About the position
Postion Summary:
This role is largely implementation and execution focused, but may assume design authority on smaller, well-defined components or applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Implementation of digital signal processing (DSP) products, applications and/or algorithms for Radio Astronomy data processing systems that satisfy higher-level system functional and performance requirementsImplementation of these products contains elements of software development, high-performance computing (HPC, GPGPU) and high-speed data transportSupport analysis, definition, integration, verification and validation activities of DSP products at various system levelsDevelopment of software to control, monitor, debug and support operation of the developed products and applicationsFollow and support the relevant Software Design Life Cycle and Systems Engineering processes for product development throughout the entire product or application lifecycle from conceptualisation through to decommissioningSupport deployment, maintenance, upgrades, operation and decommissioning of developed productsParticipate in and support the generation of technical system and product-related documentation applicable to developed DSP products to support the delivery and handover of the Data Processing & Pipelines Group’s productsParticipate in Research & Development initiatives within the Data Processing & Pipelines Group to develop novel ideas for future products and contribute to the overall continuous development of the group
Minimum Qualification:
- Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7
Minimum Experience:
- B
- Sc or B
- Tech (Eng) (NQF 7) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 6+ years relevant experience, ORB
- Eng/B
- Sc (Eng) (NQF 8) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 4+ years relevant experience; ORMSc / M
- Eng (NQF 9) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 3+ years relevant experience; ORPhD (NQF 10) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 1+ years relevant experience
Experience:
- Experience as a Software Developer with experience implementing algorithms and/or scientific computingExperience designing and implementing digital signal processing or similar data processing systems on GPGPU/HPC hardware architecture is advantageous but not requiredExperience building data processing applications specifically for Radio Astronomy instrumentation is advantageous but not requiredHigh-performance computing, particularly GPU computing and implementing parallel processing on GPU-based systemsImplementation of accelerated and optimised algorithms (DSP algorithms is advantageous)Experience analysing system requirements and defining a suitable system designWriting technical documentation describing the implementation and design of products at various technical levelsSoftware development: Python (particularly for scientific computing, such as numpy), C/C++Working with workflow and issue management tools (e
- g
- , JIRA)Working with source code and version control tools (e
- g
- , Git)
Knowledge:
- Software Development best practicesExperience in GPGPU and HPC programming (highly advantageous)Typical radio astronomy instrumentation: e
- g, spectrometers, correlators, beamformers (advantageous)High-speed data transport such as ethernet and knowledge of large-scale networksControlling and monitoring of DSP or data processing applications and componentsSoftware Development or Scientific Computing proficiency in either Python or C++Systems Engineering or Software Design Life CycleLinux operating systems and development tools
Additional Notes:
Desire to continuously learn, problem solve and acquire new skills with cutting edge technologyA clear and methodical approach to problem solvingA high attention to detail, excellent organisation skillsGood communication skills, written and verbalAble to effectively manage and lead a team on a technical projectAbility to effectively transfer knowledge and skills to other team membersEagerness to develop a technical specialisation and expertiseWillingness to travel both locally and internationally depending on operational needsThe 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 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 programmes 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 endeavours.
