Manager: Radio Frequency Interference at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
This position is responsible for leading a team in the management of the internal radio frequency environment (defined to be the radio frequency environment that may be impacted by self-generated, on-site interference). Management of this environment is done through the establishment of appropriate management processes and procedures, development and operation of radio frequency interference (RFI) monitoring equipment and undertaking appropriate RFI measurement campaigns.


Key Responsibilities:

• Designing, developing and implementing appropriate RFI monitoring systemsOperating and maintaining RFI monitoring infrastructure, including reverberation chambers and similarMonitoring and analysing measurable RFIDeveloping in-house policies and procedures for the effective management and control of internal RFITraining and development of team membersParticipate in international RFI and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) activities

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 5-13 years

• B
• Tech with 13+ years; ORB
• Eng with 9+ years; ORM
• Eng with 7+ years; ORPh
• D with 5+ yearsPMP (or equivalent) - (advantageous)Business Qualification (like MBA) – (advantageous)ECSA Professional registration (advantageous)Experience, of which at least 5 years have been spent within a spectrum management, radio frequency interference or electromagnetic compatibility environment, and 5 years working at a management level

Experience:

• System engineeringProject managementRadio frequency engineeringRadio frequency interference as it pertains to the operation of radio astronomy facilities

Knowledge:

• Specify, design, develop and operate highly sensitive radio frequency interference monitoring equipment and softwareProject management in specialised and highly technical fieldsProven experience in the use of RFI measurement equipment for RFI monitoring and analysisRF propagation, data analysis and software development toolsSystem test and verificationSystem engineering of complex electronic systemsManagement of an engineering teamManagement of external contractors

Additional Notes:
Be able to lead an RFI team in a highly technical and specialised environment Have an excellent understanding of system engineering processes Be able to work with key stakeholders to ensure proper management of the internal radio frequency environment Be able to mentor technicians and engineers Be able to work within a high pressure work environment Excellent inter-personal and communication skills Good problem solving skills Be able to produce reports and analysesThe 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 endeavors.