Jobs at SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

• The purpose of this position is to facilitate, implement, maintain and monitor adherence to the Safety Health Environment and Quality Management System (SHEQ) to ensure compliance with the site, client-specific and legislative requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implementing, maintaining and monitoring adherence to the Safety Health Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Management System
• Management of the performance and the activities of the SHEQ team and their personal development.
• Development of the Safety Health Environment and Quality Management System (SHEQ) documentation, policies, procedures, manuals and instructions.
• Maintenance of records in the SARAO Information Management System
• Coordination, Advising, Monitoring and Management of External Projects/Contractors from initiation Stage of the project to the project closeout Stage for SARAO Projects and Services.
• SARAO Projects and Services – Coordination, Advising, Monitoring and Management of Internal Projects/Contractors.
• Coordination, Advising, Monitoring and Management of Operational, Engineering, Facilities & Projects (internal Stakeholders) Safety Health Environment and Quality.
• Coordination, Advising, Monitoring and Management of Occupational Safety Health Environment and Quality
• Assist the Training Authority (Human Resources Management) with Advising, Monitoring and Management of Mandatory and Competency Training;
• Development, planning, coordination, monitoring of Emergency Management Procedures and Processes.
• Implementation, Coordination and Management of Procurements
• Development and maintenance of SHEQ Capital and Operational Budget.
• Management of the provision of Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing (PPE/C).
• Management of Environmental Survey (Hygiene Survey)
• Development, planning, coordination and implementation of Safety Health Environment and Quality Awareness.
• Leading and advising in the investigation of incidents, drafting, archiving and issuance of incident/accident reports.
• Coordination, Advising, Monitoring and Management of Occupational Health Services.
• Advising the Environmental Officer in the monitoring, reporting, follow-up and closing of Environmental incidents.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• B-TECH in Safety Management or Equivalent
• SAMTRAC Certification (Advantageous)
• Registered and a member in good standing with the SACPCMP (Advantageous)
• Driver’s License
• Computer Literacy

Experience:

• 8 years’ practical experience in SHEQ obtained from the Construction and Engineering industry.
• Proven work experience in monitoring/checking and enforcing legal requirements
• Proven experience in maintaining ISO accreditation and auditing
• Proven experience in auditing, inspection, monitoring, coordinating, processes and procedures.

Knowledge:

• Advanced, proven and practical working knowledge of the amended OHS Act legislation and Regulations.
• Advanced, proven and practical working knowledge of the amended Construction Regulations;
• Proven and practical working knowledge of latest ISO 45001, 14001 & 9001 standards;
• Good understanding of South African construction industry legislation;
• Thorough understanding of South African government legislation (PPPFA, PFMA, Construction Industry Board Act and regulations, National Water Act, Minerals & Petroleum Resources Development Act amongst others);
• Good understanding of public sector supply chain management legislation and the implementation thereof;
• Training, mentoring and development of staff and graduates in training;
• Experience in Project Processes (i.e., System Engineering; Configuration Management; Logistical Support; and Supply Chain Management will be added advantage)
• Ability to follow and implement relevant policies and procedures to further the objectives of Safety Health Environment and Quality.

Additional Notes:

• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary project teams and contractors involved in the design and delivery infrastructure projects;
• Strong leadership and management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Excellent technical report writing skills
• Willing to develop new knowledge

go to method of application »

Purpose:

• The Antenna Structures Project Engineer is part of an integrated project team whom, on behalf of the SKAO, is responsible for qualifying the SKA-Mid Dish Structure prototype and managing the main contractor deliverables during the production phase; ensuring that the dish structures are delivered, constructed, commissioned and tested against its requirements and that associated documentation are reviewed and configured prior to being handed over for further acceptance, integration and verification.
• This position involves interfacing with other SARAO and SKAO functional groups, as well as the main contractor and his subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute and/or support qualification and investigative tests on the first SKA dish structure prototype
• Data Analysis and Report writing
• Witness contractors Site Acceptance Tests and review test reports
• Managing Configuration and Change Control
• Project Management support

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• BTech + 5 years’ experience ((preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), or
• BEng + 4 years’ experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), or
• MEng + 3 years’ experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), or
• PhD + 1 year experience (preferably Mechanical or Mechatronics), and
• Valid driver’s license

Experience:

• Application and control of System Engineering processes and procedures, e.g. baseline establishment/management and change control
• Defining and execution of technical tests, post processing of test data (MATLAB or PYTHON), root cause investigation and technical report writing
• Exposure to project lifecycle / production environment
• Working experience in the astronomy, space or military industry desirable
• Project Management

Knowledge:

• Quality assurance systems
• Engineering standards
• Configuration management and configuration management systems
• Systems engineering methods, procedures, tools and techniques
• Servo control systems
• Large steel structures e.g. welding, stress relief, etc.
• Mechanical component/assembly fabrication and acceptance
• Radio Frequency Interference principals
• Production environment
• Engineering life cycle

Additional Notes:

