Vacant Position – Electrical Engineer

SKA South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

SKA South Africa is seeking an Electrical Engineer to support the Meerkat and related infrastructure projects in Cape Town, collaborating with the Functional Manager (Electrical) and program managers to ensure on-time delivery within budget and quality standards.

The role requires a solid electrical engineering background with experience on multi-disciplinary projects, strong design interpretation, and the ability to mentor staff while maintaining compliance with Eskom agreements and regulatory

Qualifications

• Qualification criteria include B.Tech in Electrical Engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• B.Eng or MTech in Electrical Engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• M.Eng in Electrical Engineering with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Ph.D in Electrical Engineering with at least 1 year of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing requirements, investigations, information and other data for technical designs and trade off studies.
• Direct and manage a project to completion within performance management baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources and quality)
• Ensure contractors designs and installations comply with the organisation and statutory requirements.
• Ensure site power operations complies with the organisation’s technical and quality requirements
• Ensure the quality of power received from Eskom meets the Electricity Supply Agreement conditions in place
• Contribute towards the graduate training program and mentor junior employees and site team

Skills

Power systems design

Project management

Contract knowledge

Regulatory standards

Education

B.Tech Electrical Eng

B.Eng / MTech Electrical Eng

M.Eng Electrical Eng

Ph.D Electrical Eng

Job description

• Contract type: Permanent
• Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
• Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
• Closing Date: 23 September 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 commercialization endeavours.

The Electrical Engineer will work in collaboration with the Functional Manager (electrical) and program/project managers to ensure smooth operation of the Meerkat and Hartebeeshoek telescopes, successful delivery and acceptance of Meerkat Extension, AVN and infrastructure projects within schedule, budget and quality standards. The scope is to also support the Senior Electrical Engineers in their execution and implementation of some of their projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing requirements, investigations, information and other data for technical designs and trade off studies
• Direct and manage a project to completion within performance management baselines (scope, schedule, cost, resources and quality)
• Ensure contractors designs and installations comply with the organisation and statutory requirements.
• Ensure site power operations complies with the organisation’s technical and quality requirements
• Ensure the quality of power received from Eskom meets the Electricity Supply Agreement conditions in place
• Contribute towards the graduate training program and mentor junior employees and site team

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• B.Tech in Electrical Engineering plus 6+ years relevant experience.
• B.Eng / M Tech in Electrical Engineering plus 4+ years relevant experience
• M.Eng in Electrical Engineering plus 3+ years relevant experience
• Ph.D in Electrical Engineering plus 1+ year relevant experience

Experience:

• Previous experience on multi-disciplinary projects (Conceptual Stage to Construction Close-out);
• Interpret design requirements pertaining to electrical systems.
• Assist project management with maintenance costing of the electrical system.
• Conduct electrical system assessments and studies on existing infrastructure for expansion and/or refurbishments.

Knowledge:

• Design and operation of power generation and distribution systems
• Project management processes
• Working knowledge of built environment contracts
• Knowledge of the industry’s standards (SANS, Eskom, etc) and regulations.

Additional Notes:

• Good communicator – verbal and written
• Highly organized
• Self-driven and goal oriented
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Able to work under pressure
• Input to work package status reporting;
• Exposure to project management processes

Information:

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

Closing Date: 23 September 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