Mechanical Technician

Type:
Full Time, Contract 
Salary:
$49.15 - $55.19 per hour
Published:
September 6th, 2026
Location:
Menai, New South Wales, Australia
Reference:
BH-346165
Apply Now
About the Company:
Our client is a highly regarded Australian government science and technology organisation based in Lucas Heights. Their Minerals team works on pilot-scale processing projects across critical minerals, rare earths, lithium and uranium.Due to ongoing project activity, they are seeking two Pilot Plant Technicians to join the team on a 12-month contract, offering full-time hours. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for career stability, reliable ongoing work and consistent hours, while still being involved in technically interesting projects.

About the Role:
This is a practical, hands-on position supporting the build, operation and decommissioning of pilot plants ranging from small laboratory-scale systems through to approximately 1,000L. No two projects are the same. You may be assembling equipment one week, troubleshooting pumps and process systems the next, then supporting a live pilot plant campaign.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Assemble and modify pilot plant equipment
  • Connect tanks, pumps, piping and process equipment
  • Assist with commissioning and troubleshooting
  • Operate pilot plants during project campaigns
  • Carry out basic maintenance and repairs
  • Assist with plant decommissioning and equipment clean-down
  • Work alongside engineers, technicians and scientists
  • Follow strict safety and operational procedures
About You: You do not need minerals processing or laboratory experience.
We are looking for practical people with strong mechanical skills who enjoy working with their hands and want the stability of an ongoing role while contributing to new and innovative technical projects.

You may come from a background in:
  • Mechanical fitting or maintenance
  • Fabrication or workshop environments
  • Manufacturing or processing plants
  • Trade assistant work
  • Carpentry or equipment assembly
  • Mining or industrial operations
You will ideally have:
  • Strong hands-on mechanical skills
  • Experience assembling, maintaining or troubleshooting equipment
  • Good practical problem-solving ability
  • A strong safety mindset
  • Willingness to learn new equipment and processes
  • Good communication and teamwork skills
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills
Australian citizenship is mandatory for this role. Applicants must be Australian citizens and be able to pass a security clearance to be eligible.

Other Requirements:
  • Comfortable working around industrial chemicals and low-level radioactive materials
  • Willing to wear appropriate PPE and respiratory protection when required
  • Available for occasional shift work during pilot plant campaigns
  • Able to complete site security and pre-employment requirements
  • Able to meet all relevant government and site access requirements
Benefits:
  • 12- month casual assignment
  • Stable, ongoing work with a respected Australian government organisation
  • Consistent hours and the opportunity to build long-term career stability
  • On-site parking 
  • Opportunity to develop your skills in a unique technical and scientific environment
If you think this could be the role for you then please apply now! Please send us a cover letter AND a detailed resume in WORD format (PDFs can be corrupted / not processed).  
Or, if you have any questions, please contact Priangel on 0406 558 313.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.

Submission Form

Submit your message along with your CV attached, and one of our specialists will be in touch.