SKA-Mid Dish Structure Lead Servo Technician

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. 

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2028.

SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). SKAO Operations in Australia will be conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes' data.

For more information on the SKA project visit https://www.skao.int/

The SKA Observatory offers a competitive salary and a generous pension and benefits package. As an employee of an intergovernmental organisation, an appointee who is not a national of the country in which the role is based may be subject to personal Privileges and Immunities.

We are seeking a talented Lead Servo Technicians to join our SKA Mid Dish Structure Servo Team. The Servo Technicians will integrate, commission and test the Dish Structure servo system in order to deliver 64x SKA Dishes to the Observatory for the SKA-Mid Telescope. 

Job Location Carnarvon, South Africa

The successful candidate will receive on-the-job training from the Dish Contractor (CETC54). Once proficient (and as production ramps up), the individual is expected to lead an independent servo team. The servo system features a Bosch Rexroth motion control system with three independent axes used for steering the telescope (azimuth and elevation) and the feed indexer.

This role will be reporting to the SKA Mid Dish Site Construction Manager.

This role will be a 2-year fixed term appointment and will be based in Carnarvon, Northern Cape, South Africa. 

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory. 

We encourage applications from under-represented groups such as women and individuals with disabilities, as well as open conversations during the recruitment process in relation to any specific requirements.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

Integrate 

• Responsible for the installation and integration of motors, gearbox’s and various sensors e.g. thermal, humidity, limit switches and encoders and supporting cabling.

Commission

• Upload configuration to PLC and Servo Amplifiers
• Set to work the servo system and calibrate all sensors and actuators
• Trouble shoot / conduct root cause analysis of servo related faults 
• Sign-off the commissioning check list

Test

• Perform Site Acceptance Tests and compile Reports

In order to optimally perform the above duties the candidate shall

• collaborate with cross functional teams, including various engineering disciplines and construction management
• supply inputs to maintain/update/compile as built data packs
• adhere to Safety, Health and Environmental site policies and procedures

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• National Diploma: Electrical Engineering or Trade Test (Electrical) Certificate with minimum 7 years experience in electrical installations of which 1years should be in Control Systems 
• Interpreting schematic diagrams and electrical drawings.
• Working with industrial electronics (24Vdc, 220Vac, 380Vac).
• Experience with PLCs, sensors, actuators (motors, gearboxes, brakes), and servo amplifiers.
• Proficiency in using various measuring instruments (e.g., multimeter, laptop, optical pointing camera).
• Skilled in fault finding on electro-mechanical systems.
• Commissioning technical projects.
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical installations.
• Comfortable working at heights.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather data and use this to inform understanding; 
• Experience of working collaboratively.
• Good English verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and liaise confidently with others

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Engineering degree equivalent (NQF7/8) in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with minimum 6 years relevant experience
• Exposure to configuration management, system engineering, and quality control.
• Knowledge of EMI/RFI.
• Experience with electrical connections (terminal, solder, crimp).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Eager to learn with a positive attitude.
• Possesses good work discipline, is self-disciplined, organized, and structured.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.
• A flexible and self-motivated team player who is adaptable to change;

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. 

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.

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