Vacant Position – Senior Fibre Technician

SKA South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) invites applications for a hands-on optical fibre specialist role in Cape Town. You will deliver DFN fibre network installations at telescope sites and the Cape Town office, perform diagnostics, and document builds.

Your responsibilities include performing acceptance testing, maintaining networks, and addressing fibre link issues promptly to sustain critical observatory operations.

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Engineering or equivalent and FOA fibre optics certification.
• Minimum 9 years Fibre Optic splicing experience, with 5+ years in splicing.
• Experience using OTDR, Max Tester and optical test tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in Optical fibre installations at telescope sites and Cape Town office.
• Perform troubleshooting and maintenance of fibre optic systems and repair defects.
• Document installed fibre optic systems and capture as-built data.
• Conduct acceptance tests per procedures and record test results.
• Manage and maintain DFN networks at telescope sites and office.
• Ensure installations meet high quality standards and follow instructions.
• Address fibre link breakdowns to restore service quickly.

Skills

Fibre Optic Splicing

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Teamwork

Education

National Diploma in Engineering (NQF6)

FOA Certified Fibre Optics Technician

Tools

OTDR

Max Tester

Optical Power Meter

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 and KAT-7 telescopes 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.

Apply hands‑on expertise in the field of optical fibre to assist the delivery of the Radio astronomy telescopes such as SKA-1 Mid Dish fibre network (DFN), Optical Fibre Networks and related activities within SARAO.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in Optical fibre installations such as Dish Fibre Network (DFN) installations at telescope sites and Capetown office fibre network as to when required
• Provide ongoing support as well as performing troubleshooting and maintenance support to fibre optic systems at telescope sites or as directed. This involves but not limited to Conducting regular inspections of fibre optic network systems with the aim of locating and repairing any defects detected during the inspections.
• Provide technical expertise in documenting of installed fibre optic systems at telescope sites and in Cape Town office as to when required
• Performing Acceptance tests activities for each optical fibre installation as per the given acceptance test procedure, as well as Capturing the as‑built data for each built Telescope fibre network.
• Management and maintenance of installed fibre optics networks such as DFN at telescope sites and Cape Town interlab office as to when required
• Understanding the installation instructions to ensure that all optical fibre network installations are done accurately and to the highest quality and standard
• Attending to Optical fibre link breakdowns to ensure fibre links are restored within the shortest time possible

Key Requirements

Qualification:

• National Diploma in Engineering (preferably electrical/electronic Engineering) (NQF6)
• FOA Certified Fibre Optics Technician or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license

Experience

• 9 years Fibre Optic splicing experience of which +5 years is in Fibre Optic splicing
• Experience in using Fibre Optic testing/troubleshooting equipment; OTDR, Max Tester as well as Optical link loss test tools
• Experience in Cable preparation, working with loose tube and tight buffer fibre optic cables
• Experience in preparation and assembly of different Patch Panels
• Fibre optic fusion splicing of SMF, MMF and NZDSF
• Good knowledge in Optical Fibre testing/troubleshooting equipment use: OLS, OTDR, PM, Max Tester.

Knowledge

• Assembling different types of patch panels and joints.
• Understanding and identifying different types of fibre optic connectors.
• Perform OTDR tests
• Evaluate OTDR traces
• Perform Optical Power loss testing
• Perform tasks using plans and diagrams
• Fusion splicing of SMF, MMF and NZDSF
• Working with both loose tube and tight buffer fibre cables
• Test report writing, Interpretation and presentation of test results
• Construction and maintenance of fibre optic links.
• Interpreting optical test results
• Interpretation of fibre optic splicing diagrams and documents
• Understand and identify the different types of optical connectors.

Additional Notes

• Good working knowledge of hand and power tools used in this position with proficiency in fibre cable termination with connectors. Well versed in fusion splicing machine technique
• Patch Panel preparation
• Cable preparation
• Fusion Splicing
• Optical Fibre testing
• Display excellent interpersonal skills.
• Quality awareness
• Working at heights 5 – 10 metres above the ground
• Responsible and trustworthy
• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to work under tight schedules
• Willingness to work in remote locations as well as outside normal working hours
• Willingness to learn
• Display analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self‑disciplined, motivated and organized

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