SALT Senior Electronics Technician 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 Senior Electronic Technician to join our Technical Operations Team based in Sutherland. The well experienced successful candidate will support the team with 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 ultrasensitive 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:

Electronic/Electrical Maintenance and Development of the SALT Facility, subsystems and instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse and resolve problems on SALT equipment and subsystems.
• Develop, coordinate, and perform routine and preventative maintenance processes and procedures on electronic, electrical and electro-optical subsystems.
• Fault-find and repair of obsolete electronic systems and subsystems.
• Ensure configuration control of subsystems documentation.
• Subsystem performance analysis and reporting
• Perform standby duties.

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• Ndip/Dip in Electronic Engineering or equivalent - 10 years post qualification experience
• BTech in Electronic Engineering or equivalent - 6 years post qualification experience

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in component level fault finding analogue and digital electronics
• Demonstrated experience in component level repairing of analogue and digital electronics
• Experience in maintaining and repair of obsolete equipment
• Experience in high technology work sector
• Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Low voltage 1000V electrical systems experience

Knowledge:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Proficient in MS Office, or similar applications (Word, Excel)

Additional Notes:

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• Fall arrest and basic rescue certification
• Wireman's license
• Leading maintenance teams
• Good experience in motion-control and electro-mechanical integration
• Experience in a production environment with PLC's
• Experience in electrical CAD
• Fault diagnostic and or corrective action using software
• Experience of large telescope electrical and electronic systems
• Safety Representative experience

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• 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
• Good oral and written communication in English
• Service orientated
• Good hand-eye coordination
• 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.

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:

• Communication (written and verbal)
• Responsible
• accountable

Desired Qualification Level:

• Diploma

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.