Early Career Engineers

Hanne Stang

Mechanical Engineer

Hanne Stang is an engineer who joined CSIRO through the Autonomous Sensor FSP Sensor Prototyping Hub in September 2023. She has an MEng in Mechanical Engineering with Biomedical Engineering from University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, where she worked on ex-vivo analyses of silicone endoprostheses and the development of a wear-testing rig for biomaterials in artificial joints. Prior to joining CSIRO Hanne worked as an engineer in the UK, developing devices for life science and scientific startups. She is part of the Automation and Sensing Team in Clayton, in the Devices and Engineered and Systems (DES) Program, where she will be prototyping devices for a wide range of scientific applications. Hanne takes an interest in iterative rapid prototyping, needs-based innovation and enjoys multidisciplinary collaboration.

Electronic Engineer

Ben Blizzard is an Electronics Engineer working in the Sensor Prototyping Hub as part of the Autonomous Sensors FSP. He is interested in all facets of electronic hardware and software design and development.

Mechanical Engineer

Jack Waller is a Hobart-based mechanical engineer in the Sensor Prototyping Hub of the Autonomous Sensors Future Science Platform (AS FSP). He provides mechanical engineering support to various projects in the AS FSP, helping to develop prototype test equipment such as a waterproof housing for an optical nitrate and turbidity sensor, and a conveyor belt system for x-ray imaging of fruit. Before joining CSIRO, Jack graduated from the University of Tasmania (UTAS) with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in physics), and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (with Honours). While studying at UTAS, Jack was a member of the UTAS Motorsport Formula SAE team, and was involved with the vehicle dynamics modelling, drivetrain design, cooling design, manufacture, assembly, and testing of the team’s electric race car.

Electronic Engineer

Jane Hu started as an Electronics Engineer in the Autonomous Sensors FSP program based at Lucas Heights. She holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Sydney. Prior to joining CSIRO, Jane worked across different industries and with experience in designing, developing, testing, and evaluating new products and features. In her current role for the Lucas Heights X-ray Imaging Team, she will be developing hardware systems and firmware for hardware synchronization, data acquisition, speed improvement and system integration.

Mechatronics Engineer

Charlotte Farnworth holds a Mechatronics Engineering degree from the University of Newcastle, with a specialisation in machine vision and sensor calibration for autonomous vehicle navigation in the field of robotics. With a strong foundation in engineering, she excels in process optimisation, and system investigations. Beyond Charlotte’s academic and professional commitments, she is a talented musician in an Irish folk band and possesses a deep-seated passion for team sports such as soccer and touch rugby. She thrives on embracing new challenges, relentless in the pursuit of continuous learning. Charlotte is wholeheartedly eager to apply her proficiencies and knowledge towards making a positive and lasting impact.

Mechatronics Engineer

Brian Smith is a mechatronics engineer who joined CSIRO through the Autonomous Sensor FSP – Sensor Prototyping Hub in March of 2024. He has a MEng in Mechatronics Engineering and BSc in Computer Science from Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. Prior to joining CSIRO Brian worked as an engineer in Perth across a wide range of industry projects focused on research and development of consumer products, prototyping and design for manufacture. Brian is currently involved in providing engineering support within the X-ray Imaging science team for Sensing and Sorting (Lucas Heights, NSW); helping to design, build and test cutting-edge bulk ore processing systems for the optimisation of mineral processing. Brian is passionate about designing, optimising and making impactful products and technologies. He enjoys designing systems for harsh environments and full-life-cycle design.

Mechatronics Engineer

Sy is a mechatronics engineer who joined CSIRO’s Sensor Prototyping Hub in June 2024 through the Autonomous Sensor FSP program. He is currently a member of the RF and Digital Systems team at Lucas Heights, where he provides engineering support for the research and development of ore sorting sensors utilising magnetoresistance technology.