Vacant Position – Junior System Engineer x3

 Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Junior
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 29 October 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 work as part of a team executing the systems engineering on projects covering design, development, construction, integration, verification and commissioning of complicated systems, elements, subsystems and associated supporting infrastructure and operational systems.

Key Responsibilities:
* Supporting the design, development & delivery of systems and products, through executing specific systems engineering tasks and analysis under supervision, employing existing academic knowledge while gaining practical experience.
* Contributing to operational availability and performance targets through monitoring system performance, investigating failures and conducting root cause analysis.
* Collaborating on engineering changes to resolve deficiencies or improve effectiveness.
* Developing work instructions and amended task descriptions.
* Implementing physical changes to components and assemblies.
* Executing research into the tools and techniques of systems engineering to influence overall engineering performance.
* Compiling procurement specifications and the associated Supply Chain Management documentation for procurement of products
* Assessing and accepting delivered products and items against specifications.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* B.Tech/B.Eng/B.Sc Eng with 2+ years’ experience in Engineering;
* Must be eligible to register as PrEng / PrEng Tech with ECSA

Experience:
* Functioning within a domain specific development team environment.
* Executing specific systems engineering and analysis tasks under supervision
* Employing known engineering and analysis techniques and executing data analysis as directed.
* Compiling engineering reports for review by more senior analysts and engineers.
* Must have developed good interpersonal skills to be able to gather information and communicate analysis results.
* Must be self-disciplined and well organised to ensure up to date, accurate and well-organised engineering outputs.
* Must have experience in planning and executing tests and preparing reports
* Scripting in Python
* Database configuring and operation
* Report writing in English

Knowledge:
* Basic domain knowledge at graduate/postgraduate level in engineering based on theoretical aspects with limited exposure to methods, procedures, tools and techniques.
* Exposure to systems engineering life-cycle processes.
* Use and structuring of databases
* Basic knowledge of the Systems Engineering standards, such as ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288

Additional Notes:
* The following related skills are required:
* Analytical problem-solving skills
* Ability to employ existing academic theory while gaining practical knowledge.
* Hands-on technical skills in order to install and commission products in the field.
* Basic scripting ability for configuring and analysis of digital systems
* Computer literacy with experience in operating relational databases
* Solid written and verbal communications skills in English
* Fault diagnosis and root cause analysis
* Work and successfully deliver under pressure.
* Work independently as well as in a team environment.
* Work in remote locations when required.

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.

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