As an Electronics Engineer you will install, commission, maintain, calibrate and modify electronic instruments and systems for the collection, reduction and analysis of data. You will have good hardware and software skills. You will be technically resourceful and be able to operate with minimal supervision. You will also produce regular, comprehensive reports on the status of observatory equipment.

The role is largely supportive in that you will apply professional engineering knowledge and skills to the investigation and monitoring aspects of the research program. It principally supports the atmospheric and glaciological science activities of the Antarctic Climate Program but also assists the activities of the broader science program at Davis. The role will involve working closely with scientists at the station and in Australia.

A training period of approximately 2 months precedes your deployment to Davis station. You may also be required to assist with replacement orders from the station, preparation of technical equipment and documentation in support of research projects and general duties (including packing of equipment, inventory maintenance and general clerical assistance). During your training at Kingston, you will attend courses specific to your duties in Antarctica. Training commitments are such that you must be available to start on the advertised commencement date and will be expected to take only one week of pre-departure leave before travelling to Antarctica. The period away from Australia will generally be around 12–15 months depending upon transport schedules and work programs. This spans the winter period, where you will be the sole electronics engineer, and the ‘summer’ seasons before and after, used for on-site training, maintenance activities and handover of expertise.

On returning to Australia, you will participate in a comprehensive debrief at the AAD lasting approximately one week. The Electronics Engineer is a winter job only at Davis station.

The Australian Antarctic Program’s (AAP) vision is to ensure Antarctica is valued, protected and understood. Working with the AAP provides a unique opportunity to experience Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, while supporting world-leading science.

The AAP aims to support expeditioner growth, professionally and personally, with a focus on wellbeing. We strive to employ versatile, proactive and community minded people. Expeditioners will need to contribute to a small team and be resilient as they face the challenges of living in an isolated environment.

For more detailed information about the requirements of the role and the selection process, please see the job description document and link to more information on the application process below.

Employment conditions

• The annual base salary when in Australia starts from $94,838 per annum.
• Base salary + additional allowances when in Antarctica starts from $160,179 per annum.
• A generous employer superannuation contribution of up to 15.4% will be paid in addition to salary and allowances.
• You will accrue recreation leave at the equivalent of 20 days per annum pro rata. Please note that recreation leave is not available in Antarctica, but will be paid out on return to Australia.

Eligibility

In accordance with the PS Act 1999, APS employees are required to be Australian citizens. Persons who are not Australian citizens will generally only be considered where there are no suitable Australian applicants, with next considerations being Australian residents with work rights and New Zealand citizens

To apply for this role you must have the skills and licences listed below:

Qualifications/licences (provide copies in your application):

• An Engineering degree majoring in electronics from an Australian University, or qualification of equivalent standard from an Australian or overseas university that is consistent with eligibility for graduate membership to the Institution of Engineers Australia.
• A current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence.
• Valid passport when travelling to the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic. The expiry date of the passport (and any relevant visa) must be at least 6 months beyond the planned end date of your intended stay in the Antarctic or sub-antarctic
• A current statement of attainment in the following units of first aid, or the ability to attain prior to commencement:
  • Provide First Aid (HLTAID0011) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of AAD commencement.
  • Provide CPR (HLTAID009) must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of AAD commencement.

Recent relevant experience:

• Detailed design, implementation and testing of analogue and digital electronic circuits and systems (including microcontroller based systems).
• Ability to be resourceful and innovative in technical aspects of the work including the ability to fault find and calibrate modern electronic instrumentation. Have the ability to repair electronic equipment at a component level (demonstrated experience of such when operating with limited resources is desirable).

Contact

For general enquiries, please email the Hays Expeditioner Recruitment Team at antarctica@hays.com.au.

For job specific (technical or trade related) enquiries, or to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Damian Murphy at damian.murphy@aad.gov.au.

Applications will not be accepted via email.

How to apply

1. Read about the application process and life as an expeditioner. This is an overview of the recruitment and selection process.
2. Review the job description. This describes the job and specifies essential qualifications and experience. It also tells you what documents you need to attach to your application.
3. Have your documents ready to attach (e.g., licences, qualifications and current CV/résumé). You must include these to be considered for the job.
4. When you have completed steps 1 to 3 above, click ‘Apply Now’✱ to start your application. Applications will not be accepted via email.