Tyrone van Balla – Functional Manager: Data Processing & Pipelines
Tyrone is a Functional Manager with over a decade of experience leading multidisciplinary teams in software and hardware development for Radio Astronomy backend instrumentation and data processing systems. He holds a BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Radar and Signal Processing.
Since joining SARAO in 2015, Tyrone has held numerous positions including Electronic Engineer within the Digital Backend Subsystem, Systems Engineer for the Digital Signal Processing Group and now serves as the Functional Manager for the Data Processing & Pipelines Group (previously known as the Digital Signal Processing Group).
In his current role, he oversees the strategic direction, delivery and execution, and people management of multiple teams spanning areas of high-performance computing & software, digital signal processing systems and science data processing. During his time at SARAO he has contributed significantly to the design and delivery of Digital Backend Systems across the MeerKAT and AVN Programs.
Since 2024, Tyrone has been serving as South Africa’s representative on the SKA Science and Engineering Advisory Committee, where he provides independent technical expertise and advice to contribute to the successful delivery of the SKA Project.
