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.
Construction activities for the SKAO’s telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2028.
SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). SKAO Operations in Australia will be conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes’ data.
For more information on the SKA project visit https://www.skao.int/
The SKA Observatory offers a competitive salary and a generous pension and benefits package. As an employee of an intergovernmental organisation, an appointee who is not a national of the country in which the role is based may be subject to personal Privileges and Immunities.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly skilled and experienced engineer with broad technical expertise in the systems engineering of large high-tech projects. Join an international team and contribute to one of the most significant scientific endeavours. As a key part of the Engineering Performance team, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the quality, standardisation, and performance of engineering activities, including Logistic Support Analyses. You will develop policies, monitor KPIs, integrate processes at SKA-Mid telescope, and ensure long-term efficiency.
We are looking for a RAM and Logistics Engineer to support the development of engineering operations for SKA-Mid telescope. The post-holder will spend an introductory period of up to 3 months in the UK getting up to speed with the project as well as familiarising themselves with the breadth and depth of the role. The role will be based at the telescope site (Cape Town, South Africa) until the Operational Readiness Review (ORR) which is expected in 2029.
The Role
As part of the Engineering Performance team, Telescope RAM and Logistics Engineer will ensure consistency and high standards in engineering operations at the SKA-Mid telescopes. Your responsibilities include developing policies and procedures, defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and improving collaboration and efficiency across multiple locations. You will work closely with the telescope Engineering Operations teams, whose focus is on day-to-day technical support, maintenance and execution. Your role will involve optimising the quality, reliability, and efficiency of operations by refining and standardising processes across all sites.
In this role you will contribute to the overall system engineering effort by developing the Maintenance and Support Plan for the SKA Telescopes. You will lead efforts in Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM), and Logistics Engineering. Working with project and design engineers, you will define, plan, and perform RAM and Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) at the telescope level. Additionally, you will help develop an LSA database, a Support Simulation Model, and contribute to the creation of a Data Module Requirement List (DMRL) and a Common Source Database (CSDB) for the observatory.
This role will be offered as a fixed-term contract based in South Africa for a period of three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
At the conclusion of the fixed-term period, the role will transition to a permanent position located in the UK; the incumbent will have the option to relocate to the UK to continue in the permanent role.
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
- Apply Reliability and Logistics Engineering principles to the SKA telescopes, ensuring effective communication across teams.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance plan, guiding colleagues and operational teams towards efficient solutions.
- Monitor the engineering and telescope performance to ensure targets for Operational Availability and Cost are met.
- Lead and participate in failure analysis and problem-solving with the operations and project teams for system improvements.
- Conduct Availability and Maintenance reviews to enhance operational processes, facilities, and equipment.
- Maintain clear communication between project, management, systems engineering, and product assurance.
- Manage internal and external teams, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and performance standards.
- Produce technical reports, offering conclusions and recommendations on operational and maintenance issues.
- Coach and mentor colleagues, contributing to the growth of SKAO Engineering Performance capabilities.
- Represent SKAO at technical forums, staying informed of industry best practices and advancements.
- Represent Engineering Performance at technical and operational meetings across the Observatory.
- Support ongoing SKA operations by developing and maintaining engineering skills, and remaining up to date with relevant industry developments.
- Work with safety teams to ensure safety and security in operations, identifying potential risks and taking necessary precautions and actions.
- Regularly travel both nationally and internationally as required.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- University degree in Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field.
- Broad technical knowledge of systems engineering for high-tech systems (e.g., large observatories, space systems, telecommunications networks, or military projects).
- Recognised expertise in RAM and Logistics Engineering, demonstrating knowledge of external issues such as regulations, best practices, and safety standards.
- Experience working with large systems, such as radio astronomy observatories or radar systems.
- Ability to understand the financial impact of reliability and support-related challenges.
- Experience in RAM analysis, of complex systems, Logistics Support Analysis (LSA), and Support Simulation Modelling.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to delegate and manage workloads.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to coach and mentor team members.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Familiarity with standards like MIL-STD-1388-2B, Def Stan 00-60, ASD S1000D, and IETM/IETP for technical publications.
- Membership of a recognised national or international systems engineering institute.
- Industry experience or a proven track record of successful collaboration with the industry.
- Experience developing and executing integrated logistics processes in high-tech environments.
- Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems.
- Previous work experience in a (radio) astronomical observatory or similar large-scale facility.
- Experience with configuration management software.
- Proficiency in collaboration tools like Confluence and Jira.
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.
