SKA-Mid EMS Engineer

Skatelescope; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Skatelescope is seeking an EMS Engineer to join the SKA-Mid Computing and Software team in Cape Town, South Africa. You will help design, develop, and integrate the Engineering Management System that unifies maintenance, configuration, logistics and operational data across the telescope as part of a global SAFe Agile programme.

Across front-end and back-end stacks, you will implement API integrations, work with Python-based frameworks (Django/Flask) and JavaScript (React/Angular), and support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science or Software Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in full-stack software development.
• Proficient in JavaScript and frameworks such as React or Angular.
• Experience with API development and integration (REST/GraphQL).
• Relational databases knowledge (PostgreSQL or MS SQL).
• Experience in a hybrid work environment with global teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test EMS features (front-end and/or back-end).
• Build and refine integrations between enterprise systems used by Engineering Operations.
• Collaborate with Operations to implement, roll out, and support EMS systems.
• Support DevOps practices within SAFe Agile teams.
• Investigate, diagnose, and resolve technical issues within your area of ownership.
• Maintain operational stability of EMS functionality, including monitoring and fixes.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and documentation for long-term maintainability.
• Stay current with relevant technologies and propose improvements.

Skills

Full-stack development

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

Python (Django/Flask)

JavaScript/React/Angular

REST/GraphQL APIs

PostgreSQL

MS SQL Server

Docker

AWS

Confluence

GitHub

JIRA

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled software engineer to join the SKA-Mid Computing and Software team as part of the global effort to bring the Square Kilometre Array Observatory into operation. As part of a SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) development team, you will help build and support the Engineering Management System (EMS) — the platform that integrates maintenance, configuration, logistics, and operational data across the telescope, giving Engineering Operations teams a unified view of the systems they run and maintain.

We are looking for an EMS Engineer to support the development of engineering operations tooling for the SKA-Mid and SKA-Low telescopes. The role is based in South Africa, working closely with colleagues in the UK and Australia as part of a globally distributed SAFe Agile team. You will work under the direction of the SKA-Mid Controls Manager, contributing to a system that will underpin engineering decision-making for the lifetime of the Observatory.

As part of the SKA-Mid Computing and Software team, the EMS Engineer will contribute to the design, development, and integration of the Engineering Management System, working within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) team. The EMS combines Logistic Support Analysis, Configuration Management, Maintenance Management, Problem Reporting, Finance, and Sensor Data into a single, coherent platform, improving the efficiency and reliability of engineering operations across all SKA sites.

You will work closely with the SKA-Mid Operations team to implement and support EMS functionality, and with the wider SAFe system team to adopt and apply DevOps practices. The role involves both front-end and back-end development, and requires someone comfortable working across the stack — from API integrations and databases through to user-facing tools that engineering and maintenance teams rely on daily.

This is a two-year fixed-term appointment and will be based in Cape Town, South Africa.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

This role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

• Design, develop, and test EMS features (front-end and/or back-end), aligned with the requirements of the SKA-Mid Engineering Operations team.
• Build and refine integrations between enterprise systems used by Engineering Operations, including maintenance management, configuration management, and sensor data platforms.
• Work in collaboration with the SKA-Mid Operations team to implement, roll out, and support EMS systems.
• Work with the SAFe system team to support and help agile development teams in adopting DevOps practices.
• Support and relentlessly improve the integration and delivery of high-quality software products.
• Investigate, diagnose, and resolve technical issues within your area of ownership, escalating and collaborating as needed.
• Maintain the operational stability of existing EMS functionality, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and applying fixes.
• Communicate openly, effectively, and respectfully with all staff, clients, and suppliers, in the interests of good collaboration and SKAO's reputation.
• Contribute to project management and activity management processes, including planning, estimation, and risk tracking.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and documentation practices that support long-term maintainability.
• Stay current with relevant technologies and propose improvements to tools, architecture, or process where appropriate.
• Adhere to the spirit and practice of SKAO and SARAO's Values, Code of Conduct, and Health, Safety and Environment policies.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent programming experience.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in full-stack software development, preferably using Python-based frameworks such as Django or Flask.
• Proficient in front-end development in JavaScript and/or frameworks such as React or Angular.
• Experience with API development and integration, including RESTful and/or GraphQL APIs.
• Working knowledge of relational databases (e.g. PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server) or ORM frameworks.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid mode, collaborating online with teams located across the globe.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work directly with engineering and operations end-users to understand and translate their needs.

• Experience integrating third-party systems such as ERP, JIRA, or CMMS platforms, including API management and integration troubleshooting.
• Experience with infrastructure containerisation tools (such as Docker) in a cloud environment (e.g. AWS).
• Experience with DevOps practices, including managing deployment pipelines and CI/CD processes.
• Knowledge and experience of SAFe Agile methodology and working in an Agile team.
• Understanding of systems engineering processes, including configuration control and logistic support analysis.
• Understanding of maintenance processes, including maintenance management, asset management, and problem reporting.
• Previous experience in a (radio) astronomy observatory or similar large-scale scientific facility.
• Proficiency in collaboration tools such as Confluence, GitHub, and JIRA.