Servo Engineer at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The Servo Engineer’s main purpose will be to support the MeerKAT Telescope Operations in terms of motion control related fault finding / root cause analysis / performance improvements / test –development, -execution, -post processing and addressing obsolescence. In addition to MeerKAT, the Servo Engineer will be required to apply his expertise on new developments applying the basics of System Engineering process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and design electronic product and test equipment for Motion Control SystemsExecute and/or support root cause investigations on Antenna Motion Control Systems errorsExecute/Perform and/or Witness tests on Antenna Motion Control SystemsPerform Data Analysis on Test Results and Compile Test Reports Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate motion control into overall system architectureCreate comprehensive documentation for motion control systems, including specifications, manuals, and technical reportsConfiguration and Change Control, i
• e
• maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation throughout the project lifecycle

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 1-6 years

• B
• Tech (Eng) (NQF 7) in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with +6 years relevant experience, ORB
• Eng/B
• Sc (Eng) (NQF 8) in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with +4 years relevant experience; ORMSc / M
• Eng (NQF 9) in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with +3 years relevant experience; ORPhD (NQF 10) in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with +1 years relevant experience

Experience:

• Strong background in electrical and mechanical engineering, along with expertise in motion control technologies with proven experience in designing and implementing motion control systems
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Matlab, Python and E-plan software
• Experience with motion control components such as motors, drives, encoders, and sensors
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Working knowledge in the application of the system engineering process
• Effective communication and collaboration skills

Knowledge:

• Systems Engineering methods, procedures, tools and techniquesConfiguration Management and configuration management systemselectronic product development and applicable standardselectronic equipment fabrication and acceptanceEMC/RFI principlesQualityProduction Environment

Additional Notes:
Willingness to travel local and abroadWorking at remote sites for 1 to 2-week periodsValid driver’s licenseThe 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 programs to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programs such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavors.