RFI Specialist

Job level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 01 September 2022

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 Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Telescope is an international effort by more than a dozen countries to build the world’s largest, most advanced radio telescopes in South Africa and Australia. Both South Africa and Australia are co-host members of the SKA Observatory (SKAO), a UK-based intergovernmental organisation responsible for the construction and operation of the SKA telescopes.

Support the Senior RFI Engineer principally in the specification, design and development of RFI monitoring systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and develop specialised radio frequency hardware for highly sensitive fixed and mobile RFI monitoring systems.
• Analyse radio frequency measurement data as a diagnostic tool for the development of specialised radio frequency hardware.
• Produce well written, value adding reports that can be used at management level for key decision making.
• Clearly articulate and present analysis work at levels ranging from RFI working group meetings to international conferences, symposiums and workshops.
• Identify, design and develop RFI mitigations solutions for RFI culprits.
• Calibration of RF hardware systems, sub-systems and components.

Key requirements:
Qualification:

• Masters of Science Engineering/Masters of Science Computer Science

Experience:

• 3 years’ working experience within radio frequency or software environment

Knowledge:

• Able to work in a development environment.
• Able to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Highly motivated and committed.
• Thorough and meticulous.
• Brilliant problem solving skills.
• Good communicator with good interpersonal skills.

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.