Senior Software Developer (DSP) at NRF National Research Foundation

National Research Foundation; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research foundation is seeking a Senior Software Developer (DSP) to drive the design and development of advanced Digital Signal Processing products for radio astronomy. The role requires expertise in software development, high-performance computing, and GPGPU programming. Candidates should have a relevant degree and significant experience in implementing digital signal processing systems. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 5-13 years of relevant experience in software development.
• Experience designing digital signal processing systems.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++ for scientific computing.

Responsibilities

• Architectural design and implementation of DSP products.
• Develop software for monitoring and debugging DSP applications.
• Support R&D initiatives for future product development.

Skills

Python

C/C++

GPGPU programming

High-performance computing

Digital Signal Processing

Education

Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

BSc or BEng (NQF 7), MSc or MEng (NQF 8), or PhD (NQF 10)

Tools

JIRA

Git

Job description

Position Summary:

The Senior Software Developer (DSP) drives or supports the overall design and development of radio astronomy-focused Digital Signal Processing products and applications owned by the Data Processing & Pipelines Department within the Engineering & Technology Development Division. The role requires expertise in software development, high-performance computing, and GPGPU programming to enable the development and delivery of data processing products and applications. Depending on operational requirements, this role may be more focused on architecture or implementation, but will be responsible for elements of both. The Senior Software Developer (DSP) works closely with peers across engineering groups and key stakeholders to ensure the satisfactory delivery of systems and products.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Architectural design and/or implementation of DSP products, applications, and algorithms for Radio Astronomy data processing systems that meet system requirements.
2. Design involves software development, high-performance computing (HPC, GPGPU), and high-speed data transport.
3. Support analysis, definition, integration, verification, and validation activities of DSP products at various system levels.
4. Develop software to control, monitor, debug, and support operations of the developed products and applications.
5. Drive and support the Software Design Life Cycle and Systems Engineering processes throughout the product lifecycle.
6. Support deployment, maintenance, upgrades, operation, and decommissioning of products.
7. Manage and coordinate resources to ensure timely delivery within project constraints.
8. Participate in generating technical documentation for DSP products to support delivery and handover.
9. Drive and participate in R&D initiatives to develop novel ideas for future products and contribute to continuous development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 5-13 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• BSc or BEng (NQF 7), MSc or MEng (NQF 8), or PhD (NQF 10) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields with appropriate years of experience as specified.

Experience:

• Designing and implementing digital signal processing or similar data processing systems on GPGPU/HPC hardware.
• Experience with radio astronomy instrumentation is advantageous but not required.
• Designing high-performance data processing systems at product and component levels.
• High-performance computing, GPU computing, and parallel processing.
• Implementation of accelerated algorithms, high-speed data transport, and system analysis.
• Proficiency in Python (scientific computing) and C/C++.
• Experience with workflow tools (e.g., JIRA) and version control (e.g., Git).

Knowledge:

• GPGPU and HPC programming.
• Radio astronomy instrumentation (spectrometers, correlators, beamformers) is advantageous.
• Digital Signal Processing operations (FFT, filters, DDS).
• High-speed networks and large-scale data transport.
• Controlling and monitoring DSP applications.
• Software development best practices, Linux OS, and development tools.

Additional Notes:

• Continuous learner with problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
• Leadership and knowledge transfer abilities.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Application Process:

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