable skills in complex measurement systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, measurement uncertainty and laboratory quality systems. As part of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, employees at NMI are covered by an enterprise agreement and benefits include:

• Parental leave
• a vacation care subsidy
• $235 annual healthy lifestyle subsidy
• access to study assistance
• access to Employee Assistance Program - health, wellbeing, counselling and support when needed

Our ideal candidate We are seeking an early-career scientist, engineer or technical professional with a strong aptitude for analytical work and a passion for precision measurement. You do not need to be an expert in flow metrology when you commence. We will provide specialist training and development to help you build expertise in calibration science, measurement uncertainty and laboratory operations. You will:

• Demonstrate sound technical judgement, strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Show initiative, curiosity and a willingness to learn and develop specialist skills in flow measurement and laboratory operations.
• Be comfortable working in a structured laboratory environment and applying quality, safety and accreditation requirements.
• Analyse technical information and data to solve problems, investigate issues and support evidence-based decisions.
• Take responsibility for delivering quality outcomes and maintaining the integrity of your work.
• Build productive working relationships and communicate technical information effectively.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Hold qualifications in science, engineering or a related technical discipline, or possess equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, automation, programming or data acquisition systems such as Python, VBA or LabVIEW will be highly regarded.

We are looking for individuals who bring personal integrity and a sense of purpose, and who embody NMI's values of being Inclusive, Innovative, Accountable, Adaptable, Influential and Strategic. Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way. You will support and work closely with the team’s engineers to develop, maintain and operate NMI’s world-class flow calibration laboratories. Working under limited direction, you will contribute to the delivery of scientific services under an ISO 17025-accredited quality system, and to the team’s ongoing research and development of Australia's primary flow measurement capability. You will:

• Develop and configure complex and automated flow-meter testing configurations and test and diagnostic instrumentation.
• Conduct flow-meter calibrations in compliance with safety and quality requirements.
• Analyse test results and prepare technical reports.
• Contribute to the team’s research and development programme, method development and validation studies.
• Investigate technical issues, diagnose equipment faults, and apply sound technical judgement to recommend and implement practical solutions.
• Plan and prioritise assigned calibration, testing and development activities to meet agreed quality standards and timeframes.

NMI values continuous learning and is committed to supporting staff to reach their full potential. In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop a rare and highly specialised skill set in flow metrology and calibration science.
• Work with advanced instrumentation, automated measurement systems and Australia's primary flow standards.
• Build expertise in measurement uncertainty, traceability and quality systems within an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.
• Apply your science or engineering skills to solve real-world measurement challenges across a range of industries.
• Collaborate with experienced scientists, engineers and metrologists on research and capability development projects that support Australia's national measurement infrastructure.