Mechatronics Engineer 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 Mechatronics Engineer to join our Technical Operations Team based in Cape Town. The position is within a dynamic team, comprised of approximately two dozen staff, including astronomers, electronics, optical and mechanical engineers, technicians, and software developers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse and resolve problems on SALT equipment and subsystems
• Upgrade and development of motion control systems
• Setup and configuration of motion control and drive systems
• Fault-find and repair of motion control and drive systems
• Develop, coordinate, and perform routine and preventative maintenance processes and procedures on electronic, electrical and electro-optical subsystems
• Ensure configuration control of subsystems documentation
• Subsystem performance analysis and reporting

Minimum Qualification:

• Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8

Minimum Experience:

• 3-3 years
• B Eng or B Tech degree in Computer/Electrical/Electronic/ Mechatronics, NQF level 8
• Valid Driver's licence
• Eligible for registration as a Candidate Engineer with ECSA3 years post qualification experience

Experience:

• Mechatronic sub-system development and/or experience in the maintenance and modifications of mechatronic systems
• Drive setup and tuning

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of low voltage electrical systems and/or factory machinery

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

Experience with the Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers
Experience using Siemens SIMATIC Motion Control and FAULHABER Motion Controllers Setup and tuning of Siemens SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES and Kollmorgen AKD Servo Drives
Professional written and oral communication skills with the capacity to consult, negotiate and liaise in English
Excellent mathematical skills and the ability to grasp complex systems, particularly mechatronics
Experience in motion-control and electro-mechanical integration
Experience in a production environment with PLC's
Fall arrest and basic rescue certification
Familiarity with the LabVIEW programming language and structured software development methodologies
Proficient in MS Office, or similar applications (Word, Excel)
Experience with complex, high precision electrical, electronic, and electromechanical systems, including control software integration

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Team player and the ability to work independently
Can work with minimum supervision
Can follow and carry out instructions accurately
Responsible and accountableAttention to detail and meticulous
Service orientated
Must be able to work with and around uncommon, delicate precision-calibrated optics, mechanics and electronics with no direct replacement
Not be afraid of working at heights

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 suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical 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 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.