Senior Electronics Technician at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
iThemba LABS seeks to employ a Senior Electronics Technician for its Accelerator Operations and Technical Support department (Radio Frequency) which involves developing, operating and maintaining RF systems, including control hardware, power supplies and power amplifiers (up to 100kW) for particle beam acceleration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, calculate, and develop RF system parameters for new beam delivery; initialize and start RF systems Operate and monitor RF systems during beam production to ensure stability and reliabilityAnalyse, identify, and repair faults causing interruptions in beam delivery; liaise with support services when necessaryTimeous repair of RF equipment as requiredIdentify outdated systems and equipment, and develop, test, and integrate upgrades, coordinating with suppliers and decision makers as neededManage and maintain availability of spare parts and instruments, ensuring adequate stock levelsParticipate in a callout schedule for emergency repairs, ensuring continuous operation of RF systems

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 5-5 years

• BTech: Electrical Engineering or equivalent (additional qualification in Radar/RF will be advantageous)
• Valid SA driver's license and own reliable transport

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience in electronics including analogue systems
• 5 years’ experience in repair and maintenance of electronic equipmentExperience in an RF environment, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and amplifiers, will be advantageous
• Extensive experience in electronics, with a strong focus on analogue electronics Proficiency in fault analysis, troubleshooting, and repair of complex electronic systemsAbility to interpret circuit diagrams, technical documentation, and diagnostic dataExperience with system optimization, performance tuning, and reliability improvementInterfacing hardware for computer-based control and automation

Knowledge:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for diagnosing and resolving technical issuesGeneral understanding of particle accelerators and related physics in a research environment
• General understanding of radiation safetyInsight into and experience with resonant circuits, high-voltage power supplies, and power amplifier principles will be advantages

Additional Notes:
Excellent written and communication skillsAble to work independently as well as in a teamAbility to work under pressure with minimum supervisionAbility to collaborate and work effectively within cross-functional teamsRequires physical resilience and dexterity for hands-on technical work during breakdownsGood mechanical aptitudeThe 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. iThemba LABS is Africa's leading research facility for accelerator-based science that is committed to advance knowledge, transforming lives and, inspiring the nation through probing fundamental structure and the origins of matter; advancing the understanding of condensed matter; Impacting the societal need through provision of radioisotopes for the health sector and isotope analysis for the environmental sector.