Principal Technical Officer - Robotics

About the role

The Principal Technical Officer - Robotics provides high-level specialist technical support across the University of Queensland's robotics teaching and research environments. Based at the St Lucia campus, you will join the Engineering & Technical Support Group and bring expertise in robotics and mechatronic engineering to support safe, reliable and innovative laboratories and technical infrastructure. The position is full-time and permanent.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support for the design, operation, maintenance, repair and calibration of specialised robotics equipment and infrastructure, including mobile platforms, robot arms, mobile manipulators, aerial platforms and motion capture arenas.
• Develop and maintain safe systems of work for robotics laboratories, including risk assessments, Safe Operating Procedures, laser safety procedures and electrical safety requirements.
• Support the design and construction of experimental systems and practical teaching activities, applying specialist knowledge across sensors, actuators, PCB design, embedded systems, ROS2 and hardware-software integration.
• Provide technical leadership in robotics laboratories through training, mentoring and supervision of staff and students, laboratory oversight, equipment procurement and continuous improvement of technical infrastructure.

Required profile

• A relevant degree with at least four years of subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of extensive experience and/or education and training in robotic and mechatronic engineering and systems engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in robotic and mechatronic systems, including installation, integration, networking, troubleshooting, testing and maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of Australian electrical standards and safety legislation, with experience preparing safe systems of work and risk assessments.
• Experience in a higher education or research environment is highly regarded.
• Must meet university WHS requirements and be eligible to obtain a Blue Card; pre-employment checks may include right-to-work, qualification and Blue Card checks.

Required skills

• Proficiency with ROS2, Python and C++.
• Experience operating, programming and maintaining ground robot platforms and robot arms.
• Experience integrating sensors and actuators with robotic platforms, designing custom PCBs and networking multiple robots and devices.
• First aid and laser safety qualifications can be obtained in the role; a restricted electrical licence is desirable.

What we offer

• Base salary in the range $106,709.01 - $116,198.52 plus 17% superannuation (HEW Level 7).
• Up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17.5% leave loading, health and wellbeing programs, a discounted study program for staff, on-campus childcare and affordable parking.

Applications close 28 October 2026; interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week beginning 2 November 2026. Candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter through the university's Talent Acquisition team.