Pattern Approval Engineer, Science & Technical Level 5, National Measurement Institute

  • Sydney
  • Applications close 09 October

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Governments economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

  • Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
  • Investing in science and technology
  • Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in peoples lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australias future.

Please see the APSCs APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the National Measurement Institute

The National Measurement Institute is the Australian Governments national authority on measurement. We play an important role in the Australian economy by maintaining and regulating Australias measurement system, developing and maintaining national measurement standards, and delivering world-class measurement products and client services. 

Measurement is integral to a successful economy and to the progress of innovation and science. Our work adapts to, services and enhances the productivity and growth of Australian industries, and aims to ensure a fair, safe, healthy and competitive Australia.

The Legal Metrology Branch plays an important role in ensuring Australian consumers and industry can rely on trusted measurements for fair trade in goods and services.  To ensure traders comply with the law and adopt correct measurement trading practices, we employ inspectors who check that measuring instruments (for example, weighing scales, fuel pumps and weighbridges) are accurate throughout Australia, pre-packaged articles contain the correct amount of produce, and that fuel sold in service stations complies with quality standards.

The Policy and Regulatory Services Section provides timely, accurate and appropriate support for the Secretary and Chief Metrologist, including advice and services relating to measurement policy, regulatory and technical matters. This enables the delivery of a strong and effective national measurement system that is trusted and accepted domestically and internationally and does not impose unnecessary barriers to trade through restrictive requirements. 

The opportunity

Reporting to a Senior Pattern Approval Engineer, the position supports the effective and efficient delivery of highly specialised pattern approval testing, evaluation and certification services consistent with internationally recognised technical requirements, MOU and treaty obligations.
The key focus of this role is to provide under guidance technical skills for examining measuring instrument designs, evaluating test results against national requirements and recommending whether certificates of approval for measuring instruments in use for trade or legal purposes can be issued.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

  • Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory and field-based testing of measuring instruments in accordance with documented procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate information and make recommendations for approval in accordance with legislative, financial and administrative frameworks, government decision-making processes and department guidelines and regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage tasks which contribute to the delivery of a diverse range of specialised technical services and regulatory activities in accordance with best practice, government policy and legislative requirements.
  • Demonstrated communication and stakeholder engagement, as well as an ability to balance competing priorities, problem solve, think critically and demonstrate sound decision making.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to negotiate with clients and contractors, to report, provide briefings and to interpret contracts and specifications.

What you will do

In this role you will:

  • Process clients applications for measuring instrument pattern approval by evaluating the instrument suitability for trade or legal purposes and a wide range of technical documentation including test reports, user manuals and design specifications.
  • Undertake laboratory and field testing or analysis of a range of measuring instrument functions and operations against documented technical standards and processes.
  • Support the sections business improvement projects, business planning and performance reporting.
  • Preparation and public publishing of legal technical pattern approval documents.
  • Maintain suitable, accurate and auditable records of assessments and client correspondence.
  • Communicate effectively with clients regarding the progress and results of pattern approval applications.
  • Respond to enquiries from potential clients and other stakeholders as required in a timely and professional manner.
  • Participate in cultural and procedural change within the branch.
  • Demonstrate behaviour according to APS code of conduct and NMIs standards and participate fully in all aspects of WH&S.

Eligibility

  • Engineering background and/or professional qualification or equivalent experience.

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.
Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette. 
The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is NSW – Sydney – Lindfield based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.
Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 500 words and should align to the key duties listed above.
Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).
Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact or if you require assistance with your application.
Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.

Contact Information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Mario Zamora via email on