Senior Mechanical Engineer — Astronomical Instrumentation

Usyd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Specialist on a full-time, fixed-term basis at the Camperdown Campus in the School of Physics. The role focuses on mechanical engineering for complex astronomical instrumentation and leads a small engineering team across design, analysis, verification, and MAIT processes.

You will work within Astralis-USyd, collaborating with scientists, engineers and external partners to deliver precision instruments for large telescopes, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in mechanical engineering or related discipline.
• Proven CAD design and mechanical drawing production skills.
• Proven capability in structural, thermal and kinematic analysis for precision mechanical engineering.
• Proven track record in opto-mechanics or mechatronics for scientific or technical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of and/or training in systems engineering practices for technical projects.
• Experience collaborating and working as part of a multi-discipline team, directing junior staff and engaging with external partners.
• Experience delivering astronomical instrumentation for large telescopes (MAIT and commissioning) is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts, system and subsystem level mechanical designs and parts drawings for instrument projects.
• Perform structural, kinematic, vibration, and thermal analyses through FEA and other analytical techniques.
• Develop alignment, assembly, and test plans for verification and acceptance of mechanical and opto-mechanical sub-systems.
• Develop technical specifications for procurements and source parts.
• Develop, assemble, test and characterize mechanical parts and components of instruments.
• Produce documentation for reviews, subsystem analysis and tests, and for instrument operation and maintenance manuals.
• Take ownership of requirements management, interface control, verification and validation, and product assurance oversight—from final design through deployment and commissioning.
• Work collaboratively with scientists and external research partners.

Skills

CAD design

Mechanical drawing

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

Kinematic analysis

Opto-mechanics

Mechatronics

Systems engineering

Team leadership

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Diploma in mechanical engineering or related discipline

Job description

The University of Sydney is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Specialist on a full-time, fixed-term basis at the Camperdown Campus in the School of Physics. The role focuses on mechanical engineering for complex astronomical instrumentation and leads a small engineering team across design, analysis, verification, and MAIT processes.

You will work within Astralis-USyd, collaborating with scientists, engineers and external partners to deliver precision instruments for large telescopes, with