Position Details

Junior Radio Frequency Technician

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised Job Title: Junior Radio Frequency Technician

Reference Number: 48770

Classification: (NON CSOF) SCT 1.1 1.4 Technical/Trade Stream
Salary Range: AU $62,216 to AU $72,205 plus superannuation and allowances
Location: Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex, Tidbinbilla, ACT
Tenure: Indefinite
Relocation assistance: Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Australian Citizens Only
Applications are open to: Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Functional Area: Electronic Systems (Maintenance & Facilities)
% Client Focus - Internal: 80%
% Client Focus - External: 20%
Reports to the: Electronic Systems Team Leader
Number of Direct Reports: 0

Role Overview:

THE ORGANISATION

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia's national
science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. We offer
excellent career development, professional support, and the opportunity to work with science leaders.
CSIRO's purpose is to deliver great science and innovative solutions for industry, society and the
environment by igniting the creative spirit of our people. For more information on CSIRO, please visit:
http://www.csiro.au

THE DIVISION

The CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS) division provides facilities for scientists from Australia
and around the world to explore our solar system and beyond. These facilities include the Australian
Telescope National Facility (ATNF), which supports radio astronomy by operating radio telescopes at
three observatories across NSW and the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC). For
more information on CASS, please visit: http://www.csiro.au/org/CASS.html

CDSCC

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) supports ground-based spacecraft
telecommunications as part of the international National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) Deep
Space Network (DSN), under contractual arrangements between the NASA and Commonwealth
Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). For more information on CDSCC, please visit:
http://www.cdscc.nasa.gov

The Maintenance Facilities Section (MF) provides the technical expertise and engineering management
services required to operate and maintain the wide range of technologies used in the radio antenna's
and support infrastructure located at CDSCC. Maintenance & Facilities may also undertake engineering
development work in support of new capabilities.

The Electronic Systems (ES) Team is responsible for installation, maintenance and testing of radio
frequency (RF), microwave, command and monitor and control equipment. This equipment includes
high power transmitters, receiver, exciter frequency and timing systems, cryogenic systems as well as
associated cabling and support systems. Within Electronic systems, electronic services provides unique
and specialised electronics repair skill sets to service, maintain and repair site and system equipment to
the lowest replaceable element.

BASIC FUNCTION

This position is part of the Radio Frequency/Microwave/Closed Cycle Refrigeration (RF/UWV/CCR)

sub-group within the Electronics Systems team and works under routine to broad supervision and
guidance in performing their duties. The RF Technician provides technical support of radio frequency
systems including microwave, transmitter receiver, exciter frequency and timing systems.

The RF Technician has varying levels of responsibilities, determined in consultation with the Electronic
Systems Team Leader and the Maintenance & Facilities Manager, across these areas:

Maintenance and installation activities

Project maintenance, configuration management and technical planning.

Duties and Key Result Areas:

MAINTENANCE AND INSTALLATION ACTIVITIES

Perform maintenance and installation activities, to JPL or manufacturers specifications, including:
Commissioning, upgrading, testing, calibration and repair of equipment and subsystems associate
with Electronics Systems Group;
Complete planned maintenance work orders as generated by Maximo maintenance routine;
Installation of new and upgraded operational software
Operational software programme maintenance and system administration in a secure networked
computer environment
Transfer hardware and software to Operations for use.
Respond to faults, complaints, audits, investigations and incident reports
Assist or provide necessary training to Operations staff in new hardware/software upgrades
Facilitate, assist or advise in the development of local solutions.
Provide support to the maintenance of electronic equipment in other flight support areas
Provide out of hours emergency support via telephone analysis where possible and attend onsite for
diagnostics and repairs where necessary
Liaise with internal and external customers, including local, CSIRO, JPL and ITT personnel. Work co-
operatively with these same organisations to converge on solutions to problems or deficiencies.
Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, on technical and non-technical matters at Team
and individual levels across the Complex.
Utilise UNIX and Windows based tools in support of these systems.
Identify potential Complex spares issues and if necessary determine suitable replacement parts and
 locate source of supply

