Vacant Position – Electrician

SKA South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Foundation (NRF) through SARAO seeks a Junior Electrician to support electrical design, installation, and maintenance for Meerkat and related infrastructure in Cape Town. You will assist in CAD designs, coordinate with senior engineers, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

The role requires a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering and a trade-tested electrician qualification, plus a valid driver’s license, and experience in building electrical infrastructure.

Qualifications

• N/D

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing electrical designs and layouts in CAD for new installations and modifications.
• Coordinate with senior power engineers and site operations to integrate electrical systems into project plans.
• Document test results and report issues to stakeholders and Senior Power Engineer.
• Draft technical documents and plan modifications per local codes.
• Maintain asset registers and update maintenance plans and quality control.

Job description

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Junior
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 commercialisation endeavours.

The electrician will provide support to the Electrical Functional Group, program / project managers operations and facilities management with respect to electrical related tasks including carrying out the design of electrical systems, including high current applications and ensuring 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 and with electrical related tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing electrical designs, technical specifications, studies, procurement and layouts in CAD for new installations and plant modifications.
• Coordinate with senior power engineers, site operations and other stakeholders to ensure electrical systems are integrated into project plans.
• Document findings from tests and inspections and report any issues to the Senior Power Engineer, Project Managers and other stakeholders
• Draft technical documents.
• Plan, audit implement modifications and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures based on job specifications and local building and safety codes.
• Assists Senior Power Engineer with projects site supervisor and quality assurance
• Electrical support of installation & equipment
• Electrical fault finding and repairs, diagnosing and solving problems and issues relating to electrical systems.
• Asset management updating asset register, maintenance plans and quality control

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• National Diploma in Electrical Engineering AND
• Qualified Electrician – Trade Test
• Valid motor vehicle licence required, PDP possibly desirable
• Wireman’s licence

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ related experience in Building Electrical infrastructure and distribution switchgear
• Interpret design requirements pertaining to electrical systems
• Conduct electrical system assessments and studies on existing infrastructure for expansion and/or refurbishments

Knowledge:

• Electrical Panel Wiring
• Implement and/or design control and monitoring functions (i.e. Building Management System to monitor power, cooling, fire, and general equipment status)
• Health and Safety Regulations and related procedures
• Carry out the design, installation and commissioning of the power Systems.
• Assist with upgrades and expansion of the electrical systems
• Maintenance of the existing infrastructure
• Eskom ORHVS and OHS standards for all electrical installations as per the laws of South Africa
• Codes of other Partner countries (where applicable)
• Apply stringent safety rules for construction, maintenance, and operation

Additional Notes:

• Have excellent problem solving
• Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Fault finding and trouble shooting.
• Maintenance and repair of electrical systems.
• Computer skills, including CAD packages and Microsoft Office

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