• Willingness to travel local and abroad
• Working at remote sites for extended periods
• Integrated project team experience
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Word/Excel/Visio and PowerPoint
• Data processing and/or tests script development using Python or MATLAB
• Performing detail engineering tasks and analysis
• Conceptual / systems thinking
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to multi-task
• Effective communication in English (both written and verbally)
• Able to take initiative and work independently
• Self-disciplined, ordered and structure

Closes: November 12, 2024

go to method of application »

• Part of the Electronics team responsible for supporting the optical fibre network at telescope site,in the delivery of the Radio astronomy telescopes such as MeerKAT Extension and SKA-1 Mid Dish fibre network (DFN) and related activities within the goals of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting the optical fibre installation team in DFN construction activities such as Pulling of cables through the 2-way micro duct as well as related Fibre optic construction activities as to when required.
• Ensuring that fibre optic installation materials and equipment are always available and ready during fibre installation tasks.
• Assist in DFN construction activities for MK+ and SKA-MID projects as well as optical fibre network site related activities as to when required
• Assist fibre installation team in performing troubleshooting tasks such as OTDR tests, Conduction link loss measurement and any other related troubleshooting tasks in an effort to timely restore the network
• Assisting in preparation of patch panels
• Assist in cable preparation and termination
• Offer technical fibre installation support in DFN fibre related activities as require
• Cleaning and taking good care of OFN tools and equipment
• Check status of OFN tools e.g. calibration records.
• Reporting any issues on OFN tools for timely repair
• Support DFN work as assigned

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• Grade 12 (Advantageous with Maths and Physics)
• Basic Fibre optics training is an added advantage
• Valid Driver’s license

Experience:

• 1 year Fibre Optic splicing experience

Knowledge:

• Understand and identify the different types of optical connectors.
• Fusion Splicing
• Cable preparation
• Patch Panel preparation and termination
• Basic fibre knowledge

Additional Notes:

• Display excellent interpersonal skills.
• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Work in remote locations
• Responsible and trustworthy
• Handle multiple tasks

Closes: November 12, 2024

go to method of application »

• The role needs to provide input on the process of contracting service providers/suppliers; advise on the payments of contractors; as well as offering support to the Procurement Manager in opening supplier account after carrying out the necessary background checks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance to SCM policies and procedures, rules and regulations, legislative objectives and other related frameworks
• Provide support in the Procuring and Purchasing of goods and services
• Prepare RFQ/RFP/RFO for purchasing of goods and services; Source quotations for purchases in compliance with the regulations; Ensure compliance requirements in terms of SCM thresholds; Advise divisions and assist with preparation of deviations where applicable
• Administer the end-to-end tender and quotation process: terms of reference preparations, tender documents preparation, bid invitations; tender briefings, bid administration; bid evaluation, pre- and adjudication and contract management
• Communicate with the suppliers/vendors to source compliance documents
• Assist in providing secretariat service to the Bid Committees: bid/tender advert, bids/tender documents for advertisements etc
• Request quotation for shipping requirements of goods – imports and exports

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• Degree in Supply Chain Management/Procurement or related qualification equivalent to NQF 7 Level

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years in a Public procurement environment fulfilling procurement roles including SCM compliance, procurement and supplier accreditation.
• Experience in advising and assisting requesting areas in purchasing procedures.
• Computer literacy in MS Office packages as well as internet usage.
• Excellent administration skills.

Knowledge:

• Ability to establish reliable sources to supply goods and services.
• Experienced in receiving and recording of invoices from vendors.
• Ability to initiate processes and see them through till the end.
• Sound knowledge of National Treasury Regulations, PPPFA regulations and the PFMA

Additional Notes:

• Professionalism, integrity, reliability independent, forward thinking and proactive champion of best practices procurement and nextlevel transformation.
• Strong time management skills to deliver results to tight deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Negotiation skills.
• Self-starter.
• Service orientation/client relation.
• Trustworthiness.
• Willingness to learn.
• Team leader and player
• Good interpersonal skills

Closes: November 5, 2024

go to method of application »

• The main purpose of the SHEQ Administrator key role at SARAO (South African Radio Astronomy Observatory) is to support the implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) management system within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support to the SHEQ Manager
• Assist in conducting of SHEQ inductions and training for employees and contractors
• Monitor and track SHEQ performance metrics, analyzing trends and identifying opportunities for improvement
• Support the development and implementation of SHEQ policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Assist in conducting regular inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and areas for improvement
• Assist in incident investigations and root cause analysis, ensuring corrective and preventive actions are implemented
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to SHEQ activities
• Cleaning, Inspection and servicing of transport vehicles.
• Assisting in loading and unloading of visitor’s baggage
• Maintaining transportation log according to standards or regulations.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• Matric and post-matric certificate or diploma in an administrative in the safety related field
• ISO certification (would be advantageous)

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in an administration role or equivalent related to safety
• Proven experience in construction and engineering admin

Knowledge:

• Relevant safety courses
• Basic understanding of the quality requirement of relevant ISO standards
• A basic understanding of safety activities and health issues, as addressed by the OHS Act, including but not limited to:
• General duties of employers
• General duties of employees
• Health & safety committees and representatives
• Data analysis and reporting

Closes: November 4, 2024