SALT Technical Operations Manager at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The SALT Technical Operations Manager is an engineer based in Sutherland and working within the SAAO staff structure. The main purpose of this position is to lead the operations, maintenance, and upgrades of SALT. This position manages a team of engineers and technicians in Sutherland and in Cape Town and reports to the SALT Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Operations Management: Oversee the daily coordination of all telescope activities and ensure that the telescope is ready for night operations
• Ensure maintenance is conducted regularly, proactively and rapidly, keeping the success of night time operations the highest priority without compromising the integrity of the telescope and/or its instrumentation
• Drive the continued enhancement and development for SALT
• Proactively identify opportunities for performance and efficiency improvements by applying proven industrial standards on reliability and quality
• Provide input and strategic direction for upgrades and obsolescence mitigation programs
• Work together with the relevant teams and the SALT Director to define projects and priorities and ensure adequate resourcing
• Provide direction and guidance to team leads and ensure all equipment and required facilities for telescope operation are readily available
• Performance manage the SALT Technical Operations team
• Maintain timely communication with the SALT Director, with the Astronomy Operations manager / team, the SALT Observatory Scientist and observers on duty regarding technical problems that may affect night-time operations
• Implement systems to minimise technical and engineering downtime and maximise scientific productivity of the telescope
• Cultivate an environment that supports personal and organisational growth
• Motivate and mentor the team to optimise engagement and productivity by aligning training for career development and addressing skills/technical gaps in the team
• Implement a culture of skills identification, resource planning and adequate knowledge transfer to minimise institutional knowledge loss through staff turnover
• Prepare and manage the SALT Technical Operations budget with the help of the SALT CFO, the SALT Observatory Scientist and the SALT Director
• Prepare the necessary reports for the SALT Director timeously
• Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety matters at SALT
• Ensure safety remains at high importance and visibility

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 15-15 years

• PhD(Eng) + 10 years or MEng/MSc(Eng) + 13 years or BEng/BSc(Eng) + 15 years (Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems, Industrial)Eligible to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer (Pr
• Eng)

Experience:

• Fifteen (15) years of experience in a high technology and multi-disciplinary product / system and operations environment
• Within the above 15 years, Five (5) years of Project Management experience of a multi-disciplinary engineering project
• Within the above 15 years, Five (5) years of Line-management experience of a multi-disciplinary technical team
• Proven ability to collaborate within a fast-paced team and perform effectively under tight deadlines, demonstrating a positive, solution-oriented attitude as a team

Knowledge:

• Project Management Management of a multi-disciplinary technical team

Additional Notes:
DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES:Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) would be a strong advantageLeadership and/or management course and experience. Experience in Strategic Leadership and Portfolio ManagementExpertise in all aspects of operational management, including planning, project management and problem [URL Removed] with Occupational Health and Safety [URL Removed] of Engineering Asset Management FrameworksExperience and Knowledge of Configuration ManagementExperience in developing Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs)Experience in Financial Management budgeting and forecastingExperience in Technology ManagementExcellent written and oral communication skills in [URL Removed] people management, leadership, interpersonal, and organisational skills, strong decision-making [URL Removed] Engineering Management qualification and experience would be a strong [URL Removed] Asset Management course and experienceFinancial Management course and experienceTechnology Management course and experienceFOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact Dr. Romero Colmenero ([Email Address Removed])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·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 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, including the 10m SALT, are at Sutherland in the semi-arid Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, the SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers. The 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.