Electronics Engineer at South African Astronomical Observatory

About the position

• The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Electronics Engineer.

The main purpose is lead a projects in the capacity of Electronics engineer and supervision of technicians, assistants, and students. The position is based in Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities:

• Specification, design and deployment of analogue and digital systems for instrumentation and telescope control systems
• Project Management and System Engineering and Integration of third-party developments of hardware for instrumentation
• Integration and commissioning of instrumentation including CCD/CMOS detectors, cameras and spectrographs * Development of test software and firmware in C, python and on PLCs.
• Work in Sutherland for short periods of time for standby and commissioning work
• Manage a technical team of technologists and technicians

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• PhD(Eng) + 5 years
• MEng/MSc(Eng) + 7 years
• BEng/BSc(Eng) + 9 years

Experience:

• 10 Year demonstrated track record in a high technology product development environment and imaging detector development.
• Experience with system engineering, processes and application within complex, multi-disciplinary environments * Electronic fault finding, diagnosis and analysis
• Analog and digital electronics circuit design, construction and testing
• Use of schematic capture and PCB layout applications
• Experience with formal software development of firmware and higher level user interfaces using C, Python or similar.

Knowledge:

• Experience in multi-disciplinary sub-system development (fine mechanics, mechanism design, vacuum systems, CCD detectors)
• Experience in product development using a systems engineering approach
• Configuration management systems for documents and software
• Practical knowledge of PLC systems

Additional Notes:

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Professional affiliation with ECSA advantageous
• EB Drivers licence required

Information:

The website [URL Removed] provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to [URL Removed] and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant
- s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Closing Date: 22 March 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

Desired Skills:

• Software Development

Desired Qualification Level:

• Doctorate

About The Employer:

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 Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, and contributing to human capital development for South Africa