Electronics Technician at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The SAAO is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Electronics Technologist to be based at the SAAO in Sutherland. The role is integral to supporting the Telescope Operations (TOPS) technical team, providing critical electronics expertise, including electronics support and repairs for astronomical instruments, telescopes and systems

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct preventative, corrective, and general maintenance of telescopes, instruments and associated systems to ensure optimal performance
• Perform instrument changes
• Perform electronics standby duties on a rotation format, which involves being called out at night
• Design, test and install upgrades to existing equipment, as well as assist with integration, assembly and deployment of new instruments and technologies
• Fault-finding on instruments, telescopes and associated systems, applying technical expertise to resolve issues and minimise impact on operations
• Work closely with astronomers, mechanical engineers, software developers, and other technical teams at SAAO to ensure seamless integration of electronics systems with other operational components at the telescopes
• Provide training and technical support to junior technicians, fostering knowledge transfer within the team to ensure long-term operational continuity

Minimum Qualification:

• Diploma / Advanced Certificate / NQF 6 in Electronics or related fields
• Valid Driver's licenceMinimum
• Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years practical experience in relevant electronics engineering or high-tech environment or similar

Knowledge:

• Practical experience in engineering systems, processes, and their application within a complex and multi-disciplinary environment
• Electronics fault-finding, diagnosis and analysis
• Electronics hardware assembly, integration and testing
• Knowledge of microcontroller programming and software development
• Familiarity with electrical wiring

Additional Notes:

• Self-motivated
• Basic PLC programming knowledge or willingness to learn
• Be able to work alone and as part of a team
• Be able to work independently without or with minimum supervision
• Experience with optical detectors
• Ability to live in remote and isolated environments
• Experience in supervising technical teams and operations

Desired Skills:

• Good oral and written communication skills

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science. The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.

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.

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.