Principal Technical Officer - Robotics

uq; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Principal Technical Officer - Robotics at The University of Queensland delivers high‑level technical support across robotics teaching and research environments at the St Lucia Campus.

You will apply deep robotics and mechatronics expertise to ensure safe, reliable laboratories and infrastructure while mentoring staff and students in hands-on activities.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or equivalent with substantial post‑graduate experience in robotic/mechatronic engineering.
• Experience in installation, integration, networking, troubleshooting and maintenance of robotic systems.
• Proficiency with ROS2, Python and C++, and experience with ground robots and manipulators.
• Experience designing/custom PCBs and networking multiple robots/devices.
• Strong knowledge of Australian electrical standards and safety requirements.
• Excellent communication, mentoring and teamwork skills.
• Experience in a higher education or research environment is valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support for robotics equipment, maintenance, repair and calibration.
• Develop safe operating procedures, risk assessments and safety documentation for labs.
• Support the design and integration of experimental systems using sensors, actuators and embedded hardware.
• Lead and mentor staff and students in robotics laboratory environments and oversee equipment.

Skills

Robotics

Mechatronic engineering

ROS2

Python

C++

Sensors integration

PCB design

Electrical safety

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

ROS2

Python

C++

Job description

Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology / School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Full-time permanent position

Base salary will be in the range $106,709.01 - $116,198.52 + 17% super (HEW Level 7)

Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

The Principal Technical Officer - Robotics provides high-level specialist technical support across UQ's robotics teaching and research environments. As part of the Engineering & Technical Support Group, you will bring deep expertise in robotics and mechatronic engineering to support safe, reliable and innovative laboratories and technical infrastructure.

Working independently and collaboratively with academic and professional colleagues, you will help create practical environments where staff and students can experiment, learn and solve complex engineering challenges together.

• Provide expert technical support for the design, operation, maintenance, repair and calibration of specialised robotics equipment and infrastructure, including mobile platforms, robot arms, mobile manipulators, aerial platforms and motion capture arenas.
• Develop and maintain safe systems of work for robotics laboratories, including risk assessments, Safe Operating Procedures, laser safety procedures, electrical safety requirements and other relevant documentation.
• Support the design and construction of experimental systems and practical teaching activities, applying specialist knowledge across sensors, actuators, PCB design, embedded systems, ROS2 and hardware-software integration.
• Provide technical leadership in robotics laboratory environments through training, mentoring and supervision of staff and students, laboratory oversight, equipment procurement and continuous improvement of technical infrastructure and services.

About You

• A relevant degree with at least four years of subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of extensive experience and/or education and training in robotic and mechatronic engineering and systems engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in robotic and mechatronic systems, including installation, integration, networking, troubleshooting, testing and maintenance.
• Proficiency with Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2), Python and C++, together with experience operating, programming and maintaining ground robot platforms and robot arms.
• Demonstrated experience integrating sensors and actuators with robotic platforms, including designing custom PCBs for bespoke configurations and networking multiple robots and devices.
• Strong knowledge of applicable Australian electrical standards and safety legislation, with experience preparing and implementing safe systems of work and risk assessments.
• High-level organisational, analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative technical, academic and professional environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated experience training, supervising or mentoring technical staff and/or students.
• Experience in a higher education or research environment is highly regarded.
• You will need to meet relevant University WHS requirements and be eligible to obtain a Blue Card.
• First Aid and laser safety qualifications can be obtained in the role, while a restricted electrical licence is desirable.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, and Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

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