Vacant Post – Junior Engineer: Radio Frequency Interference x2

SARAO; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

SARAO, located in Cape Town, seeks an engineer to assist in developing RFI monitoring equipment and software under guidance from an RFI engineer. The role focuses on measurement, data analysis, and reporting to support the SKA programme.

Requirements include a B.Eng or B.Sc in Electrical/ Electronics/ Computer Engineering with 2+ years of experience and a valid driver’s license. Travel to remote sites may be required.

Qualifications

• B.Eng or B.Sc (NQF 8) in Electrical, Electronics or Computer Engineering with + 2 years relevant experience.
• Valid drivers license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, operation and maintenance of measurement, monitoring systems and equipment.
• Assist in the analysis of RFI measurement, monitoring and telescope data.
• Write and review technical RFI reports.
• Participate in RFI measurement.
• Support graduates-in-training.

Skills

RF measurements

EMC understanding

Data analysis

Programming

Team collaboration

Education

B.Eng or B.Sc in Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 05 November 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 endeavors.

This position is responsible for assisting in developing RFI monitoring equipment, software and RFI policies and procedures under the guidance of an RFI engineer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development, operation and maintenance of measurement, monitoring systems and equipment
• Assist in the analysis of RFI measurement, monitoring and telescope data
• Write and review technical RFI reports
• Participate in RFI measurement
• Support graduates-in-training

Key Requirements:

• B.Eng or B.Sc (NQF 8) in Electrical, Electronics or Computer Engineering with + 2 years relevant experience.
• Valid drivers license.

Experience:

• RF and/or EMC measurements
• Processing or analyzing data in a programming language.
• Designing electronic circuits
• Working with RF electronics
• Programming in a programming language

Knowledge:

• Understanding of EMC/RFI measurement principles
• Good understanding of Radio Frequency (RF)
• Good understanding of signal propagation
• Radio frequency measurements and data analysis
• Broad understanding of Radio frequency hardware, including antennas, low noise amplifiers, switches, mixers and other radio frequency components
• Broad understanding of analysis of measurement data based on sound engineering principles.

Additional Notes:

• Analytical problem-solving skills
• Hands-on technical skills in order to install and commission products in the field.
• Basic scripting ability for configuring and analysis of digital systems
• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Work in remote locations when required.

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