Systems Engineering Manager
Acknowledgement of Country
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Director of CDSCC and as part of the CDSCC Management Team, the Systems Engineering Manager plays a key role in a multidisciplinary environment supporting critical space communications. This role involves close collaboration with staff, customers, and stakeholders at both operational and executive levels.
Working under limited direction, the Systems Engineering Manager provides high-level advice on complex engineering and ICT issues—both on-site and across the Deep Space Network (DSN). The role requires deep technical expertise to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Leading both the Engineering and ICT teams, the manager is responsible for critical decisions regarding site systems, ensuring alignment with DSN standards and CSIRO/CDSCC policies and procedures.
Flexibility is essential, with some meetings required outside standard hours to align with our international partner, JPL/NASA.
Your duties will include:
- Lead the Systems Engineering Group, including Engineering, ICT, and Cyber Security functions, setting strategic direction and project goals.
- Provide technical leadership, guidance, and oversight across engineering and ICT operations, ensuring compliance with DSN and JPL/NASA standards.
- Represent the team within CDSCC senior management, contributing to operational planning, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
- Oversee the delivery and maintenance of DSN projects and upgrades, ensuring systems meet required performance benchmarks.
- Ensure regulatory compliance for airspace exclusion zones, radiation safety, and spectrum management activities.
- Manage the group’s budget and drive continuous improvement through change management and cross-team collaboration.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace in line with CSIRO’s Code of Conduct and HSE policies.
Location: Tidbinbilla – Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, ACT
Salary: AU$152,055 – AU$168,238pa (pro-rata for part-time) + up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite - Position will also be considered as part-time (minimum 0.9 FTE) or 1.0 FTE with a compressed 9-day fortnight arrangement
Reference: 99905
To be considered you will need:
Essential
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
- Tertiary qualifications in Engineering and/or Information Technology.
- Proven experience in systems engineering or ICT management, with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
- Strong team leadership skills, with a focus on collaboration, trust-building, and fostering skill development.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver innovative solutions, manage projects, and lead change initiatives.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day operations.
- Commitment to and experience in maintaining safe work practices.
Desirable:
- Understanding of spacecraft radiocommunications technologies and operations.
- Experience in IT and Cyber Security technologies and protocols.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and technical requirements in spectrum management, airspace regulation, and radiation safety.
For full details about this role please review the Position Description
Eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, or Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
Flexible working arrangements
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.
Diversity and inclusion
We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.
About CSIRO
At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.
CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.
Join us and start creating tomorrow today!
How to apply
Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.
Shortlisting for this role may take place as applications are received. Please consider applying as soon as possible.
Applications close
18th May 2025, 11:00pm AEST
Acknowledgement of Country
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Director of CDSCC and as part of the CDSCC Management Team, the Systems Engineering Manager plays a key role in a multidisciplinary environment supporting critical space communications. This role involves close collaboration with staff, customers, and stakeholders at both operational and executive levels.
Working under limited direction, the Systems Engineering Manager provides high-level advice on complex engineering and ICT issues—both on-site and across the Deep Space Network (DSN). The role requires deep technical expertise to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Leading both the Engineering and ICT teams, the manager is responsible for critical decisions regarding site systems, ensuring alignment with DSN standards and CSIRO/CDSCC policies and procedures.
Flexibility is essential, with some meetings required outside standard hours to align with our international partner, JPL/NASA.
Your duties will include:
- Lead the Systems Engineering Group, including Engineering, ICT, and Cyber Security functions, setting strategic direction and project goals.
- Provide technical leadership, guidance, and oversight across engineering and ICT operations, ensuring compliance with DSN and JPL/NASA standards.
- Represent the team within CDSCC senior management, contributing to operational planning, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
- Oversee the delivery and maintenance of DSN projects and upgrades, ensuring systems meet required performance benchmarks.
- Ensure regulatory compliance for airspace exclusion zones, radiation safety, and spectrum management activities.
- Manage the group’s budget and drive continuous improvement through change management and cross-team collaboration.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace in line with CSIRO’s Code of Conduct and HSE policies.
Location: Tidbinbilla – Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, ACT
Salary: AU$152,055 – AU$168,238pa (pro-rata for part-time) + up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite - Position will also be considered as part-time (minimum 0.9 FTE) or 1.0 FTE with a compressed 9-day fortnight arrangement
Reference: 99905
To be considered you will need:
Essential
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
- Tertiary qualifications in Engineering and/or Information Technology.
- Proven experience in systems engineering or ICT management, with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
- Strong team leadership skills, with a focus on collaboration, trust-building, and fostering skill development.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver innovative solutions, manage projects, and lead change initiatives.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day operations.
- Commitment to and experience in maintaining safe work practices.
Desirable:
- Understanding of spacecraft radiocommunications technologies and operations.
- Experience in IT and Cyber Security technologies and protocols.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and technical requirements in spectrum management, airspace regulation, and radiation safety.
For full details about this role please review the Position Description
Eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, or Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
Flexible working arrangements
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.
Diversity and inclusion
We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.
About CSIRO
At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.
CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.
Join us and start creating tomorrow today!
How to apply
Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.
Shortlisting for this role may take place as applications are received. Please consider applying as soon as possible.
Applications close
18th May 2025, 11:00pm AEST
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