Mechatronics Engineer in Agriculture

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

• Design, develop and support cutting-edge AgTech solutions, contributing to projects from concept and prototyping through to field deployment and commercialisation.
• Collaborate with researchers, industry partners and innovators to deliver practical, technology-enabled improvements that enhance the sustainability, productivity and resilience of Tasmanian agriculture.
• Full time, ongoing position located in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), a joint venture between the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government, delivers world-class research, industry development and education to support sustainable and resilient agricultural industries. The Mechatronics Engineer in Agriculture provides engineering expertise to support agricultural research, innovation and technology commercialisation activities within the AgTech Innovation Studio, contributing to projects from concept and prototyping through to field deployment and commercial readiness. Working collaboratively with researchers and industry partners, the role delivers practical, technology-enabled solutions, provides technical advice and support, and helps build sustainable engineering capability to advance TIA’s research and commercialisation objectives.

What you’ll do:

• Contribute to the design, development and implementation of integrated electronic, mechanical, telemetry, sensor and software systems to support agricultural research and innovation.
• Analyse data, prepare technical reports and documentation to provide appropriate technical advice relating to system design and deployment to support research outcomes.
• Support the early commercialisation of agricultural technologies by assisting with prototype development, field deployment, performance evaluation, and iterative improvement toward production readiness.
• Assist with the establishment, operation, and monitoring of laboratory and field trials under general direction to support system performance, data quality, and technical troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support research integrity, project tracking, and reporting requirements.

What we’re looking for:

• Demonstrated experience applying mechatronics and engineering principles across instrumentation, mechanical design, agricultural IoT, sensor networks, telemetry systems and electronics.
• Experience supporting the design, adaptation, and troubleshooting of technical systems in research or applied innovation environments.
• Experience supporting multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic research, studio, or applied development setting.
• Experience supporting the establishment and monitoring of laboratory and or field trials, including diagnosing and resolving technical issues.
• Knowledge of soil science, soil property measurement techniques and experience with below ground to above ground radio frequency communication is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 5 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $105,665 comprising base salary within the range of $80,869 to $90,312 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• This vacancy is being advertised internally only in the first instance to current staff.
• In submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile.
• For further information about this position, please contact Simon Edwards, AgTech Innovation Studio Manager, Simon.Edwards@utas.edu.au or 6226 5747
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - Mechatronics Engineer in Agriculture.pdf.

Applications close Sunday, 13 September 2026, 11.55pm

 As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.