Vacant Position – Fitter and Turner

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 23 September 2026

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.

To safely and cost-effectively support on-site maintenance by fabricating parts, fitting, assembling, maintaining, and repairing mechanical components, sub assemblies, and machines.

Key Responsibilities:
* Fabricate support structures using the equipment allocated in the workshop.
* Manufacture components required for the upkeep of telescope and other equipment on site.
* Specify material requirements and recommend associated cost
* Corrective maintenance by removing and replacing equipment, disassembling and assembling equipment.
* Maintaining antennas and other related equipment on site
* Lubrication of telescope and workshop moving mechanical components
* Draw from stores materials required per job instructions
* Using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplied procedures and in house compiled procedures
* Fault finding and inspections on mechanical components.
* Using the equipment allocated in the workshop and drawings supplied eg welding machines, cutting torches and hand tools, to fabricate support structures.
* Machine different types of threads using the centre lathe
* Train apprentice (on-the-job training) on equipment in the workshop and basic hand tools relating to their trades and in line with their training program to practically transfer knowledge and experience.
* Using CMMS (Computerised maintenance management systems) to record and log work being done on the equipment and the telescopes

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* N3 Certificate plus Trade Tested Fitter and Turner
* Recognition of prior learning advantageous (RPL) Trade Test
* 5 years working experience in the technical field

Experience:
* RPL Trade Test experience must be greater than 8 years
* Maintenance experience of large diameter antenna structure will be advantageous

Knowledge:
* Understand and interpret technical drawings
* Dismantle devices to remove, repair or replace defective parts.
* Lubricate, clean and test devices to maintain performance.
* Manufacturing / fabrication knowledge and skills

Additional Notes:
* Good understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures
* Must be medically fit
* Good written and oral communication.
* Must be able to work at elevated heights and confined spaces
* Neat worker.
* Willing to work outside normal working hours.
* Must be able to work to tight deadlines.
* Willing to learn.
* Must have a positive attitude.
* Must be able to operate within a team and individually.
* Fine tolerances and precision
* Attention to detail
* Valid driver’s licence
* Crane operation experience will be advantageous

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: 23 September 2026

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