Project Manager, Australian Astronomical Optics

• $126,306 – $140,543 per annum (HEW Level 8) and 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Full-time, fixed term for 2 Years
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Inspire collaboration across diverse teams, drive projects from concept to delivery, and help shape the technologies powering the next generation of astronomical and space discovery.

This isn’t your traditional project management role. Here, your project leadership will help turn ambitious scientific ideas into real-world instruments and technologies that explore our universe.

At Australian Astronomical Optics at Macquarie University (AAO), the projects you manage result in physical and digital instruments that are installed on some of the world's largest telescopes, flown in space applications, and used by researchers to answer questions about the universe.

As Project Manager, you will take responsibility for the end-to-end delivery of scientific instrument and technology projects for astronomical observatories, space applications and external clients while ensuring projects are within budget, on schedule and to specification. You will work alongside principal investigators, instrument scientists, and multi-disciplinary teams of mechanical, optical, electronics, control and software engineers, bringing structure, visibility and momentum to work that is often first-of-its-kind.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to apply your project management expertise to applied research challenges, and to see your work contribute to scientific discovery, research and real-world outcomes, this is a rare opportunity for you to make a meaningful difference.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Programs and Project Management, AAO, you will plan and deliver complex, multi-disciplinary technical projects from proposal through to handover. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the delivery of complex instrument, technology and software projects on time, within budget and to specification.
• Monitoring, tracking and documenting project progress against milestones and budgets, and preparing progress reports for senior management and stakeholders.
• Researching and developing project plans, schedules, materials and labour budgets for proposals, grant submissions and internal project planning.
• Consulting with Heads of Section on resource allocation requests and directing staff to undertake project tasks within the agreed resource allocation.
• Managing client and subcontractor relationships, including meetings, reviews and reports, and managing trade-off analyses across budget, schedule, performance, complexity and development issues.
• Liaising with vendors and stakeholders on high-value or high-risk procurements, including negotiating and managing client contracts and maintaining documentation for variations to scope, price or schedule.
• Liaising with University research offices, funding agencies and partners to facilitate project set-up, progression and delivery.
• Identifying risks and issues early and implementing practical solutions to mitigate them.
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix delivery model.
• Applying and monitoring work health and safety requirements in a lab-based technical environment and complying with relevant EEO and WHS obligations.
• Contributing to the delivery of AAO’s research-based learning and teaching objectives.

Kindly please note that work hours may vary from time to time to accommodate business needs, and national or international travel may be required for project meetings, conferences or events.

About Us

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is characterised by the spirit of innovation. Here we nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. The pairing of engineering and science in a single faculty means many of our research discoveries in science see direct technological applications in engineering. Within the faculty, AAO is a research department.

Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO) is a recognised world leader in innovative astronomical instrumentation, software and research - designing, building and commissioning advanced instruments for the world's premier observatories.

Our expertise spans the development of innovative technologies for astronomical and space instruments, as well as the software and data systems that enable the processing, storage and access of scientific data. We play a critical role in ensuring these advanced instruments and technologies meet the specifications demanded by world-leading scientific applications, enabling researchers to turn innovative ideas and capabilities into new knowledge and discovery.

About You

You are an experienced project management professional who is comfortable operating in a technical, research-driven environment. You combine disciplined planning, budgeting and contract management with clear, accessible communication across engineers, scientists, clients and suppliers. Experience in scientific instrumentation, research software, astronomy, space or a comparable technical field is highly regarded, though we welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience from other complex engineering or R&D settings.

Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualification/s and/or equivalent experience, along with formal project management training (or equivalent experience) and demonstrated ability to adapt and apply methodologies to suit project needs.
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary technical projects to specification, budget and schedule, including resource planning across a portfolio of projects.
• Substantial experience across project change, schedule and interdependency, issues, financial, contract, stakeholder, team and workflow management.
• Highly effective communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and clients.
• Knowledge of, or training in, engineering and/or technical development practices for technical instrumentation and research software projects, including a working understanding of relevant technologies, processes and systems engineering approaches.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, contributing to project proposals, and reviewing technical specifications and reports.
• Significant experience negotiating procurement contracts, together with excellent organisational and time management skills and a working knowledge of health and safety compliance in a lab-based technical environment.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, astronomy, physics, project management, communications or a related discipline (Desirable).

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

To be considered for this position, applicants must have full and unrestricted working rights in Australia.

Applications Close: Applications will close on Sunday 25th October at 11.59 PM AEST.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University:

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

25/10/2026 11:59 PM

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A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.