Mechatronics Technician

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time
LOCATION - NSW
AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 06, $102,927.00 - $113,563.00 plus an additional 22% Composite*
JOB REFERENCE NUMBER – 12461
Apply URL: https://careers.afp.gov.au/job-invite/12461/

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified applicants wishing to be considered for the role of Mechatronics Technician (Band 6)

Digital Forensics National Capability is a growing team who use advanced techniques and capabilities to assist in the gathering of intelligence and evidence for criminal investigations. We have a team of high-performing talented people who are passionate about what they do.

The successful candidate(s) will be working alongside Security Researchers, Mechatronics Engineers, Software Engineers and Digital Forensic Examiners. You will be engaged on the most challenging problems facing Digital Forensics today and delivering solutions supporting AFP investigations and the greater national and international Digital Forensic community.

In this role you will be responsible for analysing and manipulating hardware devices and systems to support investigations. We value innovation, a passion for technology and provide a positive environment to develop technical solutions. The role is varied in the day-to-day activities. Your expertise will play a crucial role in maintaining and advancing our technological capabilities.

You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

• Examine and analyse various hardware components, devices and systems used in ongoing investigations to find potential vulnerabilities.
• Conduct software and hardware reverse engineering activities to understand the inner workings of hardware.
• Modify and manipulate hardware devices as needed including data extraction and device unlocking.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Ability to plan, drive and deliver on multiple concurrent projects.
• Demonstrable relevant industry experience within the Information Technology Sector.
• Conceptual and analytical skills.
• Creative thinking.
• A learning mindset, particularly in relation to security vulnerability research and developing new skills.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and self-management.
• Electronic and circuit board fundamentals.
• Soldering.

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• Proven experience in designing and developing custom hardware/software solutions.
• Experience in reverse engineering and analysing hardware/software systems.
• Knowledge of hardware/software hacking techniques and tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience working with law enforcement.
• Familiarity with encryption and decryption techniques and protocols.
• Chip removal.
• Hardware Rework, Repair & Extraction.
• Electronic Fault Finding.

Additional Information

• This position is an AFP Band 6.
• This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2017- 2020, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their Base Salary which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.
• Some interstate or international travel may be required from time to time.
• This role has been advertised in several states and territories, however the role is based in Sydney. Successful candidates must be willing to relocate at their own cost. 
• AFP employees are required to have received a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used). Satisfactory proof of vaccination status will be required at the time an offer of employment is made. Please contact the Recruitment Team if you wish to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine requirements further.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion is an operational priority for the Australian Federal Police (AFP). To be an effective police force, we must be reflective of the community we serve, working across languages, cultures and transnational borders. The 2023-26 Diversity & Inclusion Strategy is the guiding framework for delivering the AFP’s diversity and inclusion goals and reflecting our commitment to being an employer of choice, incorporating diversity and inclusion principles in day-to-day practice and building a psychologically and culturally safe workplace. This includes hiring people from diverse backgrounds who bring their lived experience to contribute, and add value, to the AFP. Find out more about how the AFP embraces diversity and inclusion.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer - Adam Barton Jones,
Contact Officer Phone: 0438258564, 
Contact Officer Email: adam.bartonjones@afp.gov.au
Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 20/12/2023