Principal Technical Officer - Robotics

Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology / School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Full-time permanent position
Base salary will be in the range $106,709.01 - $116,198.52 + 17% super (HEW Level 7)
Based at our St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
The Principal Technical Officer - Robotics provides high-level specialist technical support across UQ’s robotics teaching and research environments. As part of the Engineering & Technical Support Group, you will bring deep expertise in robotics and mechatronic engineering to support safe, reliable and innovative laboratories and technical infrastructure.
Working independently and collaboratively with academic and professional colleagues, you will help create practical environments where staff and students can experiment, learn and solve complex engineering challenges together.
Key responsibilities will include:
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, electrical safety requirements and other relevant documentation.
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 laboratory environments through training, mentoring and supervision of staff and students, laboratory oversight, equipment procurement and continuous improvement of technical infrastructure and services.
About You
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.
Proficiency with Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2), Python and C++, together with experience operating, programming and maintaining ground robot platforms and robot arms.
Demonstrated experience integrating sensors and actuators with robotic platforms, including designing custom PCBs for bespoke configurations and networking multiple robots and devices.
Strong knowledge of applicable Australian electrical standards and safety legislation, with experience preparing and implementing safe systems of work and risk assessments.
High-level organisational, analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative technical, academic and professional environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated experience training, supervising or mentoring technical staff and/or students.
Experience in a higher education or research environment is highly regarded. You will need to meet relevant University WHS requirements and be eligible to obtain a Blue Card.
First Aid and laser safety qualifications can be obtained in the role, while a restricted electrical licence is desirable.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.
Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.
Interested?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Malcolm Marker at m.marker@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, and Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Wednesday October 28th 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69551). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing November 2nd 2026.