National Research Foundation
MECHATRONICS ENGINEER AT SOUTH AFRICAN ASTRNOMICAL OBSERVATORY
NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Permanent
Cape Town CBD
ABOUT THE POSITION
The SAAO is seeking an experienced Mechatronics Engineer to carry out mechanical and electronic design for astronomical instrumentation and systems, as well as fault finding and repair of existing 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, performing 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 Mechanical Engineer. 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.
Purpose:
Main Purpose of job:
Instrumentation development and support, including but not limited to:
Electronic and mechanical design of astronomical instrumentation and enabling systems
Integration, assembly, and deployment of instruments
Fault finding on instruments, telescopes, and enabling systems
Standby duties in Sutherland
Mentorship and skills transfer activities
Key Responsibilities:
Developing solutions and producing documented designs, manufacturing datapacks, assembly procedures, maintenance procedures, procurement lists and bills of material.
Facilitating and participating in design reviews.
Producing assembled, integrated, tested, and deployed instrumentation products for telescopes and enabling systems.
Fault finding, to determine fault location and resolution; producing fault reports detailing the problem, methods and resolution; recommendations and designs to address larger or recurring faults.
Periodic standby duties in Sutherland, for one week at a time
Knowledge sharing and mentorship
Key Requirements:
Qualification:
BSc in Engineering (Mechatronics preferred, or Electronics/Electrical with relevant mechanical experience, or Mechanical with relevant electronics experience)
Experience:
5 years
demonstrated experience in design, assembly, and testing of fine mechanical and electronics systems * Practical experience with mechanical and electronic hardware assembly, integration, and testing
Knowledge:
Electronic fault finding, diagnosis and analysis
Electronic circuit and PCB CAD design and construction
Knowledge of mechanical and electronics manufacturing methods
Additional Notes:
DESIRABLE SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:
Experience with systems engineering processes and their application within complex, multi-disciplinary environments
3D CAD modelling (NX, or equivalent)
Configuration management
Strong communication skills and the ability to author technical/project documentation Hand skills (mechanical hand tools, power tools, soldering, wiring, cable assembly, etc.)
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
Self-starter, able to work independently with minimal supervision, with the confidence to make decisions independently
Problem solving and curiosity
Attention to detail
Precision, neat handiwork
Strong technical communication skills (verbal and written)
Closing Date: 11 May 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
Desired Skills:
communication skills
hand skills
CAD
Desired Qualification Level:
Degree
About The Employer:
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 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.
Important:
Our sole purpose is to share new jobs in South Africa with our readers that seek employment. The job shown on this page, belongs to the Government department as seen on the listing.
National Research Foundation
Mechatronics Engineer
Cape Town CBD
11 May 2024