The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is hiring for multiple positions.
Radio Frequency Technician (RFI)
This is a permanent position where the successful candidate will join the team at Carnarvon, Northern Cape, to be responsible for the execution of day-to-day site installation & maintenance (scheduled and corrective) of RFI equipment. Additionally, this position will execute or assist with all RFI measuring activities, including RFI testing, report writing and updating various RFI databases.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure that the RFI design and installation instructions are correctly communicated and executed,
- Review site-installed RFI equipment/services is accurately done,
- Perform scheduled and corrective maintenance on all site RFI equipment,
- Perform and assist with RFI testing on-site as and when required,
- Ensure that RFI test equipment and assets are properly cleaned and stored,
- Assist with RFI radiated, screening, vehicle and equipment testing as and when required,
- Monitor, report and follow up on RFI detections and all other related duties to this role.
Key Requirements
Qualification
- National Diploma: Engineering (Electrical/Electronic),
- Certification in RF and EMC (Advantageous),
- Valid driver’s License Code EB
Experience
- 5-years working experience within a radio frequency/radar or EMC environment,
- Hands-on experience in using spectrum analysers, RFI test equipment and antenna systems
Knowledge
- Radio & radar understanding and hands-on exposure,
- Monitoring and control of radio frequency and electronic systems,
- RFI mitigations,
- Execution of lab and on-site RFI / EMC testing and evaluation of results,
- Electrical systems installation (Advantageous),
- Perform tasks using plans and diagrams,
- Understand and analyse RF measurement data from various commercial and well as in-house developed monitoring systems,
- Basic knowledge of health & safety.
Additional Notes
- Good communications skills,
- Ability to work independently as part of a team,
- Ability to work under tight schedules,
- Must be able to work in remote locations from time to time as well as outside normal working hours,
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills,
- Ability to work in a physically demanding atmosphere including, but not limited to carrying, raising and climbing a ladder or carrying, lifting and handling heavy equipment,
- Self-disciplined, motivated and organised,
- Attention to detail,
- Adhere to all Health and Safety requirements.
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV here before 01 September 2023. For more information on this role, visit here.
RF Engineer: Electromagnetics (EM)
This is also a permanent position where the successful candidate will join the team at Cape Town, Western Cape, to be responsible for the design and analysis of critical RF components and systems with an emphasis on EM design.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform EM analysis and design of components and systems such as antennas, feedhorn and ortho-mode transducers,
- Support the science commissioning and systems engineering teams with specialist electromagnetic analysis support,
- Develop and present EM analysis, modelling and simulation studies and reports,
- Attend and participate in technical and management progress meetings and reviews,
- Manage component libraries,
- Develop and maintain EM analysis methods, tools and know-how, and
- Train and mentor junior engineers.
Key Requirements
Qualification
- B-Eng or BSc specialising in electromagnetic (EM) design,
- Four years of computational electromagnetics analysis and design,
- Valid driver’s licence.
Experience
- Theoretical antenna design and analysis,
- EM analysis of antenna using modelling tools such as CST, GRASP, AWR, Matlab and Python,
- Design and analysis of RF PCBs using RF and EM modelling tools (CST and AWR) and techniques,
- 3D modelling of complex components such as OMTs and couplers,
- Use of electronic test equipment such as VNA and spectrum analyser,
- Understanding and interpretation of component datasheets, and
- Technical report writing.
Knowledge
- Systems engineering,
- Radio astronomy instrumentation
- Radio astronomy science
- Reflector antennas
- EM solvers
Additional Notes
- Ability to work within multi-disciplined and multi-cultured teams and stakeholders,
- Be flexible and search for options and opportunities in the face of project challenges and setbacks without compromising safety, reliability and quality,
- Ability to conceptualise and develop high-quality systems engineering artefacts (including study reports as and when required),
- Ability to work and successfully deliver under pressure, and
- Excellent communication skills.
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV here before 25th August 2023. For more information on this role, visit here.
Furthermore, applicants should include a letter of motivation indicating their suitability for the position in their applications. In addition, the applicants must provide at least three referees’ names and contact details.
South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience. Also, the NRF is committed to employment equity and redress, and appointments to the position will align with the NRF Employment Equity Plan. In addition, the NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment and will send correspondence to short-listed candidates only.
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