Firmware Engineer SKA-Low Telescope

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land sea and waters of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View ourvision towards reconciliation.

Role highlights

• Great opportunity to shape firmware for a world-leading telescope
• Apply your embedded systems expertise to cutting-edge technology
• Join a collaborative team driving innovation in global science!

About CSIRO

As Australias national science agency CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone just like you joined us and took on the challenge.

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The opportunity

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will transform our understanding of the Universe and fundamental 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.

As a Firmware Engineer you will be part of the broader SKA-Low Computing and Software group which delivers advanced computing and technology solutions for the SKA Project. This group works on integrated control systems high-performance data processing and embedded solutions that enable the SKA-Low Telescope to operate at unprecedented scale and speed. Within your role you will contribute to the development integration and maintenance of firmware for SKA-Lows monitoring control and signal processing systems. Your work will involve building and testing FPGA firmware supporting embedded software development and collaborating with global teams to ensure robust and efficient telescope operations. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex systems in a dynamic distributed environment.

You will bring experience in firmware development and/or programming for embedded systems along with familiarity with modern development practices such as version control CI/CD and testing. Knowledge of FPGA technologies control systems and Linux environments will be highly regarded. Your ability to work collaboratively solve technical challenges and adapt to evolving project needs will be key to success.

If youre passionate about firmware engineering and excited to contribute to a globally significant science project this is a great opportunity to apply your skills and grow your career and we would love to hear from you!

Your high-level duties will include:

• Building testing integrating documenting deploying and maintaining firmware in accordance with the SKA quality framework and continuous integration processes.
• Contributing to the maintenance and operations of the SKA-Low telescope as part of a local firmware team.
• Communicating openly effectively and respectfully with all staff clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice collaboration and enhancement of SKAO and CSIROs reputation.
• Performing some non-routine analyses or technology development activities using a range of techniques often working on a number of parallel and competing tasks.
• Independently testing possible solutions to resolve identified problems.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Perth Western Australia

Salary: AU$76K AU$96K per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite; Full-time (We are open to applicants who wish to work part-time or job-share. Please indicate this in your application).

Reference: 102015

As the successful candidate you will bring:

CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to equitable employment outcomes for under-represented groups preference will be given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people women and people with a disability who meet the role criteria.

Essential

• A bachelors degree or higher in Computer Science/Engineering Mechatronics Engineering and/or equivalent demonstrated work experience in a related field.
• Experience in and knowledge of development of firmware and/or low-level C/C software for embedded systems.
• Experience in and knowledge of modern development practices including version control CI/CD testing documentation and code quality aspects.

Desirable

• Experience developing firmware and/or software in a control systems context.
• Experience in python programming.
• Familiarity with working on GNU/Linux platforms.

For full details about this role please review thePosition Description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO offering a range of options for how when and where you can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australias greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages abilities cultures faiths levels of education genders sexualities diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First Further Together Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA inclusion and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply online and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrateyour motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

1 February 2026 11:00pm AWST