Vacant Post – Receiver Systems Technician

Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: 04 November 2022

About the position:

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.

Main Purpose: Installation, Commissioning, Maintenance, Repair and Creation of Process/Procedures for Radio Telescopes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform installation, commissioning and Acceptance Testing of relevant equipment
• Responsible for Supporting, Maintaining and Repairing of the telescope systems, with the main focus on Receivers and Subsystems.
• Maintaining and Operating of an Intermediate Level Maintenance (ILM) facility
• Identify and participate with upgrades and expansions to Receiver Systems Maintenance
• Supporting of guest instruments from external suppliers to the agreed level
• Assisting in RFI, H&S and Equipment Management/Implementation
• All related duties to this role

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• N3 and Trade Tested with applicable vocational experience in Electronics Equipment Mechanician-672104 or Instrument Mechanician-672105 (minimum 2 years after trade test)
• Three (3) years working experience in radio/telecommunication/control systems
• Code C driver􀂷s license (advantageous)
• Truck mounted crane license (advantageous)
• Computer literacy

Experience:

• Connecting components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos and inverters
• Examining and testing machines, instruments, components, other equipment, instruments and control systems to identify faults.
• Adjusting, repairing and replacing worn and defective parts and wiring, maintaining machines, equipment and instruments
• Reassembling, test operating and adjusting equipment
• Installing electronic instruments and control systems
• Coordinating work with that of engineers, technicians, and other maintenance personnel
• Interpreting test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems
• Training of apprentices (advantageous)
• Maintenance of Antenna Structures (advantageous)

Knowledge:

• Radio Frequency and Radio Frequency Interference environment (advantageous)
• Working with cryogenic cool systems
• Working with high vacuum systems

Additional Notes:

• Be able to operate within a team and individually
• Neat worker
• Have a positive attitude
• Must be able to work to tight deadlines
• Willing to work outside normal working hours
• Be able to work at elevated heights
• Be able to work in remote locations
• Be able to work in confined spaces

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.