Vacant Position – System Analyst x2 (Re-advertisement)

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

Job summary

SARAO, a National Facility of the NRF, seeks a Systems Analyst to plan and execute signal-chain analyses for telescope projects in Cape Town. You will analyse performance requirements, develop verification procedures and support design and commissioning of radio astronomy systems.

The role emphasizes rigorous data analysis, reporting, and collaboration with engineering teams to ensure reliable, high-quality telescope performance. A relevant engineering degree and ECSA registration are preferred.

Qualifications

• Background in signal processing (analogue and digital) and systems engineering.
• Experience with verification, design and commissioning of complex telescope systems.
• Familiarity with RF, EM, analogue and digital electronics.
• Knowledge of software programming and scripting (Python, etc.).
• Exposure to radio astronomy or related radar/satellite domains.

Responsibilities

• Deliver systems with verified performance through analysis and reporting.
• Support design qualification, verification and commissioning activities.
• Advance maturity of systems to meet stakeholder needs.
• Contribute to project schedules, WBS and SOW inputs.

Skills

Signal processing

Software programming

Analysis methods

Systems engineering

Verifying tests

Education

B.Eng/B.Sc (Eng) 4+ years RELEVANT analysis

M.Eng/M.Sc (Eng) 3+ years RELEVANT analysis

PhD/D.Eng 1+ years RELEVANT analysis

ECSA PrEng registration

Tools

CASA

Job description

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 30 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) implements South Africa’s strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation, and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

The main purpose of the job is to plan & execute systems analysis tasks alone and under supervision, during design, construction, integration, verification, commissioning and operations of the various radio telescopes and associated supporting systems, focussing primarily on the telescope signal chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver systems with verified performance and quality through executing system and data analysis in support of design, qualification and commissioning of telescopes and guest instruments, by analysing performance requirements, providing inputs to systems engineering processes and telescope designs, defining verification procedures, developing mathematical models of the system of interest, performing verification tests and analysing test data and system non-compliances and compiling reports.
• Advancing the maturity of systems and products to ensure stakeholder satisfaction through executing systems analysis in support of design definition, verification, operations and continuous improvement programmes (ad-hoc & quick reaction tasks).
• Improving accuracy of analysis, increased efficiency (data processed vs time) and quality/maturity of reporting through developing analysis and engineering skills by researching tools and techniques of signal – based systems analysis.
• Ensuring the engineering is executed with integrity and risk is managed by supporting and participating in compiling the analysis component of Project SEMPs, technical schedules, WBS and SOWs and providing inputs into engineering process reviews of radio astronomy related systems.

Qualification

• B.Eng/B.Sc (Eng) with 4+ years RELEVANT analysis experience in an Engineering or Research and Development Environment; OR
• M.Eng/M.Sc (Eng) with 3+ years RELEVANT analysis experience; OR
• PhD/D.Eng with 1+ years RELEVANT analysis experience, AND
• Meets the requirements for registration with ECSA as PrEng.

Experience:

• A background in development of systems in radio astronomy, radar, satellite or avionics systems is preferred.
• Application of methods, procedures, tools and techniques of signal processing (analogue and digital).
• Worked within systems engineering processes
• Worked in technology areas utilized in signal-based systems (RF, EM, analogue and digital electronics, etc.)
• Software programming
• Use of common analysis tools such as CASA

Knowledge:

• Recognised domain knowledge, based on theoretical aspects with practical experience in methods, procedures, tools and techniques of signal processing (analogue and digital), systems engineering life-cycle processes, technology areas in signal-based systems (RF, EM, analogue and digital electronics, etc.) and software programming
• Exposure to Radio Astronomy.
• Understanding of agile software development methodologies

Additional Notes

• The applicant should have the following skills/abilities/competencies:
• Understanding of technology areas in signal-based systems (RF, EM, analogue and digital electronics, etc.)
• Industry experience including a high percentage of Research and Development content, analysing the performance of complicated signal-based systems, processing signal data from signal-based systems (analogue and digital), use of signal processing tools and software and computer software programming/scripting (Python, etc.)
• Be a self-starter and self-motivated to achieve the assigned goals without regular supervision while working and delivering under pressure
• Ability to contextualise and organise complicated problems, gathering all required information in such a way to define a plan of action, structure the work and to apportion tasks
• Display excellent interpersonal skills
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Work in remote locations when required
• Communicate effectively in English (both written and verbally)
• Act with integrity at all times
• Compile analysis reports containing relevant, accurate and well organised data for review by more senior analysts and engineers

Information

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

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.