Job Vacancies at NECSA

Job Requirements

Financial recovery and Sustainability

• Apply scientifically accredited and acceptable process steps to interpret data and provide technical solutions that are of exceptional quality and cost-effective
• Perform analysis of ad-hoc samples for which validated methods do not exists by using acceptable laboratory practices to provide solutions to new challenges.
• Report back accurately and clearly on assigned tasks within project framework

Technology Development and Improvement

• Develop and validate methods and systems, in accordance with relevant standards to implement new applications to improve lab capabilities
• Assist with funding proposals to ensure that appropriate actions (such as purchase of new instrumentation and hiring of staff) are implemented.
• Collaborate with support functionaries to diagnose and find solutions to technical problems.

Marketing

• Develop factsheets to promote products and services for NLS
• Participates on the scientific panel, working groups and scientific conferences at a national level in order to promote NLS capabilities to the market 

Product development

• Produce technical reports on projects or activities carried out.
• Contribute to product development activities assigned to him/her.

OHS, QMS and Regulatory Compliance

• Attest to the performance of methods and instruments by using annually condensed reports on quality control data to ensure the improvement of quality control measures and analytical results
• Support the laboratory quality system (e.g. ISO/IEC17025) accreditation and maintenance in accordance with activities allocated in terms of NLS Quality Resource Plan
• Participate in BBS activities.
• Develop and revise procedures and protocols in line with national and international guideline including facilitation of PTS activities
• Lead all investigations of minor NC for applicable management systems to the lab.

Human Capital Development 

• Provide training on the theory and practical/experiments of techniques and methods in the areas of operation to ensure continued competence of technical personnel
• Provide training and practical assistance to lab technicians/analysts in basic lab practices, routine analysis and newly developed methods
• Prepare and supervise procedures for lab analysis, data handling and reduction, and the use of validated analytical methods.
• Acquire new knowledge (CBTO) and retain professional certification up-to-date and valid on an annual basis

Minimum Qualifications:

• BSc Honours Degree in Chemistry or Physics or Equivalent 
• MSc will be an added advantage

Minimum Experience

• 3-5 or more years’ experience in lab operations with
• 3-4 years practical experience of Microsoft Excel, MS Word, Power Point, SharePoint, and LIMS. 
• Certificate in SANAS ISO/IEC 17025 Systems and ISO 9001. 
• Be legible to be registered as Radiation & Chemical Worker 
• Professional Certification in Natural Sciences or legible for certification

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Job Requirements

System design and development 

Oversee Equipment Selection

• Evaluate project specifications to determine compatible PLCs, instruments, and interfaces.
• Compare vendor equipment based on performance, cost, and support.
• Coordinate with engineers and vendors to procure components within budget and specifications;

Perform Detailed System Design Including Layout, Wiring, and HMI

• Design system layouts for optimal space use and maintenance access, adhering to safety standards.
• Develop wiring schematics for safe and reliable power and signal distribution.
• Create user-friendly HMI interfaces for efficient system monitoring and operation.

Develop Software for PLC/SCADA and Fieldbus Systems

• Program PLCs to meet system requirements with an emphasis on performance and reliability.
• Configure SCADA interfaces for real-time process control and data monitoring.
• Establish Fieldbus protocols for seamless data exchange and equipment interoperability.

Documentation and testing 

Generate Design Documentation

• Draft detailed schematics and blueprints defining equipment configurations and system integration.
• Compile technical specifications and guidelines for installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Create a comprehensive manual including all system components, protocols, and safety instructions.

Conduct Acceptance Testing

• Develop test protocols to validate system functionality against technical requirements.
• Simulate operating conditions to evaluate system performance and reliability under different scenarios.
• Document test results, analyze discrepancies, and recommend modifications for system optimization.

Document the Manufacturing Process

• Record step-by-step procedures used in the assembly of electro-mechanical hardware.
• Outline quality assurance measures implemented during the manufacturing stage.
• Maintain a log of parts used, revisions made, and any deviations from the original design specifications.

Implementation and commissioning 

Assemble Electro-Mechanical Hardware

• Gather all necessary components, tools, and equipment required for the assembly process.
• Follow engineering diagrams and assembly instructions to construct the hardware components accurately.
• Perform initial testing on the assembled hardware to ensure proper assembly and basic functionality.

Implement Software

• Install and configure the PLC/SCADA software according to the system design specifications.
• Integrate custom-developed software modules and third-party applications as required.
• Test software functionality to confirm that system operations are as expected and resolve any issues

Commission Installed Systems with Complete Documentation

• Conduct thorough inspection and functional tests to ensure systems meet design and operational criteria.
• Prepare and execute a detailed commissioning plan that includes step-by-step processes for bringing the system online.
• Compile a complete set of documentation that covers system specifications, commissioning procedures, and final test results for handover to the client/user.

Network and data management 

Manage and Maintain the SAFARI-I Industrial Network

• Monitor network performance, identifying and resolving any issues to ensure consistent uptime and reliability.
• Update network infrastructure, including both hardware and software components, to improve performance and scalability.
• Enforce network policies and procedures to maintain network integrity and compliance with industry regulations.

Perform Regular Maintenance

• Schedule and execute regular system checks and updates to hardware and software to prevent failures.
• Replace or repair worn-out or obsolete components as part of a proactive maintenance strategy.
• Document maintenance activities, including what was done, when, and by whom, for future reference and compliance purposes.

Secure Data and Uphold Industrial IT Standards

• Implement robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, anti-virus software, and intrusion detection systems to protect against unauthorized access.
• Back up data regularly and establish reliable recovery protocols to prevent data loss and ensure business continuity.
• Stay current with industrial IT standards and best practices, applying updates and modifications to maintain the highest level of system security and compliance.

Safety culture and performance

• Participation in Organization Safety Culture and Safety Performance Activities

Safety Training: 

• Engage in regular safety trainings and contribute to the training of staff.

BBS Observations: 

• Perform monthly safety observations to identify and encourage safe workplace behaviors.

Safety Initiatives: 

• Actively participate in and promote safety culture through continuous improvement efforts and open communication on safety matters.

Minimum Qualifications:

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Electrical Engineering (Light current).
• Certification in PLC/SCADA systems is highly desirable.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role within an industrial environment.
• Proven experience with PLC programming and SCADA system design.