Vacant Post – RF Engineer: Electromagnetics (EM)

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.

The RF engineer Electro Magnetics (EM) is responsible for the design and analysis of critical RF components and systems with an emphasis on EM design.

Key Responsibilities:
* Perform EM analysis and design of components and systems such as antennas, feedhorn and ortho-mode transducers
* Support the science commissioning and systems engineering teams with specialist electromagnetic analysis support
* Develop and present EM analysis, modelling and simulation studies and reports
* Attend and participate in technical and management progress meetings and reviews
* Manage component libraries
* Develop and maintain EM analysis methods, tools and know how
* Train and mentor junior engineers

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* B-Eng or BSc specializing in electromagnetic (EM) design
* Four years of computational electromagnetics analysis and design.
* Valid driver’s licence

Experience:
* Theoretical antenna design and analysis
* EM analysis of antenna using modelling tools such as CST, GRASP, AWR, Matlab and Python.
* Design and analysis of RF PCBs using RF and EM modelling tools (CST and AWR) and techniques.
* 3D modelling of complex components such as OMTs and couplers.
* Use of electronic test equipment such as VNA and spectrum analyser.
* Understanding and interpretation of component datasheets
* Technical report writing

Knowledge:
* Systems engineering
* Radio astronomy instrumentation
* Radio astronomy science
* Reflector antennas
* EM solvers

Additional Notes:
* Work within multi-disciplined and multi-cultured teams and stakeholders.
* Be flexible and search for options and opportunities in the face of project challenges and setbacks without compromising safety, reliability and quality.
* Conceptualise and develop high quality systems engineering artefacts (including study reports as and when required).
* Work and successfully deliver under pressure.
* Excellent verbally and via written (reports/documents) communication skills.
* Act with integrity at all times.

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