Contract type: Long Term Contract
Period of Contract: 3 years
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 12 November 2024
The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT and KAT-7 telescopes in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.
* Purpose: The Antenna Structures Project Engineer is part of an integrated project team whom, on behalf of the SKAO, is responsible for qualifying the SKA-Mid Dish Structure prototype and managing the main contractor deliverables during the production phase; ensuring that the dish structures are delivered, constructed, commissioned and tested against its requirements and that associated documentation are reviewed and configured prior to being handed over for further acceptance, integration and verification.
This position involves interfacing with other SARAO and SKAO functional groups, as well as the main contractor and his subcontractors.
Key Responsibilities: Execute and/or support qualification and investigative tests on the first SKA dish structure prototype Data Analysis and Report writing Witness contractors Site Acceptance Tests and review test reports Managing Configuration and Change Control Project Management support Key Requirements: Qualification: BTech + 5 years' experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), or BEng + 4 years' experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), or MEng + 3 years' experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), or PhD + 1 year experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), and Valid driver's license Experience: Application and control of System Engineering processes and procedures, e.g. baseline establishment/management and change control Defining and execution of technical tests, post processing of test data (MATLAB or PYTHON), root cause investigation and technical report writing Exposure to project lifecycle / production environment Working experience in the astronomy, space or military industry desirable Project Management Knowledge: Quality assurance systems Engineering standards Configuration management and configuration management systems Systems engineering methods, procedures, tools and techniques Servo control systems Large steel structures e.g. welding, stress relief, etc. Mechanical component/assembly fabrication and acceptance Radio Frequency Interference principles Production environment Engineering life cycle Additional Notes: Willingness to travel local and abroad Working at remote sites for extended periods Integrated project team experience Analytical and problem solving skills Proficient with Microsoft Word/Excel/Visio and PowerPoint Data processing and/or tests script development using Python or MATLAB Performing detail engineering tasks and analysis Conceptual / systems thinking Excellent interpersonal skills Able to multi-task Effective communication in English (both written and verbally) Able to take initiative and work independently Self-disciplined, ordered and structured Information: The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.
Applications: Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
Closing Date: 12 November 2024 The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.
The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.
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