Synchronisation and Timing (SAT) Electronic Engineer
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.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
We are looking for a SAT Electronic Engineer to help deliver the Synchronisation and Timing sub-systems for a next-generation radio telescope currently being built in South Africa and Australia.
Job Location Cheshire, UK (Head Office)The SAT Electronic Engineer will join a dedicated Product Delivery Team (PDT) focused on the delivery of a Timing and Frequency system for both the SKA-Mid and SKA-Low Telescopes. The Electronic Engineer will work in collaboration with the PDT Project Manager and the Design Authority, plus others dedicated to the team. The successful candidate will act as a key support for the Synchronisation and Timing Design Authority, working with contractors to guarantee the required performance of the subsystem following the SKAO standards and best practices.
Reporting to the Domain Specialist Team Lead, the SAT Electronic Engineer may also be requested to provide support and expertise for other related areas of the SKA Telescope design and construction.
The role is a 2-year fixed-term and will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, UK.
The role will require occasional travel and liaising with colleagues located overseas.
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.
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
Support the SAT Design Authority in performance analysis relating to both the Mid and Low Telescopes, producing technical reports including recommendations.
Provide technical leadership in domain expertise across the entire SKAO project.
Work closely with all members of the SAT PDT to deliver a robust system that meets requirements.
Develop a strong understanding of the SAT subsystem and its place within both the Mid and Low telescopes, in order to advise on issues, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Work closely with the SAT project manager (and others as required) to provide guidance, advice and technical assistance.
Develop and maintain working relationships and communication with key stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of engineering activities.
Participate in team projects and lead them as directed by the SAT Design Authority. Also provide specialist assistance to working groups, colleagues and engineering project managers.
Manage relations and delivery milestones with suppliers and contractors, in collaboration with project managers.
Play a key role in the PDTs technical reviews and participate in other project reviews when requested. Review and quality-assure technical and engineering outputs (e.g. drawings, reports, specifications, etc.) to ensure that they meet SKAO requirements.
Travel nationally and internationally if required (typically for 1-2 weeks, 2-3 times per year).
Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the SAT dDesign Authority, Line Manager, the Head of Engineering or the Senior Management Team.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Degree in Electronic Engineering or other Engineering discipline/closely related field, or equivalent experience.
Familiarity with the fundamental principles of time and frequency, including time, frequency, and phase relationships.
Familiarity with GUI development for technical systems, including the design and implementation of user-friendly interfaces for configuration, monitoring and control.
Familiarity with qualification and acceptance test procedures and reporting, and product life cycle.
Familiarity with system engineering principles for deriving and verifying requirements as well as maintaining interfaces. Experience in Jama or equivalent tools.
Ability to influence to ensure delivery of joined up solutions, working effectively with engineers and scientists in a multi-cultural environment.
Willingness to work flexibly across time zones and re-prioritise tasks quickly as requirements change.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Good working knowledge of Timing and Frequency concepts such as precision, accuracy, jitter, wander, drift, holdover, phase noise, Allan deviation and overall clock stability.
Good working knowledge of Linux fundamentals, with experience in scripting using Python and Bash for automation and GUI-related development tasks.
Familiarity with electronics standards (IPC, IEC, etc).
Familiarity with telescopes based on radio interferometry
Demonstrable interest in subsystem integration within complex systems aligned to operational needs
Membership of, or eligibility for membership of, a recognised national or international engineering institute
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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