About the position
An opportunity exists for a skilled Fibre Technician to support the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fibre optic systems for large-scale scientific infrastructure projects. This role is suited to a professional with proven expertise in fibre splicing, optical testing, and the construction of high-quality fibre networks.
As a Fibre Technician, you will contribute to the delivery and upkeep of telescope-related fibre networks, including installation, acceptance testing, and ongoing support of optical fibre systems. You will also play a key role in troubleshooting, documentation, and ensuring fibre links are restored promptly to maintain operational reliability.
Key Responsibilities (amongst others):
- Perform optical fibre installations, including Dish Fibre Network (DFN) at telescope sites
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair fibre optic systems through inspections and defect resolution
- Conduct documentation, testing, and acceptance activities for each fibre installation, including capturing as-built data
- Assist with the management and maintenance of installed fibre optic networks
- Ensure installations meet the highest quality and standards in line with project requirements
- Respond to breakdowns to restore fibre links within minimal time
- Maintain fibre network assets, ensuring safe storage and calibration compliance
- Support planning and scheduling of optical fibre network installations and resources
Minimum Requirements:
Qualifications:
- National Diploma in Engineering (preferably Electrical/Electronic) (NQF 6)
- FOA Certified Fibre Optics Technician or equivalent
- Valid driver's licence
Experience:
- 5+ years of fibre optic splicing experience, with preference for candidates with advanced practice
- Proven use of fibre optic testing/troubleshooting equipment (OTDR, Max Tester, Optical link loss tools)
- Experience with cable preparation, fibre optic cables (loose tube, tight buffer), and patch panel assembly
- Fusion splicing of SMF, MMF, and NZDSF
- Competence in OTDR, OLS, PM, and other optical fibre testing tools
Knowledge and Skills:
- Proficiency in assembling patch panels and joints
- Ability to interpret OTDR traces, splicing diagrams, and optical test results
- Expertise in optical power loss testing, test reporting, and presentation of results
- Knowledge of fibre optic connectors and their applications
- Strong understanding of fibre optic link construction and maintenance
- Proficiency with hand/power tools and splicing techniques
- Ability to work at heights (5-10 metres)
- Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and within a team, often in remote locations and under tight schedules
This role offers the chance to play a critical part in supporting advanced scientific infrastructure, ensuring reliable and high-performance optical fibre networks.
NB: Only candidates meeting the required qualifications and experience will be considered.
Desired Skills:
- Fibre Splicing
- Optical Testing
- OTDR
- Fusion Splicing
- Patch Panels
- Network Maintenance
- Fibre Installation
Desired Work Experience:
