Job Overview & Organization Mission

Develop high-temperature concentrated solar thermal (CST) receivers and thermochemical hydrogen production technologies at the CSIRO Energy Centre.

CSIRO Energy is seeking an experienced Solar Thermal & Clean Hydrogen Research Specialist to join our solar technologies team at the CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle, NSW. You will lead experimental and numerical research on next-generation concentrated solar thermal systems, particle receivers, thermal energy storage, and solar-driven thermochemical hydrogen generation.

As a key member of the team at CSIRO Energy in Newcastle, NSW, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Design and: Design and operate pilot-scale solar thermal receiver experiments using CSIRO’s National Solar Energy Centre heliostat field.
• Perform Computational: Perform Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and heat transfer modeling of high-temperature falling particle receivers.
• Investigate solar: Investigate solar thermochemical water splitting and methane cracking pathways for zero-emission hydrogen production.
• Lead technical: Lead technical research collaborations with international laboratories (NREL, DLR) and commercial energy partners.
• Author patents,: Author patents, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and technical reports for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at CSIRO Energy, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: PhD in Mechanical, Chemical, or Solar Energy Engineering.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• PhD in Mechanical, Chemical, or Solar Thermal Engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-temperature heat transfer, concentrated solar power (CSP), or thermochemical reactor design.
• Proficiency in advanced engineering simulation tools (ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, or OpenFOAM).
• Strong track record of scientific publication and successful research project leadership.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At CSIRO Energy, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$135,000 – AU$165,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Remuneration $135,000 – $165,000 + 15.4% superannuation.
• State-of-the-art CSIRO Energy Centre campus in Newcastle with Australia’s largest solar thermal research field.
• Collaborative scientific culture with balanced work-life flexibility.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: CSIRO Energy

CSIRO Energy delivers technological solutions to decarbonize energy systems, reduce emissions, and secure Australia’s energy future.

CSIRO Energy is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official CSIRO Energy careers gateway.