Internal Vacant Position – Mechanical Engineer

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 08 May 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) implements South Africa’s strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation, and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

Has recognised technical expertise and experience gained in mechanical engineering product development. Assist in technical planning, overseeing and reviewing the work of the junior engineers and technicians. Support organizational activities through the provision of specialist mechanical engineering support. Assume responsibility pertaining to the development and integration of sub-assemblies and components developed by team members and supervising developments at lower levels by providing detailed requirements for subassembly and component level development and doing regular internal reviews. May be assigned technical supervisory responsibility for a smaller team of engineering/technician staff for a development delivery.

Key Responsibilities:
* Generate and validate requirements for subassembly, equipment and component level deliverables
* Generate subsystem /equipment level concepts. Define initial interface requirements.
* Define PDR level solution at subsystem /equipment level. (SDD). Define verification activities. Gather compliance evidence. Define interfaces
* Perform subsystem/equipment level analysis (safety, reliability, performance)
* Define qualification means and associated procedures. Develop qualification facilities. Generate QTP/QTR. Manage and maintain test rig configuration. Perform qualification tests. Record qualification evidence
* Generate datapacks for review. Assist in reviewing datapacks of junior engineers and adjacent product developments.
* Lead subsystem/equipment installation activity. Perform physical installation per procedure where required. Coordinate ATP. Define ATP configuration at subsystem level
* Agree first level trouble shooting support internally in conjunction with senior engineer or functional manager. Approve maintenance manuals as reviewer.
* Provide input into product configuration management through various stages of development cycle

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* BTech Mechanical/Mechatronics Eng with 6+ years of relevant experience OR
* BEng/MTech Mechanical/Mechatronics with 4+ years of relevant experience OR
* M.Eng/MTech Mechanical/Mechatronics with 3+ years of relevant experience OR
* PhD/D.Eng Mechanical/Mechatronics with 1+ year of relevant experience

Experience:
Experience to be gained in a high technology development/research organisation requiring integration of multiple disciplines and
subsystems of engineering e.g. electrical/software/control/mechanical and RF engineering. Candidate to have been responsible for
design, definition, procurement and verification elements of the product development process.

Knowledge:
* Systems Engineering/ Product development processes
* Simulation of mechanical systems
* Qualification testing
* Acceptance testing

Additional Notes:
Related Skills
* Derive development requirements for mechanical components and subsystems and equipment
* Conceptualise mechanical solutions based on higher level system inputs
* Present concepts for internal and external design reviews
* Develop solutions for review to meet subsystem level requirements
* Create 3D CAD models from design sketches or existing 2D drawings
* Read and understand manufacturing drawings

Extreme Importance (Essential)
* Structural analysis to determine internal and interface loading
* Structural analysis for sizing of components
* Development and in service configuration management
* 3D CAD models development and production of detailed manufacturing data packs and relevant documentation to support approval of datapacks
* Mechanical components and assemblies design and definition and management of mechanical interfaces
* Tolerancing, draughting standards, welding of structures, finishes
* Mechanical manufacturing and fabrication processes
* CAD data management systems
* Achievable manufacturing tolerances

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: 08 May 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