Software Engineer/Data Analyst - Seagoing

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The opportunity

The Software Engineer/Data Analyst (seagoing) supports scientific voyages on the RV Investigator, contributing to world-class blue-water research. This role, part of the Data Acquisition and Processing Team, provides ICT systems and software engineering, network administration, data processing, and data management support for the Marine National Facility (MNF).

The RV Investigator operates a sophisticated ICT network supporting vessel operations and scientific instrumentation. The role requires up to 85 seagoing days per year (voyages typically 3–8 weeks), overseeing data acquisition systems, network administration, data quality monitoring, computing support, and scientific collaboration.

Based at CSIRO’s Hobart Laboratories, responsibilities include maintaining and developing software applications, database services, and geospatial tools, as well as improving the ship’s ICT infrastructure. The role also involves designing, integrating, and supporting ICT components for network/server services and delivering quality-controlled MNF data products via the CSIRO Information & Data Centre (IDC).

On-the-job training in CSIRO-specific systems and seagoing responsibilities will be provided.

Your duties will include:

• Develop, integrate, and maintain software and hardware systems for the ship’s ICT services and marine data management.
• Provide ICT and computing support on MNF research voyages, including data acquisition, network administration, and quality control.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, firmware, and software issues with scientific data systems and shipboard ICT infrastructure.
• Maintain and enhance the ship’s network, communication, and computing infrastructure, including satellite, VoIP, CCTV, and backup systems.
• Document systems for support staff and end users, monitor hardware performance, and contribute to equipment upgrade discussions.
• Collaborate with scientists to process, quality-check, and visualize MNF research vessel data while ensuring client satisfaction.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team, adhering to CSIRO’s Code of Conduct, safety policies, and diversity initiatives.
• Identify and implement system improvements, manage services for large user groups, and collaborate with industry partners.

Location: Hobart, Tasmania (preferred), Other locations may be considered

Salary: AU$96,811 - AU$109,527 per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation (plus pro-rata seagoing allowance)

(other opportunities are available should you not meet all criteria or demonstrate less experience)

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 98838

To be considered you will need:

Essential Criteria:

• Tertiary qualification in Information Technology or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in software development (e.g., Python), frameworks, and web-based applications, plus Windows/Linux system administration and version control.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to document software, data flows, and produce manuals/reports.
• Ability to work collaboratively, including from remote locations, as part of a high-performing team.
• Customer-focused approach with the ability to provide technical support at sea (up to 85 days per year).
• (For higher CSOF4 level) Experience in specifying, procuring, and integrating complex software and/or ICT infrastructure systems.
• (For higher CSOF4 level) Ability to set and achieve goals, working with clients under limited direction.
• (For higher CSOF4 level) Proactive approach to system and process improvements, problem-solving, and stakeholder collaboration.

Desirable Criteria:

• Understanding of data flow from sensor to data product and experience with marine or atmospheric data science.
• Experience in Python programming with a portfolio of work, plus database management (preferably PostgreSQL).
• Familiarity with DevOps methodology and enterprise network administration, including firewalls, virtual servers, and backup systems.
• Experience in customer-facing support roles.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

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

Flexible working arrangements

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

Diversity and inclusion

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. 

About CSIRO

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!

How to apply

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.

Applications close

6th of April 2025, 11:00pm AEST