The Opportunity
The role involves a shared responsibility for laboratories conducting advanced laboratory testing, operating and maintaining specialised test equipment, ensuring compliance with Australian Standards, and supporting academic staff, researchers, postgraduate students, and industry partners in the field of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Materials, the role also provides technical oversight and operational coordination of teaching laboratories and laboratory classes, ensuring consistent standards of safety, functionality, and service delivery across the School. Working alongside the Laboratory Manager, the Technical Officer/ Senior Technical Officer applies independent technical judgement to manage risk critical systems while supporting routine laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, user training, and continuous improvement. The role reports to Laboratory Manger, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and has no direct reports.

• Full Time (35 hours)
• Continuing
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• Salary, Level 6: $108,021 - $115,233 per annum + 17% superannuation
  (Level 7 is available for the right candidate: $118,483 - $128,233 + super)

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW continues to be a national and international leader in engineering research and education, cementing its status as the University’s premier research faculty. As the largest Engineering Faculty in Australia, it graduates the highest number of engineers and maintains the largest research expenditure in the country. Through excellence in both fundamental and applied research, the Faculty strives to sustain and further its global impact, aiming to be ranked among the top engineering faculties worldwide. For more information, visit the Faculty website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/about-us

Skills and Experience:

Level 6 -

• Relevant qualification with minimum 3 years subsequent practical experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. An Associate Diploma in Tool Making, Machining, Welding or a Higher Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Civil) is desirable.
• A strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to operate and maintain electrical and/or hydraulic testing equipment. Experience in software-controlled programable testing equipment is highly desirable.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a technical team to design, modify and build an experimental setup or test assembly according to the requirements of a research project.
• A driver licence recognised by RMS NSW.
• A willingness to be trained in the use of cranes, forklifts and Elevated Work Platform equipment that operate within the laboratories and attend training as necessary.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with academic and professional staff, and research students.
• Good computer skills including experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and MS Teams. Experience in using AutoCAD to create 2D drawings is desirable.
• Proven experience responding to laboratory incidents, alarms, equipment failures, and near-misses, including immediate risk mitigation and escalation.
• Ability to develop, review, and implement risk assessment and management, Safe Work Procedures, and emergency response documentation, particularly for high-risk activities.

Level 7 (in addition to the above) –

• Relevant qualification with minimum 5 years subsequent practical experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. An Associate Diploma in Tool Making, Machining, Welding or a Higher Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Civil) is desirable.
• Experiences on machine tools, such as drill press, miller, lathe, and/or CNC milling machines, and/or welding facilities are desirable.
• Well-developed communication skills and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaboratively work with academic and professional staff, and research students.
• Competent computer skills including experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and MS Teams. Experience in using AutoCAD to create 2D drawings or 3D models is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent technical judgement where established procedures may not fully address risk.
• Experience on commissioning, maintaining, and overseeing safety-critical laboratory equipment and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to provide senior technical advice on laboratory design, infrastructure upgrades, and equipment selection.
• Experience coordinating audits, inspections, and incident investigations, and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to identify systemic risks and drive continuous improvement in laboratory safety and operations.

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for these positions can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

To Apply:

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application. Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate
E: [email protected]

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Wednesday 14th October 2026

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Apply now for a career at UNSW to grow in an environment that values and uplifts you.