Specialist Technology Surveillance at ATNS

Job description

System Design and Planning -

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

Capacity Planning -

• Analyse and recommend system capacity forecast models based on utilisation trends; Assist in proper planning for capacity expansion projects as well as support the change control process.

3rd Line/Advanced  System Support Nationally and Internationally -

• Provide 3rd line support for disaster recovery, test and evaluation and simulator datasets, as well as technical services fault management where required; Obtain the input required from technical services to analyse and make recommendations on all  escalated operational system faults and potential problems affecting system performance; Analyse diagnostic information from technicians and system engineers; Test and validate changes, including software releases, to the system specific data-base, prior to implementation; Conduct tender evaluations on various systems that might have an impact on any operational system;
• Plan, together with engineering, and co-ordinate and evaluate all radar flight trials with Operations; Develop and manage electronic operational systems version control tracking for database and operational changes together with internal and external clients; 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 that specified requirements are met; 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 requests and provide expert advice on emergency changes; Provide recommendation on staffing levels and mentor new employees; Ensure compliance with SACAA and ICAO recommendations; Liaison with Peers, technical Support staff, ATC, SADC and other clients/stakeholders; Become conversant with the ATNS Air Traffic Service ( ATS) and maintenance and support operations and regulations; Keep up to date with changes in the maintenance environment.

Technology Research and Innovation -

• Draft white papers and position papers on area of specialist responsibility; Participate in CNS/ATM forum’s such as ICAO, ITU-T reviewing specification and agenda items; Participate in research projects in line with partnerships that have been established within technology R&D for respective area; Maintain relationships within and between regions and departments to enhance service delivery; Engage industry players through establishment of industry trends and technology evolution for respective area;
• Engage with industry players on respective system evolution; Provide input to the technology forecasting and roadmap development in research space; Provide expert specialist advice and/or support in technology solution alternatives and support new research solutions; Recommend technology direction related to systems OS, database platforms, applications servers and integration technologies Its on systems and equipment as requested and proactively when the need arises;
• Initiate and conduct research and compile documentation for proposed technological changes related to systems; Monitor, investigate and research performance shortcomings in ATM systems, re-design and make recommendations with regard to improvements and/or maintenance activities; Represent ATNS at relevant conferences and make specialist contributions when required; Draft useful; informative and concise technical reports on systems and equipment as requested and proactively when the need arises; Become expert in the use of specialised test, monitoring, and remote control equipment as part of the overall support, and maintenance programme.

Process Optimisation -

• Analyse current system functionality and establish gaps; Develop methods necessary for process optimisation and automation to improve efficiency; Develop new methods to optimise current and new technology systems to work best for ATNS’ requirements; Research and recommend software tools necessary for process optimisation and efficiency in area of responsibility; Assist ETS Performance Centre with MMS system configuration integrity in the area of responsibility; Maintain a fault management system database in line with QMS procedures; Develop testing methods for the effective evaluation of system and equipment performance.

Delivery of External Customer Requirements -

• Support key commercial requirements of customers across South Africa, the AFI region and other identified markets; Provide input into the design and implementation plan for ATNS tender bids across South African, AFI region and selected markets; Provide specialist advice and support to clients external to ATNS; Implement customer requirements as agreed with the customer; Deliver specialised tailored training programs that meet customer requirements.

Training -

• Develop operational training as required; Conduct training programs, guidance and mentoring for technicians and as required.

Stakeholder Relations Management -

• Develop and maintain sound relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to support ongoing alignment and collaboration.

Minimum requirements

Minimum Formal Qualifications:

• B.Sc./B.Eng. in Engineering / Electrical / Electronic or related field. (NHDip) National Higher Diploma, B-tech or Engineering Qualifications in Electronic Engineering and / or Computer Science.
• 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, and supporting of CNS and ATM systems
• Experience in a multi-rated ATC, procedural and radar environment with an in-depth understanding of ATC/ATM processes and procedures
• Specialised knowledge of ATM/cns system architecture, administration and configuration control, as well as research and development
• knowledge of current systems and future trends, and the interaction between airborne aircraft systems and ATM support options/requirements/efficiency drivers