Makerspace & Electronics Manager, UNSW Canberra
Employment type: Full-time contract, 35 hours per week
Duration: 12 months
Remuneration: Level 8 from $ 132,445 + leave loading + 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus
Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.
UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
Why Your Role Matters:
UNSW Canberra Makerspace provides a range of dedicated spaces designed to support hands-on learning, prototyping and engineering innovation.
Our Makerspace and Electronics Manager leads the development, safe operation and service delivery of our Engineering Makerspaces and Electronics Laboratories. The role oversees facilities, equipment, training and programs that support electronics, digital fabrication, making, prototyping and project-based learning, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment in which students, staff and researchers can develop practical skills and translate ideas into working solutions. The position is also responsible for the delivery of professional electronics services to teaching and research, including the design, documentation, fabrication, testing, commissioning, maintenance and modification of electronic devices and systems. The role provides high-level technical and strategic advice, manages service priorities and oversees complex technical projects from requirements definition through to delivery and evaluation.
Accountabilities:
This is a varied role which you can really make your own. Student numbers are relatively low and thus engagement is high and rewarding. The main focuses are upon technical and leadership but also include:
- Makerspace strategy and service development
- Makerspace operations and user experience
- Teaching, training and innovation
- Engineering and technical service support
- Team leadership and stakeholder engagement
- Health, safety, compliance and governance
Who You Are (skills and experience):
• A relevant degree in electrical, electronic, mechatronic or a related engineering discipline with substantial relevant experience, including management and leadership experience; or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing a makerspace, prototyping facility, engineering workshop, laboratory or comparable complex technical service environment, including responsibility for staff, budgets, facilities, equipment and service delivery.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including the development and implementation of plans, policies, procedures, systems, budgets, performance measures and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering technical training, equipment inductions or competency-based learning for users with varied skills and experience.
• Proven people leadership and management capability, including work planning, performance management, coaching, professional development and the effective allocation of priorities and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and initiative, solve complex technical and operational problems, manage competing priorities and work with a high level of autonomy within agreed objectives.
• Excellent communication, consultation and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to build productive relationships and provide high-quality, client-focused services to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and experience implementing risk management, safe systems of work and compliance requirements in a technical environment.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.
- Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Additional three days leave during December festive period
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
- Free gym access
- UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.
You can learn more about our Benefits and Culture at Lifestyle & Benefits UNSW
Eligibility:
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.
How to Apply:
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au
Get in Touch:
For role-related queries please contact:
Matt Barrett - Engineering Manager
M-Barrett@unsw.edu.au
For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Partner
h.whale@unsw.edu.au
Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.
Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW
For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