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL PLANNING

Provide support in Electronic Systems project management of specific tasks including:
Supervising contract staff on site on specific project tasks
Provide support for configuration management within the Electronic Systems group including:
o Assist and advise in the management of system drawings and schematics to reflect as-
installed configurations
o Maintain appropriate recordkeeping and other tools for version control of
hardware/software in use in the systems.
Assist in maintenance and technical planning within the Electronic Services group including:
o Participate in design JPL and downtime readiness reviews;
o Participate in and provide support for system performance testing, data capture and
analysis to assist with JPL development work and anomaly resolution
o Provide local support and facilitate the coordination, implementation and testing of JPL
engineered solutions
Technology assessment and practical evaluation, contributing to specification preparation for future
enhancements and planning for future upgrades
Use Reliability Centre Maintenance (RCM) and Computerised Maintenance and Management
System (CMMS) based tools to maintain and improve where possible maintenance efficiencies and
reliability of systems.
Participate in planning meetings.

Security Clearance
As this site works directly with NASA, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an International
Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) clearance.
In order to perform the duties of the position, you will need to have access to information provided
under technical assistance agreements between CSIRO and United States agencies and organisations. If
you are a national or citizen of a country other than Australia, it may be necessary to obtain the specific
approval of US government agencies to access the information in order to perform the duties. This
approval may also be required if you are assessed as having substantive contacts with countries
specified in the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) that pose a risk of diversion of the
information to those countries.

Information on ITAR can be found at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html

Working Relationships:

External:
CSIRO regular
JPL indirect and regular
Harris direct and regular
NASA indirect and intermittent
MDSCC and GDSCC - indirect and intermittent

Internal:
Electronics Systems Team Leader direct supervisor day to day
M&F Manager - periodically
M&F Section day to day
Operations day to day
Selection Criteria:

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
As this site works directly with NASA, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an International
Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) clearance.
1. Education/Qualifications: Diploma in Electronics & Communications or equivalent experience.
2. Other Certifications: A Current ACT Drivers License is required. Also the incumbent of this position
will be required to either hold or be willing to undertake the following certifications: Elevated Work
Platform; Working at Heights and Confined Spaces Training, OH&S White Card
3. Communication: Ability to communicate in a fluent and courteous manner, both orally and in
writing, offering factual information supported by proven data, and providing appropriate feedback
when required.
4. Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative
environment.
5. Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously,
and carry out non-routine tasks under technical direction from Senior Technical/Research staff.
6. Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate routine problems by identifying and considering the
implications of a range of available alternative solutions.

Essential Criteria:
1. Minimum one years experience in repair, maintenance, installation of electronics equipment.
2. Experience in the use of Radio Frequency measurement equipment
3. Ability to read and understand complex electronic schematics
4. The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team and carry out
tasks under general direction from Senior Staff.

Desirable Criteria:
1. Able to work (under routine) supervision
2. Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with wide range of hand and electrical tools
3. Experience in system performance and integration testing of electronic equipment
4. Familiarity with visual programming languages for data acquisition and instrument control
5. Familiarity with satellite communication receiver systems including low noise amplifiers, frequency
conversion, IF distribution and telemetry data processing
Other special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able to work at heights and within confined
spaces.

CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values
of:
Integrity of Excellent Science
Trust & Respect
Creative Spirit
Delivering on Commitments
Health, Safety & Sustainability
Other Information:

How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. You may be asked to provide additional
information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your
application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide
the information when requested may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you.
Outside business hours please email: careers.online@csiro.au.
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or
academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Marina Ford Marina.ford@csiro.au 0418 189 271
Please do not email your application directly to Marina Ford. Applications received via this method will
not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas,
technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments,
industries, business and communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.
The CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS) division provides facilities for scientists from Australia
and around the world to explore our solar system and beyond. These facilities include the Australian
Telescope National Facility (ATNF), which supports radio astronomy by operating radio telescopes at
three observatories across NSW and the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC). For
more information on CASS, please visit: http://www.csiro.au/org/CASS.html