The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, and contributing to human capital development for South Africa.
Main Purpose of Job:The SAAO is seeking a well experienced Electronics Engineer to carry out electronic design including software development for astronomical instrumentation and systems. The position is within a dynamic team, comprised of approximately two dozen staff, including astronomers, electronics and mechanical engineers, technicians, and software developers. Responsibilities include design and development of systems and subsystems in conjunction with team members, ensuring design, construction, acceptance testing and commissioning, carrying out risk analyses, and fault-finding and support for equipment at the Sutherland site. The post is based in Cape Town in the Instrumentation Division, reporting to the division head. The incumbent will be required to spend approximately 1 week every 2 months performing standby duties in Sutherland in addition to the time needed to commission and support new and existing telescopes and instruments on an as needed basis.
Minimum requirements:· BSc in Engineering (Electronics/Electrical) or MTech (Electronics/Electrical)· 8 year demonstrated track record in a high-technology product development environment· Experience with System Engineering processes and applications within complex, multi-disciplinary environments· Analog and digital electronics specification, design, construction and testing· Electronic fault finding, diagnosis and analysis· Use of schematic capture and PCB layout applications· Experience with formal software development of firmware and higher level user interfaces using C, Python or similar
Desirable skills & attributes:· Experience in multi-disciplinary sub-system development (fine mechanics, mechanism design, vacuum systems, CCD detectors)· Experience in product development using a systems engineering approach· Configuration management systems for documents and software· Practical knowledge of PLC systems· Excellent communication skills and ability to author technical/project documentation
· Personal qualities· Good oral and written communication in English. · Organized and structured working method· Decision maker· Implementer and finisher· Can work effectively in a group or independently· Build and maintain good customer/stakeholder relations
Duties will include but are not limited to:• Compile (sub)system specifications• Design and develop electronic/electro-mechanical systems• Develop the necessary software for testing, operation and user interfaces• Ensure configuration control of documentation and software• Execute design reviews• Fault finding and correcting faults together with the team in Cape Town and Sutherland
The salary package will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The filling of this position will be in line with the NRF’s Employment Equity Policy and Plan.