Junior Engineer: Radio Frequency Interference

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a facility of the National Research Foundation, is responsible for managing all radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa, including the MeerKAT Radio Telescope in the Karoo, and the Geodesy and VLBI activities at the HartRAO facility. SARAO also coordinates the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (AVN) for the eight SKA partner countries in Africa, as well as South Africa's contribution to the infrastructure and engineering planning for the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope. To maximise the return on South Africa's investment in radio astronomy, SARAO is managing programmes to create capacity in radio astronomy science and engineering research, and the technical capacity required to support site operations.Job Description The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavors. This position is responsible for assisting in developing RFI monitoring equipment, software and RFI policies and procedures under the guidance of an RFI engineer. Key Responsibilities: Develop, operate and maintain RFI monitoring systems Analyse RFI measurements, monitoring and telescope data. Write and review technical RFI reports Participate in RFI measurement Support graduates-in-training Key Requirements: Qualification: B.Eng or B.Sc (NQF 8) in Electrical, Electronics or Computer Engineering with + 2 years relevant experience. Valid drivers license. Experience: 2 years experience in a RF environment Processing or analyzing data in a programming language. Designing electronic circuits Working with RF electronics Programming in a programming language Knowledge: Understanding of EMC/RFI measurement principles Good understanding of Radio Frequency (RF) Good understanding of signal propagation Radio frequency measurements and data analysis Broad understanding of Radio frequency hardware, including antennas, low noise amplifiers, switches, mixers and other radio frequency components Broad understanding of analysis of measurement data based on sound engineering principles. Additional Notes: Analytical problem-solving skills Hands-on technical skills in order to install and commission products in the field. Basic scripting ability for configuring and analysis of digital systems Work independently as well as in a team environment. Work in remote locations when required.