Senior Engineer (Firmware and Embedded)

• Contribute to the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project one of the worlds largest science endeavours.
• Join a cutting-edge research group developing advanced photonic systems for astronomy and space science.
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 2 years.
• Base salary range: $104243 $115661 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) is a joint venture between Curtin University and The University of Western Australia (UWA) established in 2009 and funded through 2030 with $65 million from the WA State Government. ICRAR is a leading institution in radio astronomy and a key Australian contributor to the global SKA project. The Astrophotonics Group within ICRAR develops advanced photonic systems for radio and optical astronomy with a focus on long-distance transfer of stabilised frequency and timing signals via optical fibre and free-space laser links.

About the opportunity

• Lead firmware development for a high-performance optical fibre-based frequency distribution system (FRQ).
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers scientists and external partners.
• Work on embedded systems and FPGA integration for real-world deployment in astronomical infrastructure.

About you

• Tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering Embedded Systems Computer Science Computer Engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience in firmware development using C/C TCL and assembly.
• Skilled in Microchip tools (MPLAB X IDE XC compilers) and embedded debugging.
• Proficient in FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog) and real-time systems (RTOS baremetal).
• Strong documentation and version control practices (e.g. Git).

Position description: PD - Senior Engineer (Firmware and Embedded) (521719).pdf

To learn more about this opportunity please contact Mike Kriele at

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday 30 November 2025

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record vibrant campus and working environments there is no better time to join Western Australias top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds the LGBTIQA community and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively please contact the Talent team at with details of your query. To enable a quick response please include the 6-digit job reference number.