SALT Graduate Software Engineer at NRF National Research Foundation

Job Description

The SAAO, in partnership with SALT, invites applications from suitably qualified individuals for the position of Graduate Engineer Software Engineering/ Diagnostics and Control Systems to join our Software Engineering Team based in Cape Town. The successful candidate will support the team with the development, maintenance, and operational readiness of telescope and instrumentation software. The position is within a dynamic division, comprised of approximately three dozen staff, including astronomers, electrical, electronic, optical and mechanical engineers, technicians, and software developers.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with software development and maintenance in accordance with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Support fault finding, debugging, and resolution of software issues under supervision
• Participate in software testing and execution of Software Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs)
• Assist with integration of software with control systems, instrumentation, and electronic subsystems
• Support preparation of telescope systems for night-time operations
• Follow software configuration management and version control procedures
• Work closely with engineers and multidisciplinary teams

Minimum Qualification

• Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8

Minimum Experience

• 0-2 years
• BEng/BSc (Eng) in Computer/Electrical/Electronic/ Mechatronics, NQF level 8

Experience

• 0-2 years post-qualification experience

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of software engineering principles, software version control and SDLC
• Exposure to control systems, PLCs, embedded controllers, or RTOS environments
• Exposure to LabVIEW or National Instruments platforms
• Basic familiarity with Linux operating systems

Additional Notes

• Strong willingness to learn and develop engineering competence
• Attention to detail and sense of responsibility
• Problem-solving mindset and adaptability
• Demonstrated interest in instrumentation, automation, scientific facilities, or astronomy will be considered desirable

Desired Skills

• Good communication and teamwork skills

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

About The Employer

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science.

The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the semi-arid Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate the 10-m Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations and contributing human capacity development for South Africa.