Vacancy Opportunity: Antenna Structures Project Engineer (3-Year Contract)

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), under the National Research Foundation (NRF), invites applications for a Skilled/Middle Management position as an Antenna Structures Project Engineer in Cape Town, Western Cape. SARAO plays a pivotal role in managing South Africa’s contribution to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Radio Telescope project, including the MeerKAT and KAT-7 telescopes, as well as a range of radio astronomy programs and research facilities. This position offers the opportunity to be part of a team driving advancements in radio astronomy infrastructure.

Contract Details

• Period: 3 Years
• Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
• Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
• Closing Date: 12 November 2024

Purpose of the Role

The Antenna Structures Project Engineer will be an integral part of the SKA-Mid Dish Structure project team. This role involves managing the qualification and production phases of the dish structure, including overseeing contractor deliverables, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements, and managing the documentation process. The engineer will also interface with SARAO and SKAO teams, the main contractor, and subcontractors to support project milestones.

Key Responsibilities

1. Testing and Qualification:
   • Execute and/or support qualification and investigative testing on the first SKA dish structure prototype.
   • Analyze test data and generate detailed reports.
   • Witness Site Acceptance Tests conducted by contractors and review corresponding reports.
2. Configuration Management:
   • Manage and control configuration changes and maintain baseline documentation.
3. Project Management Support:
   • Provide project management support, ensuring that engineering tasks align with project goals.
4. Interfacing and Collaboration:
   • Collaborate with various SARAO and SKAO teams to ensure project alignment.
   • Engage with contractors and subcontractors to monitor progress and compliance.

Key Requirements

Qualifications:

• BTech in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with 5 years of experience, or
• BEng in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with 4 years of experience, or
• MEng in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with 3 years of experience, or
• PhD in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with 1 year of experience.
• A valid driver’s license.

Experience:

• Application of systems engineering processes, including baseline management and change control.
• Execution of technical tests, post-processing of data using MATLAB or Python, and report writing.
• Experience in project lifecycle management or a production environment.
• Preferably, experience in the astronomy, space, or military sectors.
• Project management experience.

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with quality assurance systems and engineering standards.
• Configuration management principles and tools.
• Systems engineering methods and techniques.
• Servo control systems and large steel structure engineering (e.g., welding and stress relief).
• Mechanical component fabrication and acceptance.
• Understanding of radio frequency interference principles and the engineering lifecycle in a production environment.

Additional Skills and Attributes

• Willingness to Travel: Both locally and internationally.
• Remote Work Capability: Ability to work for extended periods at remote sites.
• Team Experience: Experience working as part of an integrated project team.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with data processing and script development in Python or MATLAB.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills and the ability to handle complex engineering tasks.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Initiative: Self-motivated, capable of working independently, and structured in approach.
• Interpersonal Skills: Effective at building relationships and working collaboratively.
• Multi-Tasking: Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.

Application Process

How to Apply:

• Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive CV through the NRF online recruitment portal: https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment.
• Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation detailing the applicant’s suitability for the role.
• Include the names and contact details of at least three referees.