Vacant Position – Junior RF Engineer NRF/SARAO

5 days ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa SKA South Africa Full time

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 27 March 2025

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) (www.sarao.ac.za) 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 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.

The purpose of the role is to design, develop and analyze concepts analytically and numerically for time and frequency transmission via RF techniques over fibre as well as interfaces to associated equipment such as atomic clocks and radio astronomy receivers and digitisers ensuring high-precision time and frequency distribution.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Research and analysis to ensure that the developed time and frequency system meets or exceeds performance requirements, delivering high precision and reliability.
  2. Develop and design photonic systems for the transmission and distribution of precise time and frequency signals.
  3. Utilize design software and simulation tools to create system schematics, perform circuit simulations, and optimize components.
  4. Design of RF circuit schematics and PCB layouts.
  5. Assembly and testing of RF photonic modules and RF photonic instrumentation, cabling and systems diagrams.
  6. Perform lab-based and field-based testing using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment.
  7. Analyze test data to identify and resolve issues.
  8. Document all design, testing, and optimization processes and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  9. Prepare detailed technical reports, user manuals, and compliance documentation.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
B.Eng/ BSc Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Experience:
Minimum of 3 years' experience in an RF Engineering environment

Knowledge:

  1. Electronics
  2. RF Hardware Design
  3. PCB Design
  4. Firmware Design
  5. Test and Verification
  6. System Engineering

Additional Notes:

  1. Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English
  2. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  3. Efficiency in a high-pressure environment
  4. Proactive
  5. Capable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertainty
  6. Proficient in Root Cause Analysis & Problem-solving
  7. Strong decision-making
  8. Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in quality assessments.
  9. Well-developed relationship and influencing skills
  10. Ability to collaborate and work effectively within cross-functional teams.
  11. Willingness to work outside normal hours
  12. No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and Internationally
  13. Interacting with multi-disciplinary teams

Information:
The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. 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.

Closing Date: 27 March 2025

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.

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