Vacant Post - Fibre Technician NRF/SARAO

Contract type: Long Term Contract Period of Contract: 5 Years Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape Closing Date: 15 May 2024 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 Africas 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 endeavours. Apply hands-on expertise in the field of optical fibre to contribute in the delivery of Radio astronomy telescopes such as MeerKAT Extension (MK+), SKA-1 Mid Dish fibre network (DFN) and related optical fibre network activities within the scope of SARAO, at cape town office and at telescope sites as to when required. Key Responsibilities: * Following the dish fibre network (DFN) procurement plan while complying to SARAO SCM procurement procedures to purchase required optical fibre items for fibre optic installation at telescope sites and within the scope of SARAO * Understanding the installation instructions to ensure that all optical fibre network installations are done accurately and to the highest quality and standard * Installing/building-up as well as troubleshooting optical fibre network links within the scope of SARAO (At cape town office and at telescope sites as to when required)* Ensuring proper documentation of installed fibre optic links i.e. the As-built data is accurately captured and documentation * Assisting team where there is a breakdown to ensure fibre links are restored within the shortest time possible * Carrying out market research to timely procure new fibre assets and repair damaged assets as well as all relevant installation partlists * Taking responsibility for Optical fibre network Assets, ensuring they are properly and safely stored and are always within calibration periods. * Supporting facilitating optical fibre network installation schedules and resources within the scope of SARAO whenever required Key Requirements: Qualification: * National Diploma in Engineering (preferably electrical/electronic Engineering) (NQF6)* FOA Certified Fibre Optics Technician or equivalent * Valid driver’s license Experience: * 5+ years Fibre Optic splicing experience (preference given to those with additional optical fibre practice at a responsible level). * 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 * Optical Fibre testing/troubleshooting equipment: OLS, OTDR, PM, Max Tester. Knowledge: * Assembling different types of patch panels and joints. * Understanding and identifying different types of fibre optic connectors. * 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 * Perform tasks using plans and diagrams including Interpretation of fibre optic splice diagrams/documents * Construction, maintenance and troubleshooting optical fibre networks of fibre optic links. 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 * 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 from time to time as well as outside normal working hours * Willing to learn * Display analytical and problem-solving skills * Self-disciplined, motivated and organized Information: The website provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities. Applications: Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided. Closing Date: 15 May 2024 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr