Telecommunications Engineer/Technologist: Artificial Intelligence in Heterogeneous Wireless Technologies at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Telecommunications Engineer/Technologist: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Heterogenous Wireless Technologies in the Spectrum Access and Management Innovation (SAMI) research within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to undertake research, design, develop, integrate, test, maintain and support a variety of technologies, applications, and systems relating to wireless communication and networks. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) in heterogenous radio access network technologies ranging from terrestrial communication networks (e.g. next generation mobile networks, television white space networks, Wi-Fi) to airborne systems (e.g. using the Unmanned Arial Vehicles and satellite); 
• Contribute to the development and implementation bespoke operational programs as part of an overall system, for wireless communications networks and technologies;
• Contribute to a team to develop, configure, test and validate code modules implementing system requirements to meet business needs;
• Liaise with clients to understand and respond to their needs and requirements;
• Guide, coach and support junior team members through inputs on technical aspects;
• Generate and disseminate knew knowledge from own RDI work as peer-reviewed articles; and
• Integrate telecommunications hardware and software systems, including software defined radios and Linux based systems.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Honours or degree or equivalent to NFQ 8 in electronic /computer/electrical engineering or related fields with at least three years’ relevant experience in the telecommunications industry. 
• A Master’s degree will be advantageous;
• Demonstrated experience in radio access network technologies;
• Knowledge and understanding of telecommunications protocols, RF fundamentals, digital signal processing, and multiple spectrum access techniques;
• Knowledge and understanding of deep learning and/or machine learning and/or artificial intelligence;
• Demonstrated experience in using software defined radios (SDR) and understanding of cognitive radio technology for spectrum sharing;
• Knowledge of software tools and languages (such as C/C++, Python, Matlab) for either the development or testing of software;
• Ability to work independently efficiently and responsibly, as well as a team member, and mentor other colleagues;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; and
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report/certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• S/he should be keen to learn and adapt to changes, remain abreast with the latest practices and technology trends to ensure continuous innovation.
• Be part of the research and development projects relating to Artificial Intelligence (AI) orchestrated dynamic spectrum management in heterogenous radio access network environment.

Closing date: 23 November 2023