Vacant Post – Senior Engineer: Spectrum Licensing

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Closing Date: 13 April 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.

SARAO has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Engineer: Spectrum Licensing to join our team in Gauteng responsible for ensuring the protection of astronomy advantage areas declared to protect South Africa’s strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the MeerKAT and SKA projects. The successful incumbent will be responsible for implementing systems and processes for the characterization of radio frequency transmissions, preparation of compliance assessment reports, and developing radio spectrum permit conditions in accordance with the regulations of the protection of astronomy advantage areas in terms of the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act (No. 21 of 2007).

Key Responsibilities:
* The successful candidate shall be responsible for ensuring the effective technical, operational and legal implementation of regulations promulgated for the protection of astronomy advantage areas declared in terms of the Astronomy Geographic

Advantage (AGA) Act. This includes:
* Undertaking the necessary radio frequency compliance assessments through the use of appropriate computer based radio propagation modelling, in accordance with any applicable standard published by the CENEKEC, CISPR, IEC, IEEE,ITU, or SANS or a standard prescribed in terms of the Electricity Regulation Act (Act No. 4 of 2006).
* Preparation of compliance assessment reports and permitting conditions, in accordance with the AGA regulatory framework;
* Undertake appropriate stakeholder consultations, including telecommunication operators, government departments, the independent communications authority of South Africa (ICASA), and relevant interested and affected parties;
* Deployment, management and support of software systems and processes deployed to implement the AGA regulations;
* Work with the Astronomy Management Authority, located within the Department of Science and Innovation, in support of implementation of the AGA regulatory framework;
* Provide expertise advice on matters relevant to spectrum management and the AGA Act.
* Mentorship of candidate Engineers, as and when appropriate

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Experience:
* 5 years’ experience in an Electronic Communications Engineering environment, including experience in frequency management and/or radio network design.
* 3 years’experience in conducting and participating in radio propagation modelling activities.

Knowledge:
* Good understanding of computer based spectrum management activities and radio propagation modelling
* Good understanding of commonly used technical parameters and units of measurement within radio frequency engineering and telecommunication.
* Experienced in the use of radio propagation models and solving related challenges.

Additional Notes:
* Ability to work independently
* Strong problem solving abilities
* Excellent communication and inter-personal 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