Senior Electrical Technician
National Research Foundation
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 endeavours.
Position: Senior Electrical Technician
Business Unit: South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Summary
The Senior Electrical Technician will provide specific practical support related to electrical manufacturing, installation testing, operation and maintenance which may include design, site visits installations / inspections and reviews.The incumbent work in collaboration with the Functional Manager (electrical) and program/project managers to ensure smooth operation of the Meerkat and Hartebeeshoek telescopes, successful delivery and acceptance of Meerkat Extension, AVN and infrastructure projects within schedule, budget and quality standards. The scope is to also support the Senior Electrical Engineers in their execution and implementation of some of their projects.
Key Responsibilities
Planning of site visit objectives to various sites
Provision of conceptual, preliminary and detailed designs for electrical installations
Direct and manage a project to completion within performance management baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources and quality)
Ensure facilities and site power operations complies with the organisation’s technical and quality requirements
Ensure the quality of power received from Eskom meets the Electricity Supply Agreement conditions in place
Contribute towards the graduate training program and mentor junior employees and site team
Conduct electrical system assessments and studies on existing infrastructure for expansion and/or refurbishment
Additional Notes
Good communicator – verbal and written
Highly organized
Self-driven and goal-orientated
Manage multiple projects simultaneously
Able to work under pressure
Fault finding
Engineering Change control
Operations support
Minimum Qualification
Diploma / Advanced Certificate / NQF 6
Minimum Experience
6-9 years
National Diploma in Electrical Engineering plus 9+ years relevant experience
B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering plus 6+ years relevant experience
Experience
Previous experience on multi-disciplinary projects (Conceptual Stage to Construction Close-out);
Interpret design requirements pertaining to electrical systems
Project management with maintenance costing of the electrical system
Conduct electrical system assessments and studies on existing infrastructure for expansion and/or refurbishments
Working knowledge of electrical engineering manufacturing, installation, testing and maintenance of electrical systems.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Design and operation of power generation and distribution systems
Project management processes
Working knowledge of built environment contracts
Knowledge of the industry’s standards (SANS,OSH, NRS, Eskom, etc) and regulations
Document and configuration management principles
Eskom Operation Regulations (ORHVS)
Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 Sep 2026
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
