Senior Fibre 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 and KAT-7 telescopes 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 Fibre Technician
Business Unit: South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Summary
Apply hands-on expertise in the field of optical fibre to assist the delivery of the Radio astronomy telescopes such as SKA-1 Mid Dish fibre network (DFN), Optical Fibre Networks and related activities within SARAO.
Key Responsibilities
Provide technical expertise in Optical fibre installations such as Dish Fibre Network (DFN) installations at telescope sites and Capetown office fibre network as to when required
Provide ongoing support as well as performing troubleshooting and maintenance support to fibre optic systems at telescope sites or as directed. This involves but not limited to Conducting regular inspections of fibre optic network systems with the aim of locating and repairing any defects detected during the inspections.
Provide technical expertise in documenting of installed fibre optic systems at telescope sites and in Cape Town office as to when required
Performing Acceptance tests activities for each optical fibre installation as per the given acceptance test procedure, as well as Capturing the as-built data for each built Telescope fibre network.
Management and maintenance of installed fibre optics networks such as DFN at telescope sites and Cape Town interlab office as to when required
Understanding the installation instructions to ensure that all optical fibre network installations are done accurately and to the highest quality and standard
Attending to Optical fibre link breakdowns to ensure fibre links are restored within the shortest time possible
Additional Notes
Good working knowledge of hand and power tools used in this position with proficiency in fibre cable termination with connectors. Well versed in fusion splicing machine technique
Patch Panel preparation
Cable preparation
Fusion Splicing
Optical Fibre testing
Display excellent interpersonal skills.
Quality awareness
Working at heights 5 – 10 metres above the ground
Responsible and trustworthy
Work independently as well as in a team environment.
Ability to work under tight schedules
Willingness to work in remote locations as well as outside normal working hours
Willingness to learn
Display analytical and problem-solving skills
Self-disciplined, motivated and organized
Minimum Qualification
Diploma / Advanced Certificate / NQF 6
Minimum Experience
9-10 years
National Diploma in Engineering (preferably electrical/electronic Engineering) (NQF6)
FOA Certified Fibre Optics Technician or equivalent
Valid driver’s license
Experience
9 years Fibre Optic splicing experience of which +5 years is in Fibre Optic splicing
Experience in using Fibre Optic testing/troubleshooting equipment; OTDR, Max Tester as well as Optical link loss test tools
Experience in Cable preparation, working with loose tube and tight buffer fibre optic cables
Experience in preparation and assembly of different Patch Panels
Fibre optic fusion splicing of SMF, MMF and NZDSF
Good knowledge in Optical Fibre testing/troubleshooting equipment use: OLS, OTDR, PM, Max Tester.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Assembling different types of patch panels and joints.
Understanding and identifying different types of fibre optic connectors.
Perform OTDR tests
Evaluate OTDR traces
Perform Optical Power loss testing
Perform tasks using plans and diagrams
Fusion splicing of SMF, MMF and NZDSF
Working with both loose tube and tight buffer fibre cables
Test report writing, Interpretation and presentation of test results
Construction and maintenance of fibre optic links.
Interpreting optical test results
Interpretation of fibre optic splicing diagrams and documents
Understand and identify the different types of optical connectors.
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.
