Foundation Engineer

PRIMARY DETAIL- Salary Package: From $99,161- $109,457 (HEW Level 6) plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading  
- Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed term up to 2 years
- Based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Australian Astronomical Optics - Macquarie (AAO-MQ) is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Foundation Mechanical Engineer to support the development and delivery of instrumentation projects and the operational running of the AAO Mechanical team.

Reporting to the Mechanical Manager and under the guidance of the Mechanical Workshop Supervisor, you will:

• Provide technical and engineering assistance in the delivery of instrumentation projects within established engineering frameworks.

• Contribute technical knowledge across project planning and delivery through the project life cycle including ensuring that scheduling, design, testing or production issues are raised.

• Work collaboratively with other teams to resolve technical challenges arising from design architecture and suggest innovative solutions.

• Support engineering designs for system and subsystem level designs for instrument projects.

• Support the development of alignment, assembly, and test plans, and assist in managing the verification and acceptance processes for components, sub-systems, and instruments, where applicable.

• Identify architectural solutions to resolve specialist equipment issues and ensure the equipment is running and fit for purpose.

• Evaluate the market for parts and products and negotiates procurement of goods as required.

• Comply with relevant EEO and WHS regulations

• Perform any other duties as required and appropriate for this classification

About You

You will have completed a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or in a closely related discipline. You will have skills in CAD design as well as mechanical drawing and have a passion in analysis for precision mechanical engineering. You are an excellent communicator with a proactive nature, flexible and you enjoy working individually or working as part of a larger team

About Us

Over many decades, AAO has established an enviable reputation for its precision engineering capability and expertise within astronomy instrumentation across optical, mechanical and electronic precision engineering.

AAO at Macquarie University is excited to take a significant role in leading and growing Australia's strength in astronomical instrumentation, partnering with the Australian National University and the University of Sydney under the banner of Astralis Instrumentation Consortium.

AAO-Macquarie has a new vision and an exciting agenda for transformation – in both scale and efficiency.  As part of its expansive new vision, AAO-Macquarie's team of experts will build on the University's existing strengths in astronomy, photonics, laser technology, microfabrication, applied optics and sensing communications, with the aim of increasing industry engagement, identifying opportunities to apply AAO-Macquarie's expertise to medicine and defence, and expanding its presence in the fields of optics and sensing, in addition to the ongoing mission of world-leading excellence in astronomical instrumentation.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online by submitting your CV and a separate cover letter (no more than two pages) that demonstrates how you meet the following selection criteria:

• 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree

• Experience working with measuring and test equipment

• Relevant specific additional skills relevant to the mechanical engineering 

• Knowledge of and/or training in systems engineering practises for technical projects

• Working knowledge of Project Management methodologies, principles and practices

• Knowledge of relevant Australian and International standards relevant to the specific engineering field

• Knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety in a technical and laboratory environment.

Other Specific Requirements:

• Criminal history check

• Work hours may vary from time to time to accommodate business needs

​Applicants must hold valid Australian working rights. 

The successful applicant must be able to hold and maintain a 10A Permit under the Defence Trade Controls Act or can access an exemption to this requirement. You cannot commence employment in this position until this requirement has been met.

Enquires: Helen McGregor, Mechanical Engineering Manager at

Applications Close:  Thursday 18th of September at 11:59pm (AEST)

We reserve the right to progress or decline applications at our discretion and may close this advertisement prior to the listed closing date.

Why work at Macquarie  

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.    

Our prime location, we are walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre.  Not only are we close, take a look at our benefits on offer:    

• 17% Superannuation    

• Subsidised onsite parking options   

• Flexible working options   

• Training and professional development   

• Onsite childcare facilities   

• Discounted health insurance (Medibank)   

• Onsite vacation care   

• Employee Assistance Program   

• Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre  

• Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics  

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, , MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

18/09/2025 11:59 PM

​
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.

---