The Product Engineer will join a dedicated Product Delivery Team (PDT) focused on the delivery of the Field Node for the SKA-Low Telescope. The Product Engineer will act as design authority, working alongside the Project Manager, the AIV team and Contractors towards the delivery of a Field Node system and subsystems compliant with SKAO requirements and standards.

This role will be known internally as Field Node Engineer and will report to the Domain Specialist Team Lead.

This role will be based at the SKAO’s office in Perth, Western Australia, and will require regular travel and interaction with colleagues in the UK.

SKAO is committed to providing a flexible working environment with this role being offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. We encourage open conversations during the interview and application process in relation to any specific requirements.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Act as Design Authority for the Field Node which includes the Low Telescope Antenna and the Power and Signal Distribution (PaSD) subsystems.
• Provide technical leadership in the area of product engineering, working in collaboration with all engineering (including operations and quality assurance), scientific and programme disciplines across the SKAO and providing technical guidance and advice on all phases of the product lifecycle.
• Manage contractors and suppliers in collaboration with the project managers towards the delivery of technically compliant products and meeting safety, quality and efficiency standards. Responsibilities are, but not limited to:
  • Review and recommend changes to product design to ensure compliance with requirements, ICDs and standards.
  • Conduct technical reviews and identify process and product improvements.
  • Represent the SKAO Engineering Office in subsystem integration and verification over the lifecycle of the product (including industrialisation and production phase).
  • Work closely with the contractors on all aspects of the production process.
  • Work closely with the AIV team at the SKAO Integration and Test Facility in Geraldton.
• Support the SKA-Low Telescope Domain Specialist in performance analysis of the SKA-Low Telescope.
• Travel nationally on a regular basis to Geraldton and internationally as required (typically 1-2 times per year).
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Line Manager, the Head of Engineering or the Senior Management Team.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Degree in Electronic or Telecommunication Engineering or another closely related and relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in design, integration and verification of complex RF electronic circuitry and components:
  • Comfortable with manipulating schematics and defining/reviewing required layout and models.
  • Experience in modelling or circuitry simulations.
• Experience in high-volume production and design for large-scale manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of quality, cost and schedule impacts.
• Experience in procurement and suppliers/contracts management.
• Familiarity with major quality reviews, as well as qualification and acceptance procedures and reporting.
• Familiarity with system engineering principles for deriving and verifying requirements, and maintaining interfaces.
• Influencing skills to ensure delivery of joined up solutions, working effectively with engineers and scientists in a multi-cultural environment.
• Be a flexible team player who is adaptable to change.
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of NEC forms of contract.
• Experience of on-site deployment of product.
• Familiarity with Australian standards for electronics.
• Familiarity with telescopes based on radio interferometry.
• Membership of recognised national or international engineering institutes.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.