Re-Advertisement Vacant Post – Senior Fibre Technician

Contract type: Long Term Contract
Period of Contract: 5 years
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 08 August 2024

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.

Hands-on expertise in the field of optical fibre to lead a small team in the installation and maintenance of Dish fibre network (DFN) for the MeerKAT Extension and SKA-1 Mid Radio telescopes, as well as Optical Fibre Networks (OFN) and related activities at telescope sites and within SARAO.

Key Responsibilities:
* Leading a small team in Installations, troubleshooting, and maintaining fibre optic systems at telescope sites or as directed.
* Providing input to Optical fibre lower-level fibre designs at telescope sites as to when required
* Following the dish fibre network (DFN) procurement plan while complying with SARAO SCM procurement procedures to purchase required items for fibre optic installation at telescope sites
* Ensuring proper marketing research to understand industry capability and engage with suppliers to minimize risk
* Mentoring the less experienced Optical fibre team members
* Taking accountability of fibre optic deliverables at telescope sites to ensure quality and professionalism
* Taking lead in documenting, installing, testing and troubleshooting fibre optic systems at telescope sites
* Conducting regular inspections of fibre optic network systems at telescope sites with the aim of locating and repairing any defects detected during the inspections.
* Mobilising resources within minimum time to attend to detected/ report fibre optics faults,and ensuring that they are repaired within minimum time possible.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering with + 9 years related work experience, of which +5 years is in Fibre Optic splicing
* Valid Driver’s licence
* FOA Certificate

Experience:
* Working in a project team at a responsible level
* Experience in using Fibre Optic troubleshooting tools (i.e., OTDR, Loss tests, Inspection probes, etc.)

Knowledge:
* Assemble different types of patch panels and joints.
* Understand and identify the different types of optical connectors.
* Perform tasks using plans and diagrams
* Construction and maintenance of fibre optic links.
* Interpreting test results
* Reading of fibre optic splicing diagrams/documents

Additional Notes:
* Display excellent interpersonal skills.
* Work independently as well as in a team environment.
* Excellent communication in English (written and verbal).
* Ability to work under tight schedules
* Willingness to work in remote locations from time to time as well as outside normal working hours
* Willing to learn
* Good analytical and problem-solving skills
* Good working knowledge of hand and power tools used in this position with proficiency in fibre cable termination with connectors.
* Well versed in fusion splicing machine technique
* Self-disciplined, motivated and organized

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: 08 August 2024

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