Junior Engineer: Radio Frequency Interference at SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

Job Description 

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 endeavors.

This position is responsible for assisting in developing RFI monitoring equipment, software and RFI policies and procedures under the guidance of an RFI engineer.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Develop, operate and maintain RFI monitoring systems
•  Analyse RFI measurements, monitoring and telescope data.
•  Write and review technical RFI reports
•  Participate in RFI measurement
•  Support graduates-in-training

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

•  B.Eng or B.Sc (NQF 8) in Electrical, Electronics or Computer Engineering with + 2 years relevant experience.
•  Valid drivers license.

Experience:

•  2 years experience in a RF environment
•  Processing or analyzing data in a programming language.
•  Designing electronic circuits
•  Working with RF electronics
•  Programming in a programming language

Knowledge:

•  Understanding of EMC/RFI measurement principles
•  Good understanding of Radio Frequency (RF)
•  Good understanding of signal propagation
•  Radio frequency measurements and data analysis
•  Broad understanding of Radio frequency hardware, including antennas, low noise amplifiers, switches, mixers and other radio frequency components
•  Broad understanding of analysis of measurement data based on sound engineering principles.

Additional Notes:

•  Analytical problem-solving skills
•  Hands-on technical skills in order to install and commission products in the field.
•  Basic scripting ability for configuring and analysis of digital systems
•  Work independently as well as in a team environment.
•  Work in remote locations when required.