Technical Facilities Manager - SKA-Low Telescope

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will transform our understanding of the Universe and fundamental physics. In Australia, SKAO is partnering with CSIRO to construct and operate the SKA-Low telescope on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote Western Australia, supported by teams in Geraldton and Perth.

The Technical Facilities Manager plays a key role in ensuring the reliable operation of the SKA-Low telescope’s specialised infrastructure across the newly constructed Central Processing Facility (CPF), Remote Processing Facilities (RPF), and Central Power Station (CPS). These facilities house the core signal‑processing, control, monitoring and support systems for SKA‑Low. They contain major equipment including the power, cooling and other infrastructure needed to run the processing systems. The role will support handover of the facilities for operational readiness and into ongoing operations. 

In this role, you will lead a skilled buildings team, including electricians and HVAC Technicians while planning and overseeing maintenance across critical infrastructure including high and low voltage electrical systems, advanced cooling systems for data processing equipment, HVAC, fire detection and suppression systems, and facility assets. Working closely with contractors and in-house trades, you will coordinate and supervise maintenance activities to ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest technical and operational standards.

Your work will directly support the performance and uptime of the infrastructure that underpins the world’s largest low-frequency radio astronomy observatory.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee planned and reactive maintenance of critical facility systems and building services.
• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance schedules and work programs for facility assets.
• Monitor system performance, assist with fault diagnosis, and coordinate corrective actions to ensure operational continuity.
• Engage, supervise, and coordinate in-house tradespeople and external contractors performing maintenance, upgrades, or inspections.
• Direct and coordinate the completion of complex technical projects and undertake development, implementation or standardisation of procedures and techniques

For more information and to apply, click here: Technical Facilities Manager - SKA-Low Telescope