Civil Engineer/Engineering Technologist at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
SARAO is seeking an experienced and professionally registered Civil Engineer or Civil Engineering Technologist to join the Civil and Structures team. The role involves leading or supporting the design, planning, execution, and supervision of civil infrastructure projects in support of SARAO’s operations and strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will be technically strong, solutions-oriented, collaborative, and experienced in both office-based and on-site project phases

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct feasibility studies, design, procurement, contract administration, supervision, monitoring, and implementation of civil infrastructure projects
• Assist in technical planning and oversight, reviewing work of engineers, technologists, technicians, and graduates
• Provide specialist civil engineering input and ensure the development of appropriate design solutions
• Take ownership of project components, integrating multidisciplinary inputs, and supervising small teams where required
• Prepare technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, BOQs, tender documentation, and reports
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, codes, standards, and quality assurance systems
• Apply and manage contracts using NEC4, GCC and FIDIC formats
• Provide guidance for operational support and maintenance initiatives, including troubleshooting of infrastructure challenges
• Demonstrate effective leadership, planning, organisation, and mentoring capability

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 4-6 years

• B
• Tech / B
• Eng
• in Civil Engineering with 6+ years experience; ORB
• Eng / B
• Sc Hons in Civil Engineering with 4+ years experienceAnd:Active ECSA registration as Pr
• Eng or Pr
• Tech
• Eng (Compulsory)Valid SA Driver’s Licence (Code B)

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years in the design and implementation of civil infrastructure (roads, buildings, water and sanitation)
• Minimum of 2 years in site supervision or construction monitoring, preferably as Engineer’s Representative
• Experience in:Project management and reportingPlanning, design reviews, feasibility studiesCompilation of procurement documentation (tenders, specifications, drawings, BOQs)Contract administration and stakeholder liaisonTechnical proposal writing and document preparationOperational support and site troubleshooting

Knowledge:

• Knowledge and Skills:Government procurement processes and supply chain managementApplication of NEC4, GCC and FIDIC standard forms of contractISO9001 Quality Management SystemsNational and international standards (e
• g
• , SANS 1200, COTO)Work methods, designs, and technical processes within civil infrastructure disciplinesDesign software:AutoCAD Civil 3D (essential)Prokon or similar structural software (advantageous)Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Adobe, Google Drive, and related platforms

Additional Notes:
Self-motivated and proactive with a passion for engineering excellenceAble to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary teamStrong leadership and mentoring abilitiesExcellent problem-solving, planning, and interpersonal skillsEffective written and verbal communication in EnglishDetail-oriented with strong documentation and organisational habitsDemonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines under pressureWillingness to travel as required and work on remote [URL Removed] 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 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.