The Role
We are looking for an experienced Systems Engineer to help deliver two next generation radio telescopes – one being built in South Africa, and one in Australia. The primary focus of the role will be computing infrastructure that will be used to monitor and control the telescopes, and process and package the science data for the end users. While computing domain knowledge is beneficial, it is not required – the core of the role is systems engineering, including requirements, interface definition, verification, and lifecycle support.
This person will be part of a cross-functional team responsible for delivering all the networking and compute hardware for both telescopes, and will work closely with project managers, systems engineers, technical specialists and suppliers. They will be responsible for the systems engineering activities pertaining to the procurement, installation and testing for a range of COTS-based clusters and storage systems.
The role will report to the Head of Systems Engineering and will be known internally as Compute Systems Engineer.
This role is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK and is a three-year fixed term contract.
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
- Write technical specifications as input to suppliers.
- Write Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between compute equipment and other sub-systems and host buildings.
- Manage configuration and baselines of technical documentation.
- Capture and diagram architecture as needed to guide integration efforts.
- Lead reviews to assess compliance of the submitted design against specifications, ICDs.
- Define how the system will be verified.
- Lead reviews of integration and test results.
- Track verification of the as-delivered hardware.
- Support configuration of as-built and product documentation.
- Travel locally and internationally several times per year, as required.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- University degree in Engineering, Telecommunications or Physics, or equivalent experience.
- Experience working as a systems engineer in technology systems, following INCOSE-aligned practices.
- Experience working as a systems engineer during the procurement, construction, and verification stages of a project.
- Excellent organisational, time management and prioritising skills.
- Good communication skills with the ability to present to international and other forums.
- Ability to build good and flexible working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Recognised systems engineering certification (e.g., INCOSE CSEP, ASEP, or equivalent).
- Knowledge of or experience with High Performance Computing Systems
- Familiar with Requirements Management Tools such as Jama.
- Knowledge of project management.
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!
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.
