Laboratory Engineer – Civil & Infrastructure R&D

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW Sydney is seeking a Laboratory Engineer to support laboratory operations and R&D within the Centre for Infrastructure Engineering and Safety. You will coordinate lab and field testing, deliver technical projects, and engage with academics, industry partners and government bodies.

The role reports to the Director of CIES and offers a 12-month fixed-term, full-time position at Kensington, Sydney with 35 hours per week and 17% superannuation. Applications close 11 October 2026.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Civil/Construction Engineering or related engineering disciplines.
• Understanding of Australian research funding pathways, industry engagement, and consulting environments.
• Postgraduate qualifications or project management training are desirable.
• A valid Australian Driver Licence is desirable.
• Experience with laboratory testing, field work and data synthesis for civil/infrastructure engineering and CIES activities.
• Experience in managing projects, budgets, and competing priorities.
• Experience preparing proposals, tenders, technical reports, and funding submissions.
• Understanding of construction materials, structural, geotechnical, construction engineering, surveying, remote sensing, and digital twins and BIM.
• Familiarity with technical service delivery, and industry-funded projects, procurement, tendering, and commercial project delivery processes is advantageous.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to engage confidently with academics, technical staff, industry leaders, consultants, and government stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational, project coordination, and time management skills.
• Commercial awareness and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• High level of professionalism, initiative, adaptability, and attention to detail.
• Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong willingness and ability to learn new software platforms, digital tools, and laboratory instrumentation systems.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, organisational culture, and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver laboratory and field-testing programs, technical project execution, and engineering support across a broad range of civil and infrastructure disciplines.
• Contribute to high-quality research, consultancy, and industry engagement by planning, managing, and delivering laboratory testing programs; undertaking technical analysis and engineering design; and supporting the delivery of research, development, and consulting projects.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Field work

Data synthesis

Proposal/tender writing

Budget management

Communication skills

Independent work

Time management

Education

Civil/Construction Engineering degree

Postgraduate qualifications desirable

Driver licence desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Laboratory instrumentation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

UNSW Sydney is seeking a Laboratory Engineer to support laboratory operations and R&D within the Centre for Infrastructure Engineering and Safety. You will coordinate lab and field testing, deliver technical projects, and engage with academics, industry partners and government bodies.

The role reports to the Director of CIES and offers a 12-month fixed-term, full-time position at Kensington, Sydney with 35 hours per week and 17% superannuation. Applications close 11 October 2026.