21 Oct
Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Haymarket
- Sydney
- Applications close 11 November 2024
About the Department
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:
- Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
- Investing in science and technology
- Strengthening the resources sector.
The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work.
You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.
If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.
Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.
About the team
We are the Australian Government’s national authority on measurement. We play an important role in the Australian economy by leading, maintaining and regulating Australia’s measurement system. We deliver world-class measurement products, advice, and client services, and administer the regulatory framework for measurement. Our national measurement standards are recognised internationally, and we work to enhance and maintain these standards.
We value the different skills, knowledge, and perspectives our employees bring. We’re committed to giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate, contribute and progress. Our values and behaviours centre on being adaptable, innovative,
accountable, strategic, inclusive, and influential.
About the Physical Metrology branch
NMI’s Physical Metrology Branch provides Australia’s peak measurement standards for physical quantities. This enables measurements made in Australia to be accepted internationally, which is particularly important for trade. Our people share their expertise by providing measurement services from calibration and testing to technical advice and training. We contribute actively to international measurement forums and enhance our capabilities through research and development in line with national and international requirements.
About the Power Systems Technology team
NMI’s Power Systems Technology team operates Australia’s largest high-voltage/high-current laboratory and provides critical services to electric power utilities and to power equipment manufacturers. The team plays an exciting role in supporting Australia’s Net Zero Plan as its services are essential for the generation, storage, delivery, and use of clean energy. The services are divided into three major areas:
- high-voltage testing and calibration;
- calibration of power system voltage and current sensors;
- manufacture of customised digital and analogue measurement devices of the highest accuracy.
Key activities and capabilities of the team include:
- develops innovative technologies for power system measurements and testing. presently offers over 30 different types of regular testing and calibration,
covering a wide range of devices and measurement parameters.
- collaborates with universities, other national metrology institutes and industry in research projects to develop novel measurement techniques and systems.
- participates in the work of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Standards Australia (SA), and International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE), contributing to the development of international and Australian documentary standards in the area of power systems-related fields and taking leadership roles in a range of technical working groups.
The opportunity
We are excited to be offering a role for a scientist/electrical engineer to join our team in developing and applying world-leading systems for precision measurement in the above areas.
You will receive domain-specific training from internationally recognised experts in power system measurement and testing. This will enable you to apply the full range of your electrical engineering, scientific and practical skills to deliver real value to Australia. In due course, you will also be offered a range of opportunities such as attending internal and external training programs, attending technical conferences, both in Australia and overseas, and visiting overseas measurement institutes. This will assist you to grow into a world leading expert in one or more technical areas.
What’s in it for you?
NMI values continuous learning and is committed to supporting staff to reach their full potential. You will have the opportunity to:
- Gain experience in electrical measurement techniques at the highest level of precision.
- Build competency in electrical measurement and precision measurement equipment design including software and hardware.
- Participate in professional development activities to further your technical and research skills, including through mentoring opportunities from world-leading experts in measurement science.
- Engage with academia and the international measurement community through conferences, training courses and research collaborations.
- Develop your potential through our values and behaviours programs, selecting practical learning opportunities that meet your needs, career stage and role.
Our ideal candidate
You are an electrical engineering or physics graduate,
with a desire to apply your expertise to real-world problems for the benefit of Australia. You bring to the team:
- A work approach and behaviours aligned to NMI’s values of being inclusive, innovative, accountable, adaptable, influential, and strategic.
- A commitment to establishing and maintaining respectful and productive working relationships.
- A good understanding of electromagnetic and electrical circuit theory and applications.
- A solid foundation in scientific or engineering mathematics.
- Skills in engineering troubleshooting and developing practical and innovative solutions.
- Enthusiasm for paying close attention to critical details to produce high-quality work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The following attributes would be highly advantageous:
- A degree in electrical engineering, physics or a related discipline. A PhD or equivalent relevant experience will be highly regarded.
- Experience in developing innovative and complex automated electrical measurement systems, including development of measurement software using platforms such as LabVIEW and VBA.
- Experience in high-voltage measurement, calibration, and testing.
- Demonstrated skills and experience in relevant stakeholder engagement, such as customer services and publication of research findings in scientific conferences and journals.
Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.
What you will do
Working closely with the team to develop, operate and maintain NMI’s measurement and testing facilities and deliver measurement services to the electric power industry.
At the S&T; 6 level, you will:
- Enhance and develop domain-specific skills in the design, application, and maintenance of precision electrical measurement systems, drawing on the expert knowledge of team members.
- Provide specialised test and calibration services, completing tests and calibrations efficiently, accurately and to clients’ requirements. In time, you will take full responsibility for a specific range of electrical measurement services.
- Provide scientific and technical support for the operations of the power systems technology team, including contributing to research directions, project planning and resource management.
- Lead a small team and supervise students in developing new industry-focused measurement capabilities.
- Foster and maintain an inclusive, high performing workplace environment that rewards new ideas, sets clear expectations, and addresses concerns quickly.
- Support the team’s ISO17025 accreditation by developing and updating quality system documents, calibrating reference measurement systems, and updating calibration software packages.
- Develop leading expertise in high-voltage measurement and testing. In time, represent NMI and participate in the standard development work of Standards Australia and International Electrotechnical Commission in the area of high-voltage testing. Engage stakeholders such as NMIs in other countries, attending technical conferences and provide consultancy and training service to industry.
In addition to the above, at the S&T; 7 level, you will:
- Share your electrical engineering expertise to guide, mentor and develop less experienced staff.
- Demonstrate a high level of independence as you deliver on intended results.
- Lead a small team in complex work tasks, making critical decisions on technical challenges based on your knowledge and experience.
- Focus strategically to build organisational capability.
- Steer and implement change, manage uncertainty, and display a high level of resilience.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.
Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Notes
Are you unsure about applying? If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every requirement described, please still apply or get in touch with the contact officer to learn more about the role.
The department offers both flexible and remote work opportunities for many roles. This particular role is Sydney-based and is not suitable for remote working due to laboratory-based activities. However, flexible arrangements that meet the operational needs of the role will be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.
Additional benefits of the position include:
- 15.4% employer superannuation contribution.
- 4 weeks annual leave per year.
- 3 days additional paid leaves between Christmas and New Year.
- 18 days paid personal leave per year.
- Generous maternity and paternity leave.
- Flexible work arrangements including flexible working hours, time off in lieu and working from home arrangements.
- access to paid staff counselling services.
- $235 healthy lifestyle subsidy per year.
- access to paid professional training courses and salary packaging opportunities.
- free staff parking at the Lindfield site.
A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.
Application information
Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.
Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above.
Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).
Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact [email protected] or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.
Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.
Contact Information
For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Winston Yan on 02 8467 3807 or via email on [email protected]
▶️ Experimental Scientist / Electrical Engineer, Science & Technical 6 & 7, National Measurement Institute
🖊️ Department of Industry, Science and Resources
📍 Haymarket