Vacant Post – Manager: Radio Frequency Interference

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 09 June 2023

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 endeavors.

* Purpose:
This position is responsible for leading a team in the management of the internal radio frequency environment (defined to be the radio frequency environment that may be impacted by self-generated, on-site interference). Management of this environment is done through the establishment of appropriate management processes and procedures, development and operation of radio frequency interference (RFI) monitoring equipment and undertaking appropriate RFI measurement campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:
* Designing, developing and implementing appropriate RFI monitoring systems
* Operating and maintaining RFI monitoring infrastructure, including reverberation chambers and similar
* Monitoring and analysing measurable RFI
* Developing in-house policies and procedures for the effective management and control of internal RFI
* Training and development of team members
* Participate in international RFI and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) activities

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* B.Tech with 13+ years; OR
* B.Eng with 9+ years; OR
* M.Eng with 7+ years; OR
* Ph.D with 5+ years
* PMP (or equivalent) – (advantageous)
* Business Qualification (like MBA) 􀂲􀀃(advantageous)
* ECSA Professional registration (advantageous)
* Experience, of which at least 5 years have been spent within a spectrum management, radio frequency interference or electromagnetic compatibility environment, and 5 years working at a management level.

Experience:
* System engineering
* Project management
* Radio frequency engineering
* Radio frequency interference as it pertains to the operation of radio astronomy facilities

Knowledge:
* Specify, design, develop and operate highly sensitive radio frequency interference monitoring equipment and software
* Project management in specialised and highly technical fields
* Proven experience in the use of RFI measurement equipment for RFI monitoring and analysis
* RF propagation, data analysis and software development tools
* System test and verification
* System engineering of complex electronic systems
* Management of an engineering team
* Management of external contractors

Additional Notes:
* Be able to lead an RFI team in a highly technical and specialised environment
* Have an excellent understanding of system engineering processes
* Be able to work with key stakeholders to ensure proper management of the internal radio frequency environment
* Be able to mentor technicians and engineers
* Be able to work within a high pressure work environment
* Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
* Good problem solving skills
* Be able to produce reports and analyses

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: 09 June 2023
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