Technical Operations Officer

• Diverse, hands-on work where every day brings a new technical challenge
• Exposure to advanced scientific equipment and emerging technologies
• Opportunity to work alongside leading researchers and support innovative research projects

Join the Technical Operations team at the University of Newcastle and play a key role in supporting world-class teaching and research. As a Technical Operations Officer, you will provide hands-on technical support for scientific equipment and instrumentation used across laboratories and research environments.

Working closely with researchers, students and technical staff, you will coordinate the repair, maintenance and modification of specialised equipment while supporting the operational systems that keep laboratories and workshops running effectively.

This is a highly practical role combining technical troubleshooting with operational coordination. From maintaining specialised instrumentation to managing asset records and coordinating service contracts, you will help ensure facilities operate safely, efficiently and at the cutting edge of research.

The role

• Providing repair, maintenance, design and modification of specialised scientific equipment and instrumentation
• Acting as the first point of contact for equipment issues and coordinating external repairs and servicing where required
• Contributing to the design, construction and modification of specialised equipment in line with relevant Australian standards
• Coordinating service and maintenance requests and prioritising work based on operational needs
• Managing asset records and assisting with preventative maintenance schedules using the Maximo asset management system
• Supporting specialised purchasing and procurement activities for equipment, parts and services
• Preparing procurement plans relating to acquisition, maintenance and lifecycle management of equipment
• Arranging and managing service contracts and liaising with suppliers and external service providers
• Maintaining equipment registers and supporting compliance reporting to Assurance Services
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of technical operations, workshop services and asset management processes

About the team

You will be part of the Technical Operations team, working under the leadership of the Operations Manager and collaborating with a wide range of researchers, academics and technical specialists. The team plays a vital role in enabling research projects and supporting laboratory operations across the University’s campuses.

About you

You are a practical and solutions-focused technical professional with a demonstrated background and qualifications in an electronics or electrical field. . With proven experience maintaining and repairing scientific equipment or specialised instrumentation, you bring strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills and enjoy diagnosing issues and keeping complex equipment operating at its best. You are comfortable coordinating servicing and repairs with technical contractors and work effectively with researchers, students and technical staff to support teaching and research activities.

This continuing position is full time/ at a HEW 6 Higher Education Worker Level and is based at Callaghan

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this range for this position is $93,929 - $103641 + superannuation and is commensurate with experience
• 35 hour week
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Jason Nolan, Technical Operations Advisor (02) 4921 6760 or via email Jason.Nolan@newcastle.edu.au

 Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Tuesday 7th April 2026 11:59pm AEST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

 Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you