Vacant Position – Civil Engineer / Engineering Technologist Nrf / Sarao

Ska South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering organization in Cape Town seeks an experienced Civil Engineer or Engineering Technologist to oversee civil infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and strong leadership skills. Key responsibilities include project design, procurement, and compliance with engineering standards. Applicants are required to have at least 4-6 years of experience in civil engineering, with a valid ECSA registration.

Qualifications

• 6+ years' experience in civil engineering or 4+ years with a relevant degree.
• Active ECSA registration is compulsory.
• Experience in project management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support civil infrastructure projects.
• Conduct feasibility studies and design.
• Prepare technical documentation and ensure compliance.

Skills

Design Software proficiency

Proficiency in MS Office Suite

Government procurement processes

Leadership skills

Education

B.Tech/B.Eng in Civil Engineering (6+ years experience) or B.Eng/B.Sc Hons in Civil Engineering (4+ years experience)

Active ECSA registration as Pr.Eng or Pr.Tech.Eng

Valid SA Driver's Licence (Code B)

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Prokon or similar structural software

Job description

Civil Engineer / Engineering Technologist

Contract type: Permanent

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

About the NRF and SARAO

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities, and science outreach platforms and programmes.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Radio Telescope in engineering, science, and construction.

SARAO is a National Facility managed by the NRF and incorporates instruments such as the MeerKAT and KAT-7 telescopes in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, and the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme.

Job Purpose

SARAO is seeking an experienced and professionally registered Civil Engineer or Civil Engineering Technologist to join the Civil and Structures team.

>The role involves leading or supporting the design, planning, execution, and supervision of civil infrastructure projects in support of SARAO's operations and strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will be technically strong, solutions-oriented, collaborative, and experienced in both office-based and on-site project phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct feasibility studies, design, procurement, contract administration, supervision, monitoring, and implementation of civil infrastructure projects.
• Assist in technical planning and oversight, reviewing work of engineers, technologists, technicians, and graduates.
• Provide specialist civil engineering input and ensure the development of appropriate design solutions.
• Take ownership of project components, integrating multidisciplinary inputs, and supervising small teams where required.
• Prepare technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, BOQs, tender documentation, and reports.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, codes, standards, and quality assurance systems.
• Apply and manage contracts using NEC4, GCC and FIDIC formats.
• Provide guidance for operational support and maintenance initiatives, including troubleshooting of infrastructure challenges.
• Demonstrate effective leadership, planning, organisation, and mentoring capability.

Key Requirements

• Qualification:
• B.Tech / B.Eng in Civil Engineering with 6+ years experience; OR B.Eng / B.Sc Hons in Civil Engineering with 4+ years experience
• And:
• Active ECSA registration as Pr.Eng or Pr.Tech.Eng (Compulsory)
• Valid SA Driver's Licence (Code B)

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years in the design and implementation of civil infrastructure (roads, buildings, water and sanitation).
• Minimum of 2 years in site supervision or construction monitoring, preferably as Engineer's Representative.
• Experience in project management and reporting

Planning, design reviews, feasibility studies

• Compilation of procurement documentation (tenders, specifications, drawings, BOQs)
• Contract administration and stakeholder liaison
• Technical proposal writing and document preparation
• Operational support and site troubleshooting

Knowledge and Skills

• Government procurement processes and supply chain management.
• Application of NEC4, GCC and FIDIC standard forms of contract.
• ISO Quality Management Systems.
• National and international standards (e.g., SANS, COTO).
• Work methods, designs, and technical processes within civil infrastructure disciplines.

Design Software

• AutoCAD Civil 3D (essential)
• Prokon or similar structural software (advantageous)

Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Adobe, Google Drive, and related platforms.

Additional Notes (Skills / Abilities)

• Self-motivated and proactive with a passion for engineering excellence.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication in English.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and organisational habits.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Willingness to travel as required and work on remote sites.

Application Information

How to Apply: Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV online.

Applications must be accompanied by：

A letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position.

The names and contact details of at least three referees.

Closing Date: 31 October

Additional Information

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.