We're Hiring!
Research Engineer, Cyclone Testing Station
- 495897
- Townsville
- Academic
- Full time
- Closing on: Oct 18 2026
Academic Level B | Full-time (1.0 FTE) |Continuing appointment] | Townsville
- Help improve the resilience of Australian buildings and communities to severe weather
- Deliver applied engineering research with meaningful industry and community impact
- Join the internationally relevant work of JCU’s Cyclone Testing Station
- Level B $112,810 - $133,110 + 17% Super & great benefits
James Cook University is seeking a collaborative and solutions-focused Research Engineer to join the Cyclone Testing Station in Townsville.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply your engineering expertise to research that helps reduce the social and financial impacts of tropical cyclones, thunderstorms and other severe wind events. You will contribute to practical projects examining building performance, wind loads, wind-driven debris and rain damage, while working with industry, researchers and technical specialists to strengthen community resilience.
About the role
As a Research Engineer, you will utilise your engineering expertise to engage with existing and prospective clients, develop suitable testing programs, supervise load testing activities and guide technical staff to ensure engineering best practice is achieved.
Working within the Cyclone Testing Station, you will contribute to research and testing that helps communities minimise the loss and suffering caused by cyclones and other high wind events. You will conduct and oversee testing programs, analyse data, prepare technical reports and research publications, and communicate outcomes through industry engagement, workshops and conferences.
You will also collaborate with industry partners, contribute to research informing Australian Standards, and support activities including grant applications, damage investigations and community engagement initiatives that strengthen the resilience of buildings and communities across Australia
Key responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Design and deliver testing programs aligned with relevant standards and engineering design criteria
- Apply structural analysis, laboratory testing, field investigation and probability analysis techniques
- Analyse and interpret data, preparing clear technical reports and research publications
- Collaborate with technical staff and multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver high-quality testing outcomes
- Build effective relationships with clients, industry organisations and project stakeholders
- Monitor project progress and communicate outcomes against agreed milestones
- Contribute to research supporting building resilience and relevant Australian Standards
- Support the Cyclone Testing Station’s damage investigations, grant activities and community engagement initiatives
About you
You will bring qualifications and experience in wind, structural or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, appropriate to appointment at Academic Level B.
You will also demonstrate:
- Contemporary knowledge of Australian Building Standards, relevant legislation and building construction techniques
- Experience delivering research projects, analysing data and communicating findings through reports or journal publications
- Strong engineering analysis, problem-solving and organisational capabilities
- The ability to manage priorities, exercise sound judgement and meet competing deadlines
- Experience engaging with industry and translating research into practical outcomes
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- The ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary research team
Familiarity with building systems and construction techniques, together with experience using numerical or structural analysis software, will be highly regarded.
About the Cyclone Testing Station
The Cyclone Testing Station (CTS) is a leading research and consulting centre within James Cook University's College of Science and Engineering. CTS delivers world-class research, testing and consulting services focused on improving the resilience of buildings and communities to cyclones, thunderstorms and other severe wind events. Through collaboration with industry, government and Standards Australia, our work helps reduce the social and economic impacts of natural disasters and create safer, more resilient communities.]
Learn more about CTS on the Cyclone Testing Station website.
Why work at JCU?
Join Australia’s university for the Tropics and contribute to applied engineering research that supports safer, stronger and more resilient communities.
At JCU, you will enjoy:
- 5 weeks annual leave plus leave loading
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 12 months paid parental leave
- Salary packaging options
- Paid study leave and staff development programs
- Fitness Passport and health insurance discounts
- Free Employee Assistance Program, including coaching and counselling
How to apply
Click the Apply button or apply through the JCU Careers page and:
- Complete the online application form
- Upload your current resume
- Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience against the key requirements and how your skills will contribute to your success in the role
For further information, please contact David Henderson on (07) 4781 6364 or email david.henderson@jcu.edu.au
JCU celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds who meet the requirements of the role.
