About the position
Postion Summary:
The purpose of this role is to safely and cost-effectively maintain availability and utilization of antenna structures by planning, overseeing and reviewing the work of the maintenance team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Install/Assemble Telescope components by hands-on execution drawing on technical knowledge and skills, and through direct supervision of direct reports
- Review Task procedures by identifying new tasks and formulating safe operating manuals
- Review Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Manuals to ensure practicality and utility in the field by drawing on technical knowledge and experience
- Review Acceptance Testing to ensure performance meets requirements, flag problems through observation and by applying technical/diagnostic skills, and take action and/or suggest changes
- Evaluate Telescope mechanical performance to ensure performance meets requirements, flag problems through observation and by applying technical/diagnostic skills, and take action and/or suggest changes
- Manage handover from Contractor to User transition from project to operations by applying range of technical and supervisory skills
- Schedule weekly Preventative Maintenance on Telescopes by determining maintenance priorities, and action accordingly
- Schedule Corrective Maintenance on Telescopes by determining maintenance priorities, and action accordingly
- Implement Engineering changes taking into account design changes, and drawing on technical knowledge and skills
- Incorporate Maintenance Management system into team daily tasks by drawing on technical and organisational knowledge and skills
- Evaluate Telescope mechanical performance through testing, identifying mechanical issues
- Identify Engineering changes and make proposals to improve telescope performance and maintenance
- Attend to guest instrument ad hoc requests as requiredRespond to Telescope operational faults reported by Telescope operators drawing on know-how and deploying maintenance teamImplement new components
- Liaise with the Engineering department regarding the implementation of upgrades, as they arise
Minimum Qualification:
- Diploma / Advanced Certificate / NQF 6
Minimum Experience:
- Diploma Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent Trade test in Mechanical Engineering an advantageFive years experience in mechanical maintenance on large structures in a leading supervisory role
- Valid drivers license
Experience:
- Preventative and Corrective Maintenance standard procedures, planning and data logging
- Experience in planning and progressing technical/scientific work activities
- Proven staff management and supervisory skills
- CAD Modelling Experience in Maintenance logging systems
- Experience in troubleshooting and correcting failures on large mechanical equipment
- Experience with Laser alignment and photogrammetry will be an advantage
- Experience in servo equipment will be advantageous
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles involved in the production of precision technical plans, drawings and models
- Well-developed understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures
- Managing budget
- Ability to focus on priority issues
- Knowledge or exposure to crane operations, rigging and working at heights
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. 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.
Desired Skills:
- Skilled in applied field of position
- Knowledge to be relevant
- Responsible in performing duties
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 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 telescope 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.
