The Opportunity
- Salary, Level 8: $123,044 to $138,636 per annum + 17% superannuation
- Full time
- Fixed term contract – 2 years
- Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
- Travel to industry sites across Australia may be required
In this role, you’ll be part of the Technology Translation Squad (TTS), who are a team of electrical engineering experts. The team provides rapid technical support to start-ups, small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and established industry players facing technical challenges as they drive innovation through the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) in the clean energy and recycling field. The team offers industry clients up to five days of free technical support, with ongoing assistance available through flexible paid engagement models. The TTS is a first-of-its-kind approach in Australia, fundamentally transforming how universities like UNSW collaborate with industry to deliver meaningful, real-world impact. For more information on the TTS please visit: www.technologytranslationsquad.com
As a R&D Electrical Engineer (Technology Translator), you’ll be given the opportunity to take ownership of projects from scoping to delivery, while working on high-impact UNSW initiatives in research, commercialisation, and short-course development. This rare university-based role doesn’t require a PhD but calls for deep technical expertise, gained through industry, extracurricular activities or research, and a passion for green engineering innovation. You’ll work on cutting-edge projects that often require first-principles design, while collaborating closely with industry partners to turn ideas into reality.
This is a growth-phase opportunity with strong potential for extension. As the Technology Translation Squad (TTS) scales up, your success in delivering high-impact projects will directly support its long-term sustainability—and increase the likelihood of contract renewal.
You’ll be working on a new innovative large project with industry partner Green Gravity, who are developing a gravitational energy storage system (GESS). This project will allow the candidate to become a world-leading expert in the GESS and energy storage area. It is preferred that the candidate has technical proficiency in one or more of the following areas:
- Simulation and modelling of electrical equipment/systems (using software like PSCAD, MATLAB Simulink Simscape or equivalent)
- Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems and their integration to electrical networks
- Medium voltage power system design
- Electrical distribution system design
- Electric machines and drives (at low voltage and/or medium voltage)
- Grid synchronisation and grid-tied inverters
- Single line diagram and schematic creation
- Renewable energy generation
- Sourcing suppliers for appropriate electrical equipment
This role may have opportunities to work on projects from some of the following areas:
- Hydrogen generation, storage, fuel cells and transport
- Power fuels technology
- Renewable and clean energy and the electricity grid
- Transport
- General and power electronics
- Manufacturing
- Mining
Please note: This list is not exhaustive.
Under the right circumstances, this role may allow some time to be spent on the below:
- Conducting relevant personal high-impact research
- Lecturing to students
- Working on transferring to a standard academic role at UNSW
- Developing short course content
- Presenting work to the media
- Commercialising and spinning out a relevant UNSW technology
Please note: Technology translation engineering work will always be prioritised with this position.
About UNSW
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
The TTS is funded by the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) Program, hosted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in partnership with the University of Newcastle and numerous industry collaborators. TRaCE is a $280 million initiative accelerating research, commercialisation, and innovation in sustainable recycling and clean energy solutions through to 2026–27. As a pioneering national program, TRaCE aims to accelerate Australia’s transition to a circular economy and a net-zero future. By bringing together leading researchers, industry partners, and policymakers, TRaCE drives innovation in sustainable materials, advanced recycling technologies, and clean energy solutions. The program champions collaborative research and real-world impact, paving the way for transformative breakthroughs that benefit both the environment and the economy. For more information on TRaCE please visit - https://www.smart.unsw.edu.au/research-programs/trailblazer-recycling-and-clean-energy
The UNSW School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications is one of the largest and most prestigious schools of its kind in Australia. In the last 70 years, our school has grown out of a purely teaching institution to one which has made important contributions to the development of electrical engineering in Australia and globally. For more information on our school go to the following link - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/electrical-engineering-telecommunications
Skills and Experience
- Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
- Evidence of successful industry and/or academic engineering project work.
- Subject matter expertise and experience with various activities within a R&D Electrical Engineer (Technology Translator) role (as outlined on page 1).
- Evidence of an ability to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, while building rapport and relationships with these clients.
- Proven experience translating client needs into a project scope and remaining adaptable to the changing needs of a client.
- Evidence of an ability to work autonomously and multi-task between many projects.
- Demonstrated experience with technical report and specification writing and presentation skills.
- Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
- Demonstrated an ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:
- 17% Superannuation and leave loading
- Flexible working
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
- Access to lifelong learning and career development
More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.
To Apply:
Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and complete the application form.
Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington regularly. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Contact:
Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 15th July 2025
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
