The Opportunity
Due to growth, the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at UNSW is seeking a motivated Technical Officer / Senior Technical Officer with strong practical engineering capability, a commitment to safe and efficient laboratory operations, and the ability to support both teaching and research. We’re looking for someone who is proactive, collaborative and confident working with specialised equipment, able to translate technical requirements into practical solutions, and comfortable engaging with students, academics and technical colleagues.
A key focus of the position is supporting our aerospace teaching and research facilities, including the operation and maintenance of our flight simulator and our aerodynamics laboratory with its four wind tunnels and specialised experimental rigs. In this environment you will work closely with academics, researchers and undergraduate students to design, build and refine experimental setups while maintaining high standards of safety, reliability and performance.
You will also contribute to the day‑to‑day operation of the School’s broader laboratory environment, working with the Technical Team to manage equipment, coordinate user training, maintain safe work practices and support continuous improvement. This includes overseeing the safe operation and maintenance of laboratory materials and equipment and assisting staff and students in the design and construction of experimental apparatus across our teaching and research facilities.
This role is part of an established team of 12 technical staff who work together to support the School’s teaching and research laboratories. The role reports to the Laboratory Manager and has no direct reports.
- Salary Level 6/7:
- Level 6 - $103,866 to $110,801 per annum + 17% superannuation
- Level 7 - $113,926 to $123,301 per annum + 17% superannuation
- Full time
- Continuous (Permanent)
- Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
- Onsite role
About Us
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged, and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is internationally recognised for its excellence in research and teaching. Our mission is to nurture students to become industry leaders who will generate societal, economic, and environmental benefits. The School is one of the largest and most prestigious in Australia, known for its thriving research programs and contributions to educational excellence in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics, and Mechatronic Engineering. Our QS ranking for 2025 is #46 globally and the highest in Australia. For further information on our school, go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/mechanical-and-manufacturing-engineering
Skills and Experience
Level 6
- A relevant qualification with subsequent practical experience and/or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training or experience. A trade qualification in Engineering (fitting and machining Certificate III or IV) is highly desirable.
- Experience in CAD drawings using software such as Solidworks or equivalent is highly desirable.
- Proficient computing skills including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
- Demonstrated experience implementing safety systems and initiatives, including training students and/or staff in safe working practices in a complex laboratory environment.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with a focus on understanding business requirements and being able to translate this into technical concepts and written technical documentation.
- Capability to manage purchasing of chemicals, equipment and other materials in compliance with statutory and University requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines and the demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a wider technical team for the benefit of the School.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
Level 7 (in addition to the above)
- Extensive experience managing complex laboratory or workshop equipment used in the MME Laboratories.
- Knowledge and experience in at least one or more areas of the following areas of mechanical or manufacturing engineering: mechatronics, engines, combustion, aerodynamics, vibration, fluids, lasers, refrigeration, energy systems, composite materials, manufacturing or advanced materials.
- Extensive knowledge of hazardous materials and dangerous goods (HMDG) and their safe management.
- Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, purchasing and assets or design/implementation of systems for teaching laboratories or research groups or equivalent.
- High level analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to investigate and make informed decisions regarding complex issues.
- Experience driving a culture of continuous improvement, providing recommendations for new methodologies and solutions to improve laboratory systems and procedures.
- Proven experience developing and implementing safety systems in a laboratory context.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.
Benefits and Culture
People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:
- 17% Superannuation and leave loading
- A supportive, flexible, and inclusive culture that values wellbeing and diversity
- Generous leave entitlements, including an additional 3 paid days off over end of year holiday period.
- Access to Fitness Passport, giving you and your family discounted access to hundreds of gyms, pools and fitness facilities
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
- Career development opportunities, including access to leadership and professional learning programs
More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.
Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: -
- National and International Criminal history checks
- Entitlement to work and ID checks
- Working With Children Checks
- Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
- Verification of relevant qualifications
- Verification of relevant professional membership
- Employment history and reference checks
- Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
- Medical Checks and Assessments
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
To Apply:
Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.
Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington.
Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Contact:
For role-specific inquiries, please contact Joshua Brandt (Laboratory Manager)
E: joshua.brandt@unsw.edu.au
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)
E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 22 March 2026
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
