Technology Development Technician

About AIMS

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.

We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.

Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.

About this exciting opportunity

Help build the future of ocean technology. AIMS is seeking a technician to join our Technology Development team on a temporary basis until July 2027. This opportunity will see you working across the intersection of engineering, technology and marine science, supporting the development and deployment of innovative ocean technology systems used in some of Australia’s most significant marine research and monitoring programs.

Working within a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team you can expect to be contributing to the build, testing and support of cutting-edge technologies. Responsibilities will include:

• Building, testing and supporting marine electronics and communication systems to high standards of safety, quality and reliability;
• Maintaining mechanical and electronics’ test and production equipment, ensuring calibration and operational readiness;
• Troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing complex electronic systems and equipment;
• Collaborating with engineers and technical specialists to support design-for-manufacture and design-for-support outcomes;
• Appling industry standards and best practice in marine electronics wiring and installation;
• Working with external suppliers and industry partners to support production, maintenance and technology transfer activities of ReefScan and other systems; and
• Participating in field testing and evaluation activities, including extended sea deployments of up to 7-14 days and operation from small vessels.

About you

Our ideal candidate will be a capable, adaptable and hands-on technician with experience in electronics, marine systems or advanced technology platforms who takes pride in delivering high-quality technical outcomes. You will hold a relevant trade qualification or equivalent industry experience, and have demonstrated experience building, testing, fault-finding, maintaining and supporting electronic systems including imaging, sonar, communications equipment, navigation, autonomous vessels or aerial drones.

This role will suit someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, as you will have strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, and apply a systematic approach to problem solving. You’ll be experienced interpreting engineering drawings, wiring schematics and technical documentation, and operating within a quality assurance framework and contributing to continuous improvement activities. Your excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage completing priorities will be critical to your success in this role.

Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions.  In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:

• AIMS AOF Level 4 salary ($100,818 to $114,730 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Full-time, Temporary (Labour hire) opportunity to 31 July 2027
• Located in Townsville (Qld)
• 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnight
• Flexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)
• Generous and supportive leave entitlements
• Access to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site
• Employee Assistance Program

Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.

Please note:

Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the full term of the appointment, depending on the relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies.

Next Step

Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download from our website www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description and selection criteria included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we encourage you to make an application via our website.

Submitting your Application: Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via our website www.aims.gov.au.

Position enquiries are to be directed to Shaun Barlow, Lead Robotics and Mechanical Engineer at ********@aims.gov.au. Applications must be made through our website per above.

Applications close: FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (11.45PM, AEST).

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.