Vacant Post – Project Engineer

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 15 September 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 endeavours.

To be the “owner’s engineer” or Supervisor (as defined in the NEC4: Engineering and Construction Contract 2017), taking full responsibility for the technical oversight and management of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of radio telescope systems and products as well as providing operational support during observations.

Key Responsibilities:
* Planning, directing and reporting on telescope build-out and upgrade projects
* Ensuring the manufacturability and constructability of proposed designs
* Compiling procurement specifications and the associated Supply Chain Management documentation for procurement of products
* Overseeing the technical elements of construction and assembly on site
* Overseeing the execution of RFI testing and permitting for construction equipment and system products
* Executing acceptance/qualification tests and preparing reports
* Ensuring that the ‘as-designed’ functionality and quality of systems and products is carried over to the ‘as-built’ state
* Creating Physical Breakdown Structures (PBSs) and executing Physical Configuration Audits (PCAs)
* Monitoring telescope performance, investigating failures and conducting root cause analysis
* Collaborating on engineering changes to resolve deficiencies and implementing physical changes to the telescopes
* Executing Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) and identifying preventive and corrective maintenance tasks
* Establishing basic maintenance facilities in line with support concepts
* Taking responsibility for the Import/Export of products and components, including customs clearances, VAT exemptions, etc.
* Compiling budgets, managing expenditure, tracking cost and effort and compiling invoices

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* B.Tech (Eng) (NQF 7) with 6+ years relevant experience
* B.Eng/B.Sc (Eng) (NQF 8) with 4+ years relevant experience; OR
* M.Eng (NQF 9) with 3+ years relevant experience

Experience:
* Project Management in a construction environment
* Design engineering (multi-discipline)
* Conducting physical configuration audits using Configuration Management Systems (CMS).
* Field engineering of telescopes and sub-systems to aid in fault diagnostics and rectification.
* Planning and executing acceptance/qualification tests & preparing reports
* Baseline establishment / maintenance through engineering change control processes
* Design for availability / supportability:
* Executing Failure Modes, Effects & Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
* Identifying Preventive and Corrective Maintenance Tasks
* Analysing Maintenance Procedures and Resources

Knowledge:
* Recognised domain knowledge of engineering for high-tech products and large-scale integrated products.
* Construction and systems engineering standards, methods, procedures, tools and techniques.
* Configuration management and configuration management systems
* Reliability and Supportability Engineering
* Quality Assurance Systems (ISO9001)
* SANS construction & electrical standards
* PFMA

Additional Notes:

The following related skills are required:

* Project Management
* Analytical problem-solving skills
* Computer literacy with experience in operating relational databases
* Solid written and verbal communications skills in English
* Fault diagnosis and root cause analysis
* Hands-on technical skills in order to provide field engineering support.
* Ability to multi-task

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: 15 September 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