Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Software Engineer (1-year contract): French South African Techno[...]

Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Software Engineer for a one-year contract. This role involves supporting software engineering research within the F'SATI Satellite Systems Research Group, focusing on innovative satellite technology. The ideal candidate will possess a recent doctoral degree and strong software development skills, contributing to projects related to nano-satellite systems and collaborating in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree obtained within the last five years.
• Basic knowledge of electronics and digital systems.
• Strong research background, excellent interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce a minimum of two DHET-accredited research output units annually.
• Assist in writing research funding proposals.
• Contribute to research publication in accredited journals.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Lua

Embedded system programming

Software development frameworks

Continuous integration

Problem-solving

Education

Doctoral degree in Electrical / Electronic / Computer / Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Eclipse

Visual Studio Code

GitLab

Gitblit

SVN

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Software Engineer (1-year contract): French South African Technology Institute (F’SATI) Satellite Systems Research: (Re-advertisement) - (7893)

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Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Software Engineer (1-year contract): French South African Technology Institute (F’SATI) Satellite Systems Research: (Re-advertisement)

Faculty

Department

Cape Peninsula University of Technology -> Engineering and the Built Environment -> Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering

Campus/ Location

Job Type

Contract

Occupational Function

Number of Positions

1

Annual Salary Package (incl. Medical Aid rate based on principal member only)

To be confirmed

Advert Closing Date

31/7/2025

Job Purpose

F’SATI Satellite System Research Group, which hosts the Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC), is looking for a post-doctoral research fellow (PDF) to support areas of research in software engineering in the space-domain and space-based services in CPUT space science, engineering, & technology focus area. The PDF joins a transdisciplinary development team working on several projects, including nano-satellite subsystems, complete missions in the vibrant research and innovation environment of FSATI-CPUT.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Doctoral degree in Electrical / Electronic / Computer / Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field,obtained within the last five years.
• Basic knowledge of electronics, communications, and digital systems.
• Possess software development skills including a knowledge of software development frameworks for CubeSats.
• Basic understanding of the MQTT protocol and other networking protocols.
• Strong research background, excellent communication, and inter-personal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Prior experience in publishing academic research is preferred.
• Adhere to all the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s policies, rules and procedures for PDFs and codes of conduct and rules governing research and intellectual property.

Skills:

• Proficiency in C, C++ programming language, or embedded system programming,
• Knowledge of the Python and Lua languages would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of software development IDE Eclipse or Visual Studio Code.
• Knowledge of satellite communication protocols and data processing is a plus.
• Experience with operating systems (Linux and Windows).
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Experience with software development skills, and embedded software development.
• Experienced or worked with software development frameworks for software defined. radio applications such as GNU Radio and SDR#.
• Knowledge of continuous integration, continuous delivery (CI/CD) techniques and tools.
• The candidate should understand modern software collaboration tools such as GitLab, Gitblit, and SVN.
• Experience in testing, deploying, and supporting complex projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in transdisciplinary teams.

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

Key Responsibilities:

• A minimum of two (2) DHET-accredited research output units for the institution (accepted or published) in a year.
• Assist in the writing of at least 1 (one) research funding proposal.
• Initiate and seek funding for projects.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision.
• Disseminate research findings and educational resources.
• Assist with the coordination of various aspects of the project.
• Contribute towards achieving research publication in accredited journals –two articles in the fellowship period.
• Perform any other tasks as may be instructed by the supervisors.

Preferred Experience:

• Working with space-grade software development and testing standards.
• Experience in AI/ML applications for satellite data analysis.
• Familiarity with cloud-based and distributed computing solutions.
• A skilled Software Engineer to develop, test, and maintain software for satellite systems.
• The ideal candidate will design embedded software, real-time control algorithms, and data processing applications to support satellite operations.
• This role requires expertise in programming, system integration, and troubleshooting in high reliability environments
• Develop and optimize software for satellite communication, control, anddata processing.
• Design and implement embedded systems and real-time applications.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and aerospace engineers to ensure seamless integration.
• Conduct software testing, debugging, and validation to meet mission requirements.
• Maintain and improve satellite ground control and telemetry systems.
• Proactive approach to engineering and problem-solving.
• Ability to work with diversity and a transdisciplinary environment.
• Effective interpersonal and collaboration skills within a technical team.
• Professionalism, collegiality, integrity, positive attitude and self-driven.

General Information

Closing Date:31 July 2025

NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW APPLICANTS TO UPLOAD CVs. IT IS THUS
IMPORTANT THAT APPLICANTS COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS COMPREHENSIVELY AS FAILURE TO DO
SO MIGHT DISADVANTAGE YOU. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR APPLICATION ON THE SYSTEM WITH THE
LATEST INFORMATION AS THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CRITERIA USED FOR EVALUATION OF YOUR
APPLICACTION BY OUR PANEL.

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.

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We are a university in Cape Town, South Africa and the only university of Technology in the Western Cape province.
We are also the largest university in the province.