Technical Team Lead : Dsp Software Nrf / Sarao

Ska South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 120 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Technical Team Lead for DSP Software. This pivotal role involves guiding a team of engineers in digital signal processing, ensuring project delivery aligns with strategic goals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in leading technical teams, software development in Python and C++, and a solid understanding of high-performance computing. This role promises a dynamic work environment where innovation meets technical excellence, making a significant impact on the future of radio astronomy data processing.

Qualifications

• 7-15+ years of experience in DSP or data processing systems.
• Proven experience in leading technical teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery and support to engineers in DSP Software.
• Manage technical resources across multiple projects.

Skills

Leadership

Digital Signal Processing

Software Development (Python, C++)

High-Performance Computing

Stakeholder Communication

Education

B.Sc

B.Tech

MSc

PhD

Tools

GPGPU

HPC Hardware

Job description

Contract type : Permanent

Job Level : Management

Work Location : Cape Town, Western Cape

Closing Date : 09 May

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports research and human capital development through funding, facilities, and outreach programs across all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) leads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope (SKA), including engineering, science, and construction.

SARAO is a national facility managed by NRF, comprising radio astronomy instruments like the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, HartRAO in Gauteng, and the AVN program across nine African countries, along with associated development and commercialization efforts.

Purpose

The Technical Team Lead: DSP Software is responsible for technical delivery, tactical leadership, and support to engineers and developers in Software-based Digital Signal Processing.

This role involves working closely with the Functional Manager: Data Processing & Pipelines, bridging technical execution and strategic goals, ensuring technical excellence, and project delivery within the domain.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide tactical technical leadership and support to a team of engineers and developers in DSP Software.
2. Contribute to the development of long-term group strategies aligned with organizational goals.
3. Lead the design, architecture, development, and implementation of systems and projects following best practices.
4. Mentor and guide team members technically.
5. Manage technical resources across multiple projects, ensuring scope and delivery.
6. Engage with stakeholders to understand needs and provide technical feedback.
7. Support people management activities like performance reviews, recruitment, and staff development.
8. Architect and implement digital signal processing products, algorithms, and applications for radio astronomy data processing, involving software development, HPC, and high-speed data transport.
9. Support analysis, integration, verification, and validation activities of DSP products.
10. Develop software for controlling, monitoring, debugging, and supporting products.
11. Follow software design lifecycle and systems engineering processes throughout product lifecycle.
12. Assist in deployment, maintenance, upgrades, operation, and decommissioning of products.
13. Generate technical documentation for DSP products.
14. Participate in R&D initiatives to develop future products and innovations.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant qualification (B.Sc, B.Tech, MSc, PhD) with 7-15+ years of experience, depending on qualification.
• Proven experience leading technical teams or projects, communicating with stakeholders, mentoring, and owning technical architecture.
• Experience in designing and implementing digital signal processing or data processing systems, especially on GPGPU/HPC hardware.
• Knowledge of radio astronomy instrumentation, high-performance computing, and software development in Python and C++.
• Familiarity with system requirements analysis, technical documentation, and software engineering best practices.

Additional Notes

Candidate qualities include continuous learning, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, good communication, leadership ability, and willingness to travel as needed.

Applications should include a CV, motivation letter, and contact details for referees. The closing date is 09 May. NRF offers competitive remuneration and is committed to employment equity. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.