Lead Mechanical Engineer: Astronomical Instrumentation

University of Sydney; Camperdown; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney on the Camperdown Campus invites applications for a Senior Mechanical Specialist in the School of Physics. The role focuses on mechanical engineering for multidisciplinary astronomical instrumentation and includes leading a small engineering team in design, analysis, and test activities for complex instruments.

Located at the Camperdown Campus, this fixed-term position extends to 30 June 2028 with a base salary of AU$112,628–AU$122,702 plus 17% superannuation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in CAD design and mechanical drawing production.
• Proven capability in structural, thermal and kinematic analysis.
• Experience in opto-mechanics or mechatronics for scientific instruments.
• Knowledge of systems engineering practices for technical projects.
• Ability to lead a small team and collaborate with external partners.
• Experience delivering astronomical instrumentation for large telescopes is valued.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts, system and subsystem mechanical designs and parts drawings for instrument projects.
• Perform structural, kinematic, vibration, and thermal analyses using FEA and other methods.
• Develop alignment, assembly, and test plans for verification and acceptance.
• Draft technical specifications for procurements and sourcing.
• Assemble, test, and characterize mechanical parts of instruments.
• Create documentation for reviews, tests, operation and maintenance manuals.
• Own requirements management, interfaces, verification, validation, and product assurance from design to deployment.

Skills

CAD design

Mechanical drawing

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

Opto-mechanics

Mechatronics

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline

Tools

FEA/Simulation

CAD software

Job description

The University of Sydney on the Camperdown Campus invites applications for a Senior Mechanical Specialist in the School of Physics. The role focuses on mechanical engineering for multidisciplinary astronomical instrumentation and includes leading a small engineering team in design, analysis, and test activities for complex instruments.

Located at the Camperdown Campus, this fixed-term position extends to 30 June 2028 with a base salary of AU$112,628–AU$122,702 plus 17% superannuation.