CI Storage and Delivery Technical Lead at NRF National Research Foundation

National Research Foundation; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 80 000 - 150 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a technical leader for the MeerKAT telescope and SKA program. This pivotal role involves overseeing the architecture and management of large-scale storage systems, ensuring the preservation and availability of critical data. The ideal candidate will bring over a decade of experience in system design and architecture, particularly in high-performance computing environments. You will collaborate with international teams, driving innovative solutions and strategic planning to enhance data lifecycle management. If you're passionate about technology and eager to make a significant impact in a dynamic research environment, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in system design and storage architecture.
• Experience with large-scale storage implementations (>20 PB).
• Strong background in high-performance computing environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage server and storage hardware for MeerKAT.
• Oversee data lifecycle management and ensure data availability.
• Lead storage solution change rollouts and manage technical teams.

Skills

System Design

Storage Architecture

Data Lifecycle Management

High-Performance Computing

Project Management

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Tools

CEPH

Job description

Position Summary:
This role involves technical leadership, architecture, and research for the MeerKAT telescope and SKA program. Key responsibilities include developing and managing server and storage hardware, science archives, data transfer systems, tape libraries, and database services. The lead will oversee the operation and uptime of these systems and collaborate with international SKA consortia.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Work with the science team to develop, design, and review the SARAO science data lifecycle management policy. Oversee the alignment of the technical storage solution with the data lifecycle management policy and processes.
2. Drive and be accountable for implementation activities to align data lifecycle management policy and processes. Lead storage, archival, and backup processes to ensure continuous availability and preservation of telescope data. Collaborate with operations leads to ensure continuous support and technical response during storage system operations. Implement monitoring, early warning, and logging solutions for the storage system.
3. Manage storage solution change rollouts, ensuring key stakeholders are informed and capable of utilizing updates.
4. Chart the technical research path concerning high capacity, high availability, and long-term archival within SARAO.
5. Support the development and maintenance of System Engineering deliverables such as documentation, system verification, qualification, and baselining activities.
6. Support CI Storage administration. Develop and maintain data delivery policies and processes for MeerKAT data. Be responsible for developing and maintaining robust data delivery infrastructure and solutions for MeerKAT.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 10+ years in system design, architecture, and analysis with a strong focus on storage

• Experience with large-scale storage implementations and deployments, including peta-scale systems

• Experience with CEPH (advantageous)

• Extensive experience in high-performance computing environments

• Experience designing, implementing, and managing large-scale storage deployments (>20 PB)

• Experience with diverse and layered storage architectures, including high availability, high-speed solutions, and cold storage

• Experience in system engineering-driven environments

• Experience developing innovative solutions and strategic planning

• Experience in globally distributed projects

• Experience managing technical teams and working with senior management

Knowledge:

• Budgeting, resource management, and financial procedures

• Strong computing infrastructure background

• Ability to assess and organize resources

• Excellent communication skills for complex information

• Leadership and motivation skills for technical personnel

• Strong presentation and knowledge transfer skills

• Proven track record of project delivery

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV via the NRF Recruitment Portal, including a motivation letter and at least three referees' contact details.