Operations Link Controller

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The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) supports ground‐based spacecraft telecommunications as part of the worldwide Deep Space Network (DSN), under contractual arrangements between NASA and CSIRO.

Our Operational and Engineering Section is responsible for the operational support of spacecraft, information and communications technologies, radio astronomy activities, and the testing and calibration of systems.

You will join our Operations team of members with diverse industry backgrounds. Initially, working under routine direction and supervision, in this role, you will shadow and work with experienced Operations Link Controllers and other team members. Although our industry is highly technical, it is quite a narrow field, skills and knowledge can be acquired through on the job training and more formal training sessions conducted by our senior controllers. This will enable you to successfully complete the internal training/certification in Deep Space Network (DSN) Operations.

This role operates on a shift roster basis. You will work an individual roster that always provides for 8 controllers during daytime operations. Every 32 days each team member takes turns working two 12-hour days followed by two 12 hours night shifts. For the hours not covered by Canberra Follow the Sun operations this role serves as the Technical Site Monitor providing out of hours maintenance support to other international operations teams.

We welcome applicants for this role who have a technical aptitude, an enquiring mind, demonstrate a willingness to work in shifts, and have a passion for or an interest in space exploration.

You will be contributing directly to the success of every significant spacecraft mission and its data return; in the near future this will also include human space flight missions.

• Working towards and successfully achieving the highest level of internal Link Controller Training.
• Supporting all team members, as applicable, in operations (and CDSCC) activities and responsibilities and taking initiative to learn and grow on the job.
• Working towards acquiring skills and knowledge to undertake the responsibilities of a trained link controller as indicated above – noting that requirements regarding responsibility and independence of controllers will evolve over time.
• Communicating openly, effectively and respectfully with colleagues in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s and CDSCC’s reputations.

After successful completion of training and development Certified Link Controllers provide essential day-to-day operational support to the Deep Space Network (DSN) tracking schedule across various areas including:

• Configuring and controlling equipment to meet the requirements of the tracking schedule.
• Directly collaborate with projects to ensure they achieve their mission objectives.
• Logging and trend analysis activities.
• Monitoring of safety and operational procedures.
• Working with engineering and other operations staff to support system testing, including troubleshooting, anomaly identification and formulation of solutions to any identified issues.

In addition, Link Controllers undertake a Technical Site Monitoring (TSM) role requiring team members to work four 12-hour shifts (including two nightshifts) approximately once per month. As the single operations controller on-site (outside normal day operations hours) this role monitors the status of site systems and responds to (or seeks assistance to respond to) issues identified, as well as supporting the site security staff present. Initially this TSM requirement would be conducted in the presence of a second experienced controller until such time as the new controller is deemed able to assume this role alone.
 

Salary: AU$71,923 - AU$86,737 plus up to 15.4% superannuation, Tracking Station Allowance of $128.66/week and generous annualised shift allowance

Reference: 96992

• Hold (or be working towards one or more of) a:
  • Year 12 Certificate, 
  • CERT III or above in Electronic Engineering or equivalent
  • CERT IV or above in Information Technology or a similar discipline 
  • DSN Operations Controller Certification (NASA training provided as part of position)
• Current Driver’s License.
• Ability to undertake shift work as required (which includes working some weekends and public holidays and regular nights).
• Ability to quickly learn and assimilate technical and computer-based systems knowledge.
• Strong ability to problem-solve, think logically, and manage time effectively.
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite (Outlook/Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
• Strong interpersonal and team skills, including a demonstrated ability to liaise appropriately with technical colleagues, and work collaboratively to diagnose issues and enhance systems.
   
• First Aid Certificate.
• Basic understanding of Unix operation system commands and file manipulation.
• Interest and ability in the area of software development.

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

As this site works directly with NASA and JPL, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an Export Administration Regulations (EAR) clearance/approval, to perform the inherent requirements of the position.
 

Please note, this role has requirements to work the standard CDSCC operations shift team roster hours/days, as required. 
This role involves accessing stairs and ladders semi‐regularly and working at heights of up to 40m on antenna structures.

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

7th of July 2024, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT

Shortlisting for this role may take place as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once a suitable candidate has been appointed. Please consider applying as soon as possible.