Vacant Position – Senior Electrical Technician

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western 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.

The Senior Electrical Technician will provide specific practical support related to electrical manufacturing, installation testing, operation and maintenance which may include design, site visits installations / inspections and reviews. The incumbent work in collaboration with the Functional Manager (electrical) and program/project managers to ensure smooth operation of the Meerkat and Hartebeeshoek telescopes, successful delivery and acceptance of Meerkat Extension, AVN and infrastructure projects within schedule, budget and quality standards. The scope is to also support the Senior Electrical Engineers in their execution and implementation of some of their projects.

Key Responsibilities:
* Planning of site visit objectives to various sites
* Provision of conceptual, preliminary and detailed designs for electrical installations
* Direct and manage a project to completion within performance management baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources and quality)
* Ensure facilities and site power operations complies with the organisation’s technical and quality requirements
* Ensure the quality of power received from Eskom meets the Electricity Supply Agreement conditions in place
* Contribute towards the graduate training program and mentor junior employees and site team
* Conduct electrical system assessments and studies on existing infrastructure for expansion and/or refurbishment

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* National Diploma in Electrical Engineering plus 9+ years relevant experience
* B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering plus 6+ years relevant experience

Experience:
* Previous experience on multi-disciplinary projects (Conceptual Stage to Construction Close-out);
* Interpret design requirements pertaining to electrical systems
* Project management with maintenance costing of the electrical system
* Conduct electrical system assessments and studies on existing infrastructure for expansion and/or refurbishments
* Working knowledge of electrical engineering manufacturing, installation, testing and maintenance of electrical systems.

Knowledge:
* Design and operation of power generation and distribution systems
* Project management processes
* Working knowledge of built environment contracts
* Knowledge of the industry’s standards (SANS, OSH, NRS, Eskom, etc) and regulations
* Document and configuration management principles
* Eskom Operation Regulations (ORHVS)

Additional Notes:
* Good communicator – verbal and written
* Highly organized
* Self-driven and goal-orientated
* Manage multiple projects simultaneously
* Able to work under pressure
* Fault finding
* Engineering Change control
* Operations support

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