Photovoltaic Measurement Engineer

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• Lead the operations and development of accredited photovoltaic cell and module testing at CSIRO’s Newcastle-based national test facility
• Support the accurate measurement and characterisation of next‑generation solar technologies
• Indefinite, full‑time opportunities within a truly collaborative and inclusive workplace.

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge. Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

Join CSIRO’s Solar Technologies Group as a Research Project Officer and contribute to cutting‑edge energy research. In this role, you’ll work within a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists, supporting the operation of three nationally significant test facilities: the NATA 17025‑accredited photovoltaic cell measurement laboratory, the SINUS 3000 module test facility, and outdoor cell and module testbeds.

You will take the lead in managing our accredited cell testing facility, developing and executing test procedures to deliver accurate measurements for emerging cell and module technologies. Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory equipment and records to meet auditable standards, ensuring compliance and reliability. As the laboratory expands its scope, you will play a key role in implementing innovative procedures to support next‑generation photovoltaic technologies.

This opportunity is based in Newcastle, and an on‑site presence is required for this role.

• Under the guidance of senior scientists, operate testing equipment to perform careful measurements of solar cells and modules for internal and external customers.
• Complete regularly scheduled maintenance and validation tasks to ensure CSIRO’s ongoing compliance with IEC 17025 (NATA) accreditation.
• Maintain and operate CSIRO’s PV module testing equipment:
  Wavelabs Sinus 3000 and Spire 5600
  
  SLP.
• Work with internal and external clients in developing testing approaches that meet both client and laboratory needs, and take some responsibility for customer satisfaction.
• Under general direction, contribute to research and/or technology through the development of original and adapted experimental methods, equipment or software.
• Show initiative to seek new approaches to meet experimental or technological needs when encountering new problems where methods are not defined.
• Participate in the identification and definition of research and/or technological problems with colleagues.
• Participate in planning laboratory activities and accept responsibility for scheduling and completion of work required for delivery of client requests.

Location: Newcastle, NSW.

Salary: AU $100K – AU $113K per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation/ share combined salary too

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite;
Full‑time

Reference: 101989

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in a discipline area relevant to photovoltaic measurement e.g. physics, electrical engineering.
• A sound understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning the operation of solar cells.
• Proficiency in Python programming as applied to equipment control and data analysis.
• Proven experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting scientific instruments or hardware.
• Remain productive, positive and resilient in complex, ambiguous and/or uncertain environments.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary, potentially regionally dispersed research team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.
• High‑level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the…