Job Description

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation.SANSA has the mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology advances space engineering programmes and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organisation can be found at http://www.sansa.org.zaSANSA thrives on our employees creativity, competencies, and expertise, and on their ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of Customer-Centric, Collaboration and Teamwork, Innovation and Solutions Driven, Responsiveness to Opportunities, Having Fun Together and living these in a fast-paced and innovative environment, then SANSA could be the place for you.The following opportunities exist in SANSA, to be filled by individuals with the relevant skills, drive, competencies, and qualifications.Electronics Engineer: Antarctica (x1 posts) - Re-advertisementLocation: Hermanus, Western CapeProgramme: Space ScienceContract Type: Contract (approximately 24 months)(R593 463 + performance bonus on return p.a (Total Cost to Company))The successful candidates will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, fault-finding, and repairs of all the equipment and experiments related to Space Weather research at SANAE IV base and will report to South African National Space Agency: Hermanus. The incumbent will have to be involved in the design and implementation of new equipment as well as commission, maintain, calibrate, and modify electronic instruments and systems, where necessary. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining SANSAs computer equipment and IT infrastructure and for the collection, reduction, and analysis of scientific data; give core engineering support; prepare monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes, order spares, and equipment and do other common non-technical duties performed by all expedition members.Applicants should be comfortable working at heights and will have to complete a Working at Heights course during the training period. Preference will be given to individuals with previous SANAP experience.Successful applicants will spend a few months in Hermanus from 1 July 2024 for training, and then more than a full year (Dec 2024 to Feb 2026) in Antarctica. There is no option to return to South Africa before February 2026. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant must be self-sufficient and self-motivated.The location may affect both the physical and mental well-being of the incumbent, their family, and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong, have sober habits, and be prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition, successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment.Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination including psychometric testing, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.More information on the island and human activities can be found at:http://www.sanap.ac.zaFood, accommodation, and protective clothing are provided by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (Southern Oceans and Antarctic Support) while the applicant is working at Antarctica.The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

• xc2xb7 A Bachelors Degree in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or equivalent from the University or University of Technology
• xc2xb7MEng, MSc or MTech will be an added advantage
• xc2xb7The incumbent should be competent in electronic maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs with proven fault-finding capabilities
• xc2xb7Experience working with computers, especially with LINUX operating systems
• xc2xb7Experience in programming, especially in BASH or Python, would be an advantage

• xc2xb7Competent in the use of general electronics test and measurement equipment (Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyser, etc); and familiarity with the use of general workshop tools
• xc2xb7The incumbent must be able to work independently with minimal support under extreme pressure and without supervision
• xc2xb7The incumbent must be computer literate, have good verbal and written communication skills, and have the ability to work in a team
• xc2xb7Previous SANSAP experience will be added advantage

Background verification, including criminal record, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, may form part of the selection process. By applying for these vacancies, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.SANSA subscribes to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. As per the Employment Equity Plan of SANSA and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups (African males and females, Coloured females, and People with disabilities).Should you meet the above requirements, please upload your detailed CV, and apply on : Current Opportunities (mcidirecthire.com)Communication will only be conducted with short-listed candidates. If applicants have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, regard your application as unsuccessful. SANSA reserves the right not to make an appointment.Closing Date: 13 August 2024

The South African National Space Agency