The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is hiring a senior fibre technician on a five-year contract. The successful candidate will lead a team to install and maintain the dish fibre network (DFN) for the MeerKAT Extension, SKA-1 Mid Radio telescopes, Optical Fibre Networks (OFN) and other related activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a small team in Installations, troubleshooting, and maintaining fibre optic systems at telescope sites or as directed;
- Provide input to Optical fibre lower-level fibre designs at telescope sites when required;
- Execute the dish fibre network (DFN) procurement plan while complying with SARAO SCM procurement procedures to purchase required items for fibre optic installation at telescope sites;
- Ensuring proper marketing research to understand industry capability and engage with suppliers to minimise risk;
- Mentor the less experienced optical fibre team members;
- Take responsibility for fibre optic deliverables at telescope sites to ensure quality and professionalism;
- Lead the documenting, installing, testing and troubleshooting of fibre optic systems at telescope sites;
- Conduct regular inspections of fibre optic network systems at telescope sites to locate and repair any defects detected during examinations; and
- Mobilise resources within minimum time to attend to detected/ report fibre optics faults and ensure they are fixed within the minimum possible time.
Key Requirements
Qualification:
- More than nine years of related experience with a National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and more than five years of fibre optic splicing-related experience.
Experience
- Experience working in a project team; and
- Experience using fibre optic troubleshooting tools (i.e., OTDR, Loss tests, Inspection probes, etc.).
Knowledge
- Knowledge of assembling different types of patch panels and joints;
Understanding the different types of optical connectors; - Knowledge of related tasks using plans and diagrams;
- Knowledge of construction and maintenance of fibre optic links;
- Knowledge of how to Interpret test results; and
- Ability to read fibre optic splicing diagrams/documents.
Additional Notes
- Display excellent interpersonal skills;
- Work independently as well as in a team environment;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
- Ability to work under tight schedules;
- Willingness to work in remote locations from time to time as well as outside regular working hours;
- Willing to learn;
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Good working knowledge of hand and power tools used in this position with proficiency in fibre, cable termination with connector;
- Well-versed in fusion splicing machine technique;
- Self-disciplined, motivated and organised;
- Valid Driver’s licence; and
- FOA Certificate.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a Comprehensive CV here by 30 April 2023. 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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