Technical Officer

• Work in modern, well-equipped workshop facilities supporting real-world projects
• Play a hands-on role in shaping industry-ready graduates
• Be part of a supportive and highly skilled technical team

Are you a hands-on technical specialist who thrives in a dynamic workshop environment? Do you enjoy working with cutting-edge equipment while supporting the next generation of engineers, designers and innovators?

The College of Engineering, Science and Environment brings together leading expertise to deliver innovative education and transformative research. Our programs are designed to reflect industry best practice, ensuring our graduates are adaptable, creative and ready to make a difference.

We are seeking a Technical Officer to play a key role in delivering high-quality teaching and research support across our prototyping and student workshop spaces. This is a unique opportunity to combine your technical expertise with mentoring, problem-solving and innovation in a collaborative academic environment.

The role

In this role, you will be at the heart of our workshop operations—ensuring facilities run smoothly, safely and effectively to support teaching and research outcomes. You will:

• Provide high-level technical support across prototyping and student workshops
• Operate, maintain and repair equipment including CNC machines, cutting tools and specialised machinery
• Assist in the planning and delivery of workshop activities and laboratory practicals, including troubleshooting and risk assessment
• Support undergraduate, honours and postgraduate students, building capability in a supervised environment
• Contribute to the design, construction and modification of specialised equipment for teaching and research
• Help coordinate workshop operations, prioritising tasks and ensuring compliance with work health and safety requirements
• Collaborate with academic staff and stakeholders to deliver projects on time and to a high standard
• Maintain equipment, manage inventory and support asset lifecycle activities

This continuing position is full time at a HEW6 Higher Education Worker level and is based at Callaghan

What you’ll bring

• Demonstrated experience working in a technical workshop, prototyping lab or similar environment
• Strong working knowledge of machinery, fabrication tools and equipment maintenance
• The ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• A commitment to safe work practices and regulatory compliance
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to train and support students and staff
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work across diverse teams

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 2025-2030 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: 

• An FTE equivalent remuneration of $93,929 - $103641+ superannuation and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 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 below demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Completion of a trade qualification in fitting and machining with CNC machining experience and / or extensive relevant experience as a technician; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and / or education / training.
2. Demonstrated highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with and support a broad range of stakeholders including students and staff from diverse backgrounds and skillsets ensuring a positive, inclusive experience for all stakeholders. 
3. Demonstrated experience in leading or supervising a team of skilled personnel.
4. Demonstrated high level experience in the knowledge and application of relevant WHS practices related to workshop environments including risk management strategies to ensure staff and student needs are met.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and the ability to work effectively in a team to achieve goals in complex and specialised environments. 
6. Demonstrated organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to meet competing deadlines.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of workplace obligations to, and experience in leading and cultivating workplace practices and behaviours that promote, support and maintain a safe, healthy, equitable, diverse and respectful workplace; including responding appropriately to adverse accidents, incidents, behaviours, issues, reports and the like.

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 Michelle Hutton, Senior Technical Officer via email Michelle.Hutton@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Tuesday 19th May 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!

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