(HEO7) $101,785 - $113,839 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, full-time position available until February 2027 with the potential to extend

The Prescott Environmental Luminescence Laboratory is an established research group operating within the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS). It has attracted significant funding over the past 10 years for projects focused on the uses of Novel Fluorescence (NF) quantum material sensing for identifying and differentiating minerals and materials relevant to industry, environment, and public health.

We are seeking a hands-on Systems Engineer to join our growing engineering team. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team including physicists, geologists and other researchers to design, assemble and test functional prototypes for field-deployable sensing systems. The development of these prototypes involves a range of tasks covering CAD, software development, rapid prototyping, assembly and testing of optics into these systems and software interfacing of the various hardware elements with PC controllers.

We will tailor the role to your strengths, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as software, electronics, or mechanical design depending on your experience, and this role is a fantastic opportunity to apply your skills to solving real-world problems.

To be successful you will need:

• A degree in a relevant field (Mechanical / Mechatronic / Electrical / Software Engineering, computer science, physics or a related field)
• A strong interest in practical hardware development, testing and optimisation
• Demonstrated experience in the use of electronics for sensor or hardware design (e.g. PC interfacing of cameras, scientific instruments, Arduino-based devices)
• Skills In system prototyping using CAD software (Autodesk Inventor), 3D printing, machined parts, and COTS components.
• Demonstrated ability to promote the organisational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description document.

Applications close 11:55pm, Monday 18th August 2025

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Erik Schartner
Technical lead 
E: erik.schartner@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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