• Full-time or Part-time (negotiable 0.6 -1.0 FTE), Fixed Term position until 31 December 2026
• Salary Level HEW 6 $93,891 - $101,633 p.a. (pro rata) + 17% Superannuation
• Based at the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Port Melbourne, but may be required to work from time-to time at other campuses of the University

Make a Real Impact in Defence Research

We're looking for an Industry Research Officer to join a collaborative team working on high-impact research in defence materials and structures. This role is part of a partnership between RMIT and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), through the Centre for Advanced Defence Structures and Materials Experimentation (CADSME).

If you're passionate about experimental testing, real-world research, and contributing to Australia's defence capabilities, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

You'll join a research team within the DSTG/RMIT Centre for Advanced Defence Structures and Materials Experimentation (CADSME), supporting work on the mechanical testing of defence materials and structures. Your main focus will be planning, setting up and conducting static and dynamic tests, at the small-scale and full-scale level, along with conducting pre- and post-test analysis using a range of scientific tools and techniques.

Working closely with the centre directors and the industry supervisor, you'll help prepare technical reports, contribute to publications, and support the communication of research findings through journals and conferences. Over time, you'll be expected to take on more responsibility and provide support and guidance for more junior staff as your skills and experience develop.

To be successful for the Industry Research Officer appointment, you will have (but not limited to):

• Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge with small-scale and/or large-scale structural testing, including operation of servo-hydraulic dynamic test frames, knowledge of control software, and knowledge of the basic concepts of hydraulic systems.
• Have demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with advanced testing technologies such as digital image correlation and/or thermal stress analysis.
• Experience and/or knowledge of basic testing hardware such as load cells, strain gauges, extensometers, and/or digital cameras.
• Knowledge and/or experience with mechanical testing per ASTM standards such as ASTM E8, ASTM E466, and ASTM E647.
• Ability to independently operate and troubleshoot or the aptitude to operate and troubleshoot servo hydraulic test machines, and/or complex control systems and/or other test apparatus.
• Ability to communicate research results, concepts, and knowledge clearly through discussions, presentations, reports and/or papers.
• Demonstrated high level communication skills.

Mandatory Qualifications:

The sucessful candidate will have undergraduate qualifications in an appropriate field of engineering (mechanical, aerospace, materials, mechatronics, electrical, etc.) or be in the final stages of receiving such qualifications. Relevant post-graduate study or qualification will be highly valued, as will a vocational engineering background with demonstrated 'hands-on' capabilities.

Additional Requirements

All applicants must be able to gain a baseline Defence security clearance (Australian citizens only).

Successful applicants will also be required to complete:

• Working with Children Check
• National Police Check
• AGSVA security clearance
• Mandatory compliance training

About the RMIT STEM College

The STEM College is home to a diverse and innovative community of educators, researchers, and professionals delivering impactful teaching and research across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health. With a strong industry focus and global reach, we aim to shape the future of STEM and make a difference through collaboration, discovery, and applied knowledge.

Learn more about us: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/stem-college

Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group - Platforms Division's (PD) Structures and Materials Test Centre (SMTC)

Platforms Division's (PD) Structures and Materials Test Centre (SMTC) is a national asset, the largest and best-equipped facility of its type in the Asia Pacific. The SMTC has, in 70+ years of operations, accumulated an impressive record of accomplishment of research and client outcomes. The latter, when measured in repair/refurbishment cost avoidance terms alone, exceeds $1 billion over several programs. The facility retains strong Defence client support and has an active ongoing research program in structures and materials experimentation.

The SMTC provides Defence clients with innovative testing solutions to their sustainment and certification requirements and is a key driver of academic research and training of the future Defence Industry science, engineering and technical workforce.

To Apply

Please submit your CV, cover letter, and separately address the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link below.

In your cover letter, please confirm your availability for part-time or full-time work.

For further information about these positions, please see the Position Descriptions hyperlinked below or contact via email Michael Jones - Deputy-Director, CADSME, via email michael.jones4@rmit.edu.au

For recruitment-related enquiries please contact Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor, Jennifer Pham at jennifer.pham2@rmit.edu.au. Please do not share your application to this email address.

Position Description - Industry Research Officer

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click 'apply' and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Applications close on Wednesday 9 July 2025 at 11.59pm.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani (Senior Talent Advisor), via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.