Senior Mechanical Engineer at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

• Salary Package: from $115,030 to $127,995 per annum (HEW Level 8), plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full-time, 3 years fixed-term
• Location: Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde 

The Role

Australian Astronomical Optics – Macquarie (AAO-MQ) is seeking a qualified Senior Mechanical Engineer who can take a lead role in advancing the opto-mechanical design component of a significant instrument contract recently signed between Macquarie University and the US.

The successful candidate will contribute technical leadership for this exciting project in addition to providing expertise and advice working on a number of other innovative instrumentation projects. 

Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, you will: 

• Lead the opto-mechanical engineering design and delivery of projects, write fabrication and test plans, and oversee mechanical item assembly to prepare for the end-of-year design review.
• Provide mentoring, advice, and guidance to other engineers in the team, and work collaboratively with other AAO teams to resolve engineering and technical challenges.
• Develop, analyse, and manage specific concepts, systems and project subsystems and ensure delivery to agreed project timelines. 

About You

You will have completed a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or in a closely related discipline. You will have deep and broad experience as a specialist technical Mechanical Engineer with excellent skills in opto-mechanical modelling, analysis and CAD design as well as mechanical drawing and the full production lifecycle from manufacture, assembly integration and test through to commissioning and client handover.  You will have a passion in analysis for precision mechanical engineering and an enthusiasm for ensuring high quality product and design documentation.

You will be experienced in opto-mechanics for scientific or technical instrumentation or very closely related fields.  Experience working on telescopes, in vacuum and cryogenic instrumentation, FEA, thermal and vibration analysis and management and working knowledge of Zemax optical analysis all highly valued. You are an excellent communicator with a proactive nature, flexible and you enjoy working individually or working as part of a larger team. 

About Us

Over many decades, AAO has established an enviable reputation for its precision engineering capability and expertise within astronomy instrumentation across optical, mechanical and electronic precision engineering. We are excited to take a significant role in leading and growing Australia’s strength in astronomical instrumentation, partnering with the Australian National University and the University of Sydney under the banner of Astralis Instrumentation Consortium. 

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please click the ‘Apply’ button above to submit your CV and a separate cover letter that clearly demonstrates how you meet the following selection criteria: 

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in mechanical engineering and extensive experience working in the specialised discipline
• Knowledge of and/or training in systems engineering practises for technical projects
• At least 5 years’ experience developing technology for high precision instrumentation
• Experience in cryo-vacuum systems
• Experience in geometric design using CAD software, production of parts drawings for manufacture of mechanical components. 
• Experience in structural, kinematic, vibration, and/or thermal analyses through FEA and other analytical techniques.
• Experience in assembly and test of mechanical parts and components.  

Role Enquiries: Helen McGregor, Mechanical Engineering Manager at helen.mcgregor@mq.edu.au