Senior Technical Officer - Advanced Prototyping Facility

• Partner with leading researchers, students, and industry innovators.
• Work at the frontier of design and prototyping with trailblazing technologies.
• Every project is different, from supporting student learning to solving complex research challenges

Are you passionate about design, prototyping, and solving complex technical challenges? The University of Newcastle is seeking a Senior Technical Officer to lead operations in our new Advanced Prototyping Facility (APF) – a state-of-the-art workshop that supports research, teaching, and industry collaboration through innovation and bespoke solutions.

The role

The APF is a hub for design, innovation, and creation – equipped with cutting-edge tools including 3D printing, fibre laser and waterjet cutting, PCB manufacture, and 3D scanning. As Senior Technical Officer, you’ll oversee the safe, efficient, and creative use of the facility, enabling students, researchers, and industry partners to design, produce, and test prototypes that drive forward new technologies and ideas.

You’ll report directly to the College Operations Manager, work closely with the Deputy Director of NIER, and collaborate with other College workshops such as the Modern Manufacturing Workshop, ABE Workshop, and Prototyping Facility.

What you’ll do:

• Coordinate and schedule prototyping jobs with students, academics, and industry partners.
• Design and produce bespoke parts and prototypes using advanced equipment.
• Provide technical advice across mechanical, electrical, chemical, and even architectural design projects.
• Lead inductions, training, and safe use of workshop equipment.
• Ensure compliance with WHS procedures and maintaining workshop assets.
• Supporting research, teaching, and commercialisation activities through technical expertise.

About you

We’re seeking a technologically adept and creative problem solver with a collaborative mindset and a strong focus on safety and quality.

This full-time position is Fixed Term until June 2027 role at a HEW 7Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

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 position is from $ 103,641 - $116,596 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 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 below demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

1. A degree or trade qualification with at least four years subsequent relevant experience in Engineering; or extensive experience and management expertise in technical fields; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and / or education/training.
2. Specialist skills and experience in delivery of high-quality design and manufacturing across all disciplines in Engineering technical services in the higher education or a complex organisation within a relevant field.
3. Advanced knowledge of FDM, SLS, SLA and large format 3D printing, 3D scanning, fibre laser and water jet cutting, PCB manufacture and an understanding of prototyping methodology. 
4. Demonstrated leadership capability including the ability to lead and inspire a team of technical staff to deliver exceptional performance and outcomes.
5. Ability to generate a strong sense of team spirit, co-operation and collaboration within and across teams.  
6. Demonstrated skills and familiarity with technology-supported systems for improving operations in areas such as asset management, maintenance scheduling, work-flow management and health and safety. 
7. Demonstrated organisational and problem-solving skills with ability to meet competing deadlines
8. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an interdisciplinary way of working. 
9. 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).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Chris Neenan, Senior Manager, Technical Services (02) 4921 7285 or via email Chris.Neenan@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Tuesday 16^th September 2025 11:59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you