Specialist Operations Systems at ATNS

Job description

System design and planning -

• Review user requirements and provide specialist input; Translate user requirements into functional specification and detail technical design specifications; Recommend architecture deployment planning methodologies in support of the delivery of engineering projects; Participate in system architecture and technology forums;
• Support the total asset management framework and policy for specific system area of responsibility by ensuring compliance from asset inception to retirement; Provide input to RFP specifications and review; Participate in FAT/SAT; Serve as the ATNS corporate design authority on engineering for the system area of responsibility.

Management of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) -

• Develop, implement and maintain critical operations systems standard operating procedures to be used; Approve all operational systems SOP related documents; Ensure that any amendments to operational processes and procedures are aligned with the SSS status; Ensure that there is proper version control of database and software configuration changes; Ensure that standard operating procedures reflect the latest configuration and procedures for current database versions.

Systems Performance and Quality Authority -

• Initiate and conduct research and compile documentation for proposed technology changes related to systems; Manage and maintain a proper version distribution process; Develop and manage critical  specialised system functions related to data-base files;
• Provide specialised input in the development of changing operational procedures which have a major impact on improved service delivery, and provide guidance to the various pool managers in this regard; Identify, co-ordinate and implement projects to improve the ATNS cns/ATM concept; Provide 3rd line support for Disaster Recovery,
• Test and Evaluation and Simulator datasets, as well as technical services fault management where required; Obtain input from technical services required to analyse and make recommendations on all operational system escalated faults and potential problems in system performance; Continuously monitor and maintain operational processes, stay abreast with new concepts, and ensure that the operational processes and disaster recovery processes and procedures are aligned;
• Test and validate changes, including software releases, to the system specific data-base, prior to implementation; Develop and manage together with internal and external clients, electronic operational systems version control tracking for database and operational changes; Conduct tender evaluations on various systems that may have an impact on operational system(s); Plan, co-ordinate and evaluate all radar flight trials with Operations together with engineering;
• Plan, co-ordinate and implement, in whichever designated capacity, allocated regional ATM Projects; Provide specialised input in meetings with various aviation organisations on proposed ATM changes; Take ownership of quality and performance management of ATM systems and support project implementation; Take ownership of quality and performance monitoring of ATM infrastructure through the full system lifecycle; Monitor, investigate and research performance shortcomings in ATM systems, re-design and make recommendations with regard to improvements and/or maintenance activities;
• Prevent problems that have occurred in one area from occurring in another by proactively identifying the cause and undertaking preventive action in other areas; Actively communicate the details of significant problems which may occur elsewhere to all other users, nationally, of such software equipment in ATNS; Enhance client service by speedily reacting to all problems; Develop an innovative approach to determining solutions;
• Draft useful, informative and concise technical reports on systems and equipment as requested and proactively when the need arises; Become expert on the use of specialised test, monitoring, and remote control equipment as part of the overall support and maintenance programme;  Develop testing methods for the effective evaluation of system and equipment performance; Participate in site acceptance and commissioning tests of new CNS systems and equipment to ensure specified requirements are met.

Capacity planning -

• Implement system capacity forecast models based on utilization trends; Ensure proper planning for capacity expansion projects as well as support the change control process.

System 3rd Line/Advanced Support Nationally and Internationally  -

• Analyse diagnostic information from  technicians and system engineers; Ensure and validate integrity of new scripts and procedures to be implemented by technicians as per change control policy; Provide guidance to technicians and support engineers on correct fault escalation and develop necessary training programs in areas of gaps;
• Assume technical and expert lead on proactive problem identification, problem analysis and solution recommendation; Visit other regions to ensure inter-regional co-ordination for the pursuance of successful conclusions;Make decisions on planned change control request and provide expert advice on emergency changes; Provide recommendation on staffing levels and mentor new employees.

Process optimization -

• Analyse current system functionality and establish gaps; Develop scripts necessary for efficiency improvement, process optimisation and automation such as preventative maintenance, etc.Research and recommend software tools necessary for process optimisation and efficiency in area of responsibility; Maintain a fault management system database in line with QMS procedures; Develop testing methods and scripts for the effective evaluation of system and equipment performance;
• Draft white papers and position papers on contributions in the area of responsibility; Participate in CNS/ATM forum’s such as ICAO, ITU-T reviewing specifications and agenda items; Represent ATNS at relevant conferences and provide specialist inputs; Participate in research projects in line with partnerships that have been established within technology R&D for the relevant area; Develop relationships within and between regions to enhance service delivery;
• Engage industry players for the determination of industry trends to enable technology evolution in the relevant area; Engage with industry players on system evolution; Provide input into technology forecasting and roadmap development in technology R&D; Research new solutions and provide expert specialist advice in technology solution alternatives; Recommend technology direction related to systems OS, database platforms, applications servers and integration technologies.

General Administration - 

• Liaise with Peers, Technical Support staff, ATC, SADC and other clients/stakeholders; Become proficient in the “O” level software support of all Communications, Navigation and Surveillance systems and relevant Equipment within ATNS; Develop an understanding of and become proficient in RCMMS systems for the effective evaluation of system and equipment performance; Become conversant with the ATNS Air Traffic Service ( ATS) and maintenance and support operations and regulations; Knowledge of all other applicable ATNS Centre and Shift requirements; Knowledge of all other FIR equipment environments; Keep up to date with changes in the maintenance environment.

Stakeholder Relations Management -

• Develop and maintain sound relationships with key stakeholders including service providers to support ongoing alignment and collaboration; Monitor SLAs with relevant departments to ensure business requirements are achieved and expectations managed; Manage and provide regular reports on SLA compliance and identify areas of inefficiency.

Governance, Compliance, Risk Management & Reporting -

•  Participate in the development and implementation of relevant processes, procedures and standards to enable effective governance; Ensure compliance with SACAA and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices; Ensure compliance with the ATNS Quality Management System; Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, standards, and prescripts; Comply with the ATNS OH&S plan; Comply with station stores procedures; Comply with equipment LSP stores procedures; Identify risks and develop and implement effective mitigation; Generate formal and ad hoc reports as required.

 Financial Management -

• Track expenditure in line with business needs and priorities, and within set financial parameters; Ensure efficient utilisation of the approved budget; Manage the costs involved while maintaining quality of service; Compile and provide required reports on utilisation of the budget; Identify and prevent irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure; Provide the required supporting documents to enable effective auditing process.

Minimum requirements

Minimum Formal Qualifications: 

• B.Sc./B.Eng. in Engineering (Electrical/Electronics) or B-Degree in Computer Science/ Computer Studies/ Information Technology or related field
• ECSA Professional Registration as an Engineer will be an advantage
• Post-graduate qualification in Engineering or Technology Management will be an advantage

 Minimum Years of Experience: 

• At least 5 years’ experience in a high-technology electronic engineering environment with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the planning, specifying, acquiring, implementing, supporting and managing of CNS and ATM systems.