Electronics Technician at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:

The SAAO, in partnership with SALT, invites applications from suitably qualified individuals for a SALT Electronic / Electrical Technician to join our Technical Operations Team based in Sutherland. The successful candidate will support the team with electronic, electrical and electro-optical repairs and maintenance as well as support to projects during design, development, installation, acceptance testing and operation. This will entail the incumbent to work on the exposed tracker of SALT about 20m off the ground for many of the assigned repairs and maintenance tasks. The tracker also house the ultra-sensitive and extremely sophisticated optics of the telescope. This makes any task performed on the tracker very delicate as the electronics and electrics are intertwined with the optics.

The position is within a dynamic team, comprised of approximately two dozen staff, including astronomers, electronic, optical and mechanical engineers, technicians, and software developers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine and preventative maintenance processes and procedures on electronic, electrical and electro-optical subsystems
• Identify and remove/replace faulty equipment or components
• Repair, test and reinstall faulty equipment or components
• Perform functional tests on all new and repaired subsystems
• Fault-find and repair of obsolete electronic/electrical equipment
• Using test equipment, and relevant computer-based software in the course of technical diagnostic and fault-finding work
• Ensure configuration control of subsystems documentation
• Perform standby duties

Minimum Qualification:

• (NQF 6) Diploma (current), National Diploma (legacy qualification) in applicable field or equivalent, OR Occupational Certificate Level 6
• Valid Driver's licence

Minimum Experience:

• 1-1 years

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 years' relevant experience
• Experience in component level fault-finding and repair of analogue, digital electronics or electrical systems
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Proficient in MS Office, or similar applications (Word, Excel)

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in maintaining and repairing of obsolete equipment
• Experience in a production environment with PLC's
• Experience with technical drawings
• Experience in motion control, manufacturing, or building management systems
• Fall arrest and basic rescue certification
• Experience of large telescope electrical and electronic systems

Knowledge:

• Servomotors, variable speed drives (VSDs) or robotic systems
• Using specialised tools and interpreting schematics to diagnose faults in complex electronic circuits and automated equipment
• Working with industrial control systems, SCADA, HMI, and possibly PLC programming
• Electronic module design and testing
• PCB design and layout
• Knowledge of microcontroller programming
• Familiarity with electrical wiring

Additional Notes:

• Electrical Trade Test Certificate
• Wireman's licenseTeam player and the ability to work independently
• Service orientated
• Adhere to all Health and Safety requirements
• Good communication skills in English
• Ability to work at heights of ~20m in line with the safety regulations
• Ability to live and work in remote and isolated environments

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:

• Can work with minimum supervision
• Responsible and accountable
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and meticulous

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 semi-arid Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate the 10-m Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), 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 human capacity development for South Africa.