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Position Description
CLASSIFICATION: HEO 7
PORTFOLIO: Research and Innovation
INSTITUTE: Future Industries Institute, Mawson Lakes Campus
LAST REVIEWED: 28 August 2019
BROAD PURPOSE
The Control Systems Engineer will independently investigate, research and execute design and
development work of control systems for exploration drilling rigs and associated equipment, research
new equipment, materials and manufacturing technologies, and provide highly specialised engineering
support to the MinEx engineering team.
POSITION ENVIRONMENT
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is Australia’s University of Enterprise. Our culture of
innovation is anchored around global and national links to academic, research and industry partners.
Our graduates are the new urban professionals, global citizens at ease with the world and ready to
create and respond to change. Our research is inventive and adventurous, and we create new
knowledge that is central to global economic and social prosperity. Today, we are South Australia’s
largest university and ranked amongst the very best young universities in the world.
The University has a wide range of expertise across four academic divisions, including: Business;
Education, Arts and Social Sciences; Health Sciences; and Information Technology, Engineering and the
Environment. We offer over 200 world‐class degrees and are known for our experiential approach to
teaching and learning, and outcomes‐focused research. We are committed to educating individuals to
the highest standards, investing in the very best academics and professional staff, as well as state‐of‐
the‐art physical and virtual infrastructure.
The Future Industries Institute (FII) was established with a new research culture in mind – one deeply
engaged with industry, with the end goal of building economic growth through relevant innovation
and industry partnership. The Institute represents UniSA’s largest single investment in research and
builds on the significant capability, infrastructure and reputation of the University’s existing research
strengths and substantial research infrastructure.
FII’s mission is to transform the industries of today and seed the industries of tomorrow. Our approach
to solving research challenges with our partners is solution‐driven and collaborative. FII brings together
world‐class strength in advanced manufacturing, nanomedicine, minerals and resource engineering,
and environmental science, with the end goal of building economic growth through innovative
partnerships.
The Institute reflects the University’s strategic ambition to be a university of enterprise which engages
fully with the professions and industry globally, whose research is informed, leading edge and relevant.
The Institute continues to forge national and international research partnerships in new industries and
technologies that address real world issues.
FII’s research supports state and national research priorities and comprises top research teams able to
collaborate across disciplines and to work with industry partners to deliver innovations and solutions.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
With a vibrant research environment, a strong industry orientation, and active international and
national links, both academic and industrial, the Institute is among the very best in Australia and
attracts and retains leading researchers.
The Institute has close links to the University’s Schools of Natural and Built Environments, Engineering,
Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences and Pharmacy and Medical Sciences.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
This position reports to the Program Leader: MinEx CRC.
Key stakeholders that this position must liaise with includes:
Internal: Research Engineers, UniSA researchers and post graduate students working in the
MinEx CRC and academic and professional staff and students in the FII Institute and
across the University.
External: MinEx CRC management and participants which include mining companies, METS
sector companies and geological survey organisations. Other stakeholders include
third party engineering and drilling contractors, peer engineers, MinEx operational
personnel, suppliers and product line managers.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Independently investigate, research and execute complex and innovative design, configuration
and implementation of control systems for exploration drilling rigs and associated equipment with
a strong focus on safety and productivity.
2. Provide highly specialised technical expertise and advice to the operational and engineering
teams, to support complex and innovative research in drilling modifications and improvements.
3. Independently research new control systems, and manufacturing technologies. This includes:
a. designs
b. systems development;
c. on‐site testing;
d. writing reports and recommendations; and
e. general technical and product support for implemented systems and modifications.
4. Using expert knowledge, develop and facilitate delivery of high‐end control systems engineering
designs for drill rigs and auxiliary equipment based on safety, benchmarked testing, best practices
and new technologies.
5. Using expert knowledge, apply a continuous improvement approach to design of systems,
equipment, products and processes.
6. Undertake complex engineering calculations and develop and modify specifications necessary for
the justification of designs. Document the calculations and specifications in accordance with
project requirements.
7. Document new designs and specifications including computer modelling, manufacturing drawings,
process specifications and risk assessments.
8. Independently analyse test results, and prepare comprehensive reports and recommendation
documentation for the Program Leader and Project Leader.
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
9. Develop new product and site support literature, which includes but is not limited to manuals,
signs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and risk assessment documentation.
10. Work to project timelines and budgets, anticipate issues, and propose solutions to mitigate risk.
11. Act as the reference point for expertise and advice for the engineering team with respect to
electrical and controls system engineering requirements.
12. Contribute to the product framework with respect to control systems design and implementation
for the research road map.
The responsibilities as specified above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements
of the position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Some out of hours work may be required.
• International and inter/intra state travel may be required.
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
Staff must follow and apply the following:
1. Core Staff Attributes
To contribute to a successful and enterprising culture at UniSA, each staff member is expected to
demonstrate the following key behavioural attributes:
• Is trusted, authentic and self‐aware – establishes credibility, is honest, reliable, accountable,
and responsive
• Takes the initiative and delivers results – by seizing opportunities and being outcome and
customer focussed
• Provides solutions – through logical, creative and innovative thinking and timely, transparent
and consultative decision making
• Communicates with impact – displays clarity, diplomacy, persuasiveness and sensitivity
• Leads and works well with others ‐ displays conviction and resilience, working collaboratively,
motivating others and mobilising influence.
2. Health Safety & Injury Management
• Follow reasonable instructions, work procedures and practices to maintain the health and
safety of yourself and others.
• Report all identified work place hazards and incidents.
3. Performance Development and Management
Participate in the University’s Performance Development and Management process.
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
1. A bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering, or related tertiary engineering qualifications and at
least 5 years of industry experience.
2. Extensive demonstrated experience in the design, implementation/installation/integration of
systems or products, including user acceptance testing and delivery support to ensure the system
or design meets the intended objective or client needs.
3. Extensive experience in control system development in a mobile machinery, Mining or industrial
environment.
4. Experience with programming, ideally using IFM, and capability to learn new programs quickly.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills that facilitate effective communication of results
and recommendations to key stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated ability to work within a research‐engineering environment, with various
stakeholders, to achieve project milestones.
7. An understanding of drawing standards and geometric tolerancing.
8. Experience working to Australian and International electrical systems design standards.
9. Demonstrated experience in applying continuous improvement approach to standard processes
to address new challenges.
Desirable
1. Previous exposure to the design of heavy equipment and an appreciation of what automation can
provide to these machines.
2. Understanding of hydraulic/electric systems ideally from a mobile heavy machinery background.
3. Knowledge of drilling.
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