SALT Mechatronics Engineer at South African Astronomical Observatory

About the position

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the 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.

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 Sutherland. The well experienced successful candidate will support the team with motion control
setup and fault-finding, drive setup and fault-finding, electronic, electrical, as well as electro-optical repairs and maintenance as well as
support to projects during design, development, installation, acceptance testing and maintenance. This will entail the incumbent to work,
with the team, on the exposed tracker of SALT about 20m off the ground for many of the assigned repairs and maintenance tasks. The
tracker payload houses electromechanically actuated ultra-sensitive and sophisticated optics of the telescope, making tasks performed
on the tracker very delicate. The position is within a dynamic team, comprised of approximately three dozen staff, including astronomers,
electronics, optical and mechanical engineers, technicians, and software developers. You may be required to travel abroad to attend
international conferences and visit partner institutions, other telescopes, and suppliers.

Purpose: Maintenance, modification and development of SALT facility, subsystems and instrumentation.

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
• Perform standby duties

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

B Eng or B Tech degree in Mechatronics or equivalent - 3 years post qualification experience

Experience:

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

• Demonstrated Closed loop precision motion control

• Demonstrated Drive setup and tuning
• Experience in working with the Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 controller
• Experience in using Siemens SIMATIC Motion Control and FAULHABER Motion Controllers

Knowledge:

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

Additional Notes:

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in setting up and tuning of Siemens SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES and Kollmorgen AKD Servo Drives
• Excellent mathematical skills and the ability to grasp complex, especially mechatronics systems
• Experience in motion-control and electro-mechanical integration
• Experience in a production environment with PLC's
• Experience of large telescope electrical and electronic systems
• Fall arrest and basic rescue certification
• Experience in the LabVIEW programming language and structured software development methodologies.

Personal Qualities:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Team player and the ability to work independently
• Can work with minimum supervision
• Can follow and carry out instructions accurately
• Responsible and accountable
• Attention to detail and meticulous
• Must have good communication skills in English.
• 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

Information:

The website [URL Removed] provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to [URL Removed] and apply online. 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.

Closing Date: 02 May 2025

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF
Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only

Desired Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Must have good communication skills in English.

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.