Project Engineer at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The Antenna Structures Project Engineer is part of an integrated project team whom, on behalf of the SKAO, is responsible for qualifying the SKA-Mid Dish Structure prototype and managing the main contractor deliverables during the production phase; ensuring that the dish structures are delivered, constructed, commissioned and tested against its requirements and that associated documentation are reviewed and configured prior to being handed over for further acceptance, integration and verification. This position involves interfacing with other SARAO and SKAO functional groups, as well as the main contractor and his sub-contractors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute and/or support qualification and investigative tests on the first SKA dish structure prototype Data Analysis and Report writingWitness contractors Site Acceptance Tests and review test reportsManaging Configuration and Change Control Project Management support

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 1-4 years

• BTech + 5 years’ experience ((preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), orBEng + 4 years’ experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), orMEng + 3 years’ experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), orPhD + 1 year experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), andValid driver’s license

Experience:

• Application and control of System Engineering processes and procedures, e
• g
• baseline establishment/management and change controlDefining and execution of technical tests, post processing of test data (MATLAB or PYTHON), root cause investigation and technical report writing Exposure to project lifecycle / production environmentWorking experience in the astronomy, space or military industry desirableProject Management

Knowledge:

• Quality assurance systemsEngineering standardsConfiguration management and configuration management systemsSystems engineering methods, procedures, tools and techniquesServo control systemsLarge steel structures e
• g
• welding, stress relief, etc
• Mechanical component/assembly fabrication and acceptanceRadio Frequency Interference principalsProduction environmentEngineering life cycle

Additional Notes:
Willingness to travel local and abroadWorking at remote sites for extended periodsIntegrated project team experienceAnalytical and problem solving skillsProficient with Microsoft Word/Excel/Visio and PowerPointData processing and/or tests script development using Python or MATLABPerforming detail engineering tasks and analysisConceptual / systems thinkingExcellent interpersonal skillsAble to multi-taskEffective communication in English (both written and verbally)Able to take initiative and work independentlySelf-disciplined, ordered and structureThe 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 and KAT-7 telescopes 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 endeavours.