SALT Technical Operations Manager at South African Astronomical Observatory

About the position

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.
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), on behalf of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) Foundation (Pty) Ltd, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of SALT Technical Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Operations Management:

• Oversee the daily coordination of all telescope activities and ensure that the telescope is ready for night
• 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
• 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
• Work together with the relevant teams and the SALT Director to define projects and priorities and ensure adequate
• Provide direction and guidance to team leads and ensure all equipment and required facilities for telescope operation are readily
• Performance manage the SALT Technical Operations
• 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
• Cultivate an environment that supports personal and organisational 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
• Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety matters at Ensure safety remains at high importance and visibility.

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• 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
• Within the above 15 years, Five (5) years of Project Management experience of a multi-disciplinary engineering
• Within the above 15 years, Five (5) years of Line-management experience of a multi-disciplinary technical
• 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 advantage Leadership and/or management course and experience.

• Experience in Strategic Leadership and Portfolio Management

• Expertise in all aspects of operational management, including planning, project management and problem solving.

• Experience with Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

• Knowledge of Engineering Asset Management Frameworks Experience and Knowledge of Configuration Management
• Experience in developing Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs) Experience in Financial Management budgeting and forecasting Experience in Technology Management
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Excellent people management, leadership, interpersonal, and organisational skills, strong decision-making ability. Systems Engineering Management qualification and experience would be a strong advantage.
• Engineering Asset Management course and experience Financial Management course and experience Technology Management course and experience

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact Dr. Romero Colmenero ([Email Address Removed])

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: 04 April 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:

• Communication in English

Desired Work Experience:

• More than 10 years

Desired Qualification Level:

• Doctorate

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.