Mechatronics Engineer at South African Astronomical Observatory

About the position

The SAAO is seeking an experienced Mechatronics Engineer to carry out mechanical and electronic design for astronomical instrumentation and systems, as well as fault finding and repair of existing systems. The position is within a dynamic team, comprised of approximately two dozen staff, including astronomers, electronics and mechanical engineers, technicians, and software developers.
Responsibilities include design and development of systems and subsystems in conjunction with team members, performing design, construction, acceptance testing and commissioning, carrying out risk analyses, and fault-finding and support for equipment at the Sutherland site. The post is based in Cape Town in the Instrumentation Division, reporting to the Mechanical Engineer. The incumbent will be required to spend approximately 1 week every 2 months performing standby duties in Sutherland in addition to the time needed to commission and support new and existing telescopes and instruments on an as needed basis.

• Purpose:

• Instrumentation development and support, including but not limited to:

• Electronic and mechanical design of astronomical instrumentation and enabling systems
• Integration, assembly, and deployment of instruments
• Fault finding on instruments, telescopes, and enabling systems
• Standby duties in Sutherland

• Mentorship and skills transfer activities

• Key Responsibilities:

• Developing solutions and producing documented designs, manufacturing datapacks, assembly procedures, maintenance procedures, procurement lists and bills of material.

• Facilitating and participating in design reviews
• Producing assembled, integrated, tested, and deployed instrumentation products for telescopes and enabling
• Fault finding, to determine fault location and resolution; producing fault reports detailing the problem, methods and resolution; recommendations and designs to address larger or recurring faults.
• Periodic standby duties in Sutherland, for one week at a time

• Knowledge sharing and mentorship

• Key Requirements:

• Qualification:

BSc in Engineering (Mechatronics preferred, or Electronics/Electrical with relevant mechanical experience, or Mechanical with relevant electronics experience)

• Experience:

• 5 years' demonstrated experience in design, assembly, and testing of fine mechanical and electronics systems

• Practical experience with mechanical and electronic hardware assembly, integration, and testing

• Knowledge:

• Electronic fault finding, diagnosis and analysis

• Electronic circuit and PCB CAD design and construction

• Knowledge of mechanical and electronics manufacturing methods

• Additional Notes:

• DESIRABLE SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

Experience with systems engineering processes and their application within complex, multi-disciplinary environments 3D CAD modelling (NX, or equivalent)
Configuration management Strong communication skills and the ability to author technical/project documentation Hand skills (mechanical hand tools, power tools, soldering, wiring, cable assembly, etc.)

• PERSONAL QUALITIES:

Self-starter, able to work independently with minimal supervision, with the confidence to make decisions independently Problem solving and curiosity
Attention to detail Precision, neat handiwork
Strong technical communication skills (verbal and written)

Desired Skills:

• Fault Finding
• Diagnoses
• Analysis
• Electronic circuit
• Cad design

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 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.