Technical Officer (Tip-Tilt & Thermal Systems) - TOLIMAN Space Mission

• 0.6 FTE (21 hours per week) Part time fixed term for 12 months based at Camperdown Campus

• gain hands-on experience working on a cutting-edge space mission alongside leading engineers and researchers

• Base Salary $107,312 - $115,686 (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The TOLIMAN Space Telescope is an ambitious international space mission led by the University of Sydney, designed to search for planets orbiting Alpha Centauri, our nearest neighbouring star system.

The mission combines cutting-edge optics, precision mechatronics, advanced electronics, spacecraft engineering, and data science to achieve astrometric measurements at unprecedented levels of precision. To accomplish this, a unique optical system has been developed that uses a diffractive mask to imprint a highly stable optical ruler onto the telescope image, enabling the detection of minute stellar motions caused by orbiting planets.

To make this measurement possible, several novel and highly precise engineering systems are being developed, including advanced fine-pointing mechanisms, thermal control systems, precision electronics, and specialised flight instrumentation.

The mission is progressing rapidly toward spacecraft integration and testing ahead of its planned 2027–28 launch window, and an exciting opportunity exists to join the engineering team during this critical phase of development.

Your key responsibilities are to are to support the design, development, build, documentation and testing of key mission hardware including:

• the TOLIMAN tip-tilt fine pointing mechanism and associated electronics

• assisting with mission payload thermal control and monitoring electronics

• supporting prototype and flight model engineering hardware development

• developing and maintaining laboratory test setups and supporting infrastructure

• collaborating closely with experienced team members including the mission chief engineer and electronics lead

• contributing to subsystem development and validation under guidance

About you

• currently an advanced undergraduate, final-year student, master’s student, or early-career engineer/technician

• strong hands-on experience in electronics including circuit design, assembly, and testing

• experience working with mechatronic systems and mechanical prototyping/assembly

• demonstrated experience with PCB schematic design and layout

• experience working in laboratory or experimental environments

• ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment

• ability to rapidly prototype and validate mechatronics concepts

• strong problem-solving skills and practical engineering judgement

• ability to quickly understand complex systems with minimal supervision

• strong documentation and communication skills

• commitment to safe laboratory practices and engineering procedures

Desirable experience:

• embedded systems development (C/C++)

• firmware development and debugging

• modelling, simulation, and data analysis using Python and/or MATLAB

• experience with thermistor sensors, piezoelectric actuators, infrared cameras, or precision sensors

• familiarity with closed-loop control systems

• experience with sensor characterisation and calibration

• familiarity with laboratory instrumentation including oscilloscopes, DAQ systems, and power supplies

• competence in fine-pitch soldering and PCB/PCA rework

• experience with precision mechanisms or opto-mechanical systems

• exposure to thermal control systems or thermal engineering hardware

• experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Inventor

• familiarity with Git or version control systems

• experience with Altium Designer or equivalent

• exposure to space, aerospace, scientific instrumentation, or high-reliability environments

Work Rights
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 19 July 2026 11:59 PM