Vacant Position – Digital Signal Processing Engineer (DSP)

SARAO; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

SARAO, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, seeks a Digital Signal Processing Engineer to design and deliver DSP products for Radio Astronomy data processing. You will collaborate with multiple engineering groups and stakeholders to ensure system requirements are met, covering DSP algorithms, FPGA development and high-speed data transport.

The role emphasizes developing software to control and monitor DSP products, following the full product lifecycle with documentation and potential

Qualifications

• B.Tech/B.Eng/B.Sc/MSc/M.Eng/PhD in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with relevant experience.
• Experience as a DSP or FPGA Engineer implementing DSP algorithms on FPGA hardware.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, or Matlab; familiar with JIRA and Git.

Responsibilities

• Implement DSP products, algorithms and applications for Radio Astronomy data processing systems.
• Involve FPGA development, software development and high-speed data transport.
• Support analysis, integration, verification and validation of DSP products.
• Develop software to control, monitor, debug and support operation of DSP products.
• Follow Systems Engineering processes across the product lifecycle.
• Support deployment, maintenance, upgrades and decommissioning of products.
• Produce technical documentation for DSP products.
• Participate in R&D initiatives to develop future products.

Skills

DSP

FPGA

Python

C++

Matlab

Git

JIRA

Education

B.Tech (Eng) (NQF 7) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering

B.Eng/B.Sc (Eng) (NQF 8) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering

MSc / M.Eng (NQF 9) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering

PhD (NQF 10) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

HDL

FPGA design tools

Job description

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 06 October 2026

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 to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

The Digital Signal Processing Engineer works closely with peers across functional engineering groups and key stakeholders to ensure satisfactory delivery of the Data Processing & Pipelines Department’s systems and products.

Key Responsibilities

• Implementation of digital signal processing (DSP) products, applications and/or algorithms for Radio Astronomy data processing systems that satisfy higher-level system functional and performance requirements
• Implementation of these products contains elements of digital signal processing system design, FPGA development, software development and high-speed data transport
• Support analysis, definition, integration, verification and validation activities of DSP products at various system levels
• Development of software to control, monitor, debug and support operation of the developed products and applications
• Follow and support the relevant Systems Engineering processes for product development throughout the entire product or application lifecycle from conceptualisation through to decommissioning
• Support deployment, maintenance, upgrades, operation and decommissioning of developed products
• Participate in and support the generation of technical system and product-related documentation applicable to developed DSP products to support the delivery and handover of the Data Processing & Pipelines Group’s products
• Participate in Research & Development initiatives within the Data Processing & Pipelines Group to develop novel ideas for future products and contribute to the overall continuous development of the group

Key Requirements

Qualification

• B.Tech (Eng) (NQF 7) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with 6+ years relevant experience, OR
• B.Eng/B.Sc (Eng) (NQF 8) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with 4+ years relevant experience; OR
• MSc / M.Eng (NQF 9) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with 3+ years relevant experience; OR
• PhD (NQF 10) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with 1+ years relevant experience

Experience

• Experience as a DSP or FPGA Engineer with experience implementing digital signal processing algorithms on FPGA-based hardware using HDL or other design tools
• Experience in designing digital signal processing systems at a higher, product level or in low-level implementation of components and features
• Experience building data processing applications specifically for Radio Astronomy instrumentation is advantageous but not required
• Implementing parallel processing on FPGA hardware
• Implementation of accelerated and optimised DSP algorithms
• Experience analysing system requirements and defining a suitable system design
• Writing technical documentation describing the implementation and design of products at various technical levels
• Software Development or Scientific Computing proficiency in either Python, C++, or Matlab
• Working with workflow and issue management tools (e.g., JIRA)
• Working with source code and version control tools (e.g., Git)

Knowledge

• Multi-rate and parallel implementations of Digital Signal Processing Operations such as FFTs, Filters, DDS, DDC
• Knowledge of FPGA firmware design, parallel implementation and FPGA design tools
• Typical radio astronomy instrumentation: e.g., spectrometers, correlators, beamformers (advantageous)
• High-speed data transport such as ethernet and/or knowledge of large-scale networks (advantageous)
• Controlling and monitoring of DSP applications and components
• Systems Engineering Processes or Software Design Life Cycle
• Software Development or Scientific Computing proficiency in either Python, C++, or Matlab
• Linux operating systems and development tools

Additional Notes

• Desire to continuously learn, problem solve and acquire new skills with cutting edge technology
• A clear and methodical approach to problem solving
• A high attention to detail, excellent organisation skills
• Good communication skills, written and verbal
• Able to effectively manage and lead a team on a technical project
• Ability to effectively transfer knowledge and skills to other team members
• Eagerness to develop a technical specialisation and expertise
• Willingness to travel both locally and internationally depending on operational needs

Information

The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should 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 should be provided.

Closing Date: 06 October 2026

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is 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