Electrical Engineer
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 commercialization endeavours.
Position: Electrical Engineer
Business Unit: South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Summary
The Electrical Engineer will 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
Assist in developing requirements, investigations, information and other data for technical designs and trade off studies
Direct and manage a project to completion within performance management baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources and quality)
Ensure contractors designs and installations comply with the organisation and statutory requirements.
Ensure 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
Additional Notes
Good communicator – verbal and written
Highly organized
Self-driven and goal oriented
Manage multiple projects simultaneously
Able to work under pressure
Input to work package status reporting;
Exposure to project management processes
Minimum Qualification
Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7
Minimum Experience
1-6 years
B.Tech in Electrical Engineering plus 6+ years relevant experience.
B.Eng / M Tech in Electrical Engineering plus 4+ years relevant experience
M.Eng in Electrical Engineering plus 3+ years relevant experience
Ph.D in Electrical Engineering plus 1+ year relevant experience
Experience
Previous experience on multi-disciplinary projects (Conceptual Stage to Construction Close-out);
Interpret design requirements pertaining to electrical systems.
Assist project management with maintenance costing of the electrical system.
Conduct electrical system assessments and studies on existing infrastructure for expansion and/or refurbishments.
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, Eskom, etc) and regulations.
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.
