Job Description

F'SATI Satellite System Research Group, which hosts the Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC), is looking for a post-doctoral research fellow (PDF) to support areas of research in software engineering in the space-domain and space-based services in CPUT space science, engineering, & technology focus area. The PDF joins a transdisciplinary development team working on several projects, including nano-satellite subsystems, complete missions in the vibrant research and innovation environment of FSATI-CPUT.Job Knowledge, Skills and ExperienceMinimum Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in Electrical / Electronic / Computer / Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, obtained within the last five years.
• Basic knowledge of electronics, communications, and digital systems.
• Possess software development skills including a knowledge of software development frameworks for CubeSats.
• Basic understanding of the MQTT protocol and other networking protocols.
• Strong research background, excellent communication, and inter-personal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Prior experience in publishing academic research is preferred.
• Adhere to all the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's policies, rules and procedures for PDFs and codes of conduct and rules governing research and intellectual property.

Skills:

• Proficiency in C, C++ programming language, or embedded system programming,
• Knowledge of the Python and Lua languages would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of software development IDE Eclipse or Visual Studio Code.
• Knowledge of satellite communication protocols and data processing is a plus.
• Experience with operating systems (Linux and Windows).
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Experience with software development skills, and embedded software development.
• Experienced or worked with software development frameworks for software defined. radio applications such as GNU Radio and SDR#.
• Knowledge of continuous integration, continuous delivery (CI/CD) techniques and tools.
• The candidate should understand modern software collaboration tools such as GitLab, Gitblit, and SVN.
• Experience in testing, deploying, and supporting complex projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in transdisciplinary teams.

Key Performance Areas / Principal AccountabilitiesKey Responsibilities:

• A minimum of two (2) DHET-accredited research output units for the institution (accepted or published) in a year.
• Assist in the writing of at least 1 (one) research funding proposal.
• Initiate and seek funding for projects.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision.
• Disseminate research findings and educational resources.
• Assist with the coordination of various aspects of the project.
• Contribute towards achieving research publication in accredited journals -two articles in the fellowship period.
• Perform any other tasks as may be instructed by the supervisors.

Preferred Experience:

• Working with space-grade software development and testing standards.
• Experience in AI/ML applications for satellite data analysis.
• Familiarity with cloud-based and distributed computing solutions.

Principal Duties:

• A skilled Software Engineer to develop, test, and maintain software for satellite systems.
• The ideal candidate will design embedded software, real-time control algorithms, and data processing applications to support satellite operations.
• This role requires expertise in programming, system integration, and troubleshooting in high reliability environments
• Develop and optimize software for satellite communication, control, and
• data processing.
• Design and implement embedded systems and real-time applications.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and aerospace engineers to ensure seamless integration.
• Conduct software testing, debugging, and validation to meet mission requirements.
• Maintain and improve satellite ground control and telemetry systems.

Competencies

• Excellent communication skills.
• Proactive approach to engineering and problem-solving.
• Ability to work with diversity and a transdisciplinary environment.
• Effective interpersonal and collaboration skills within a technical team.
• Professionalism, collegiality, integrity, positive attitude and self-driven.

General InformationClosing Date:4 April 2025Enquiries: Human Capital Department - Ms Yandiswa Vuwani: vuwaniy@cput.ac.zaNB: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW APPLICANTS TO UPLOAD CVs. IT IS THUS
IMPORTANT THAT APPLICANTS COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS COMPREHENSIVELY AS FAILURE TO DO
SO MIGHT DISADVANTAGE YOU. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR APPLICATION ON THE SYSTEM WITH THE
LATEST INFORMATION AS THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CRITERIA USED FOR EVALUATION OF YOUR
APPLICACTION BY OUR PANEL.The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology