Position – Digital Signal Processing Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Implementation of digital signal processing (DSP) products, applications and/or algorithms for Radio Astronomy data processing systems that satisfy higher-level system functional and performance requirements
• Implementation of these products contains elements of digital signal processing system design, FPGA development, software development and high-speed data transport
• Support analysis, definition, integration, verification and validation activities of DSP products at various system levels
• Development of software to control, monitor, debug and support operation of the developed products and applications
• Follow and support the relevant Systems Engineering processes for product development throughout the entire product or application lifecycle from conceptualisation through to decommissioning
• Support deployment, maintenance, upgrades, operation and decommissioning of developed products
• Participate in and support the generation of technical system and product‑related documentation applicable to developed DSP products to support the delivery and handover of the Data Processing & Pipelines Group’s products
• Participate in Research & Development initiatives within the Data Processing & Pipelines Group to develop novel ideas for future products and contribute to the overall continuous development of the group

• B.Tech (Eng) (NQF
  7) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with 6+ years relevant experience, OR
• B.Eng/B.Sc (Eng) (NQF
  8) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with 4+ years relevant experience; OR
• MSc / M.Eng (NQF
  9) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with 3+ years relevant experience; OR
• PhD (NQF 10) in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronics Engineering with 1+ years relevant experience

• Experience as a DSP or FPGA Engineer with experience implementing digital signal processing algorithms on FPGA‑based hardware using HDL or other design tools
• Experience in designing digital signal processing systems at a higher, product level or in low‑level implementation of components and features
• Experience building data processing applications specifically for Radio Astronomy instrumentation is advantageous but not required
• Implementing parallel processing on FPGA hardware
• Implementation of accelerated and optimised DSP algorithms
• Experience analysing system requirements and defining a suitable system design
• Writing technical documentation describing the implementation and design of products at various technical levels
• Software Development or Scientific Computing proficiency in either Python, C++, or Matlab
• Working with workflow and issue management tools (e.g., JIRA)
• Working with source code and version control tools (e.g., Git)

• Multi‑rate and parallel implementations of Digital Signal Processing Operations such as FFTs, Filters, DDS, DDC
• Knowledge of FPGA firmware design, parallel implementation and FPGA design tools
• Typical radio astronomy instrumentation: e.g., spectrometers, correlators, beamformers (advantageous)
• High‑speed data transport such as ethernet and/or knowledge of large‑scale networks (advantageous)
• Controlling and monitoring of DSP applications and components
• Systems Engineering Processes or Software Design Life Cycle
• Software Development or Scientific Computing proficiency in either Python, C++, or Matlab
• Linux operating systems and development tools

• Desire to continuously learn, problem solve and acquire new skills with cutting edge technology
• A clear and methodical approach to problem solving
• A high attention to detail, excellent organisation skills
• Good communication skills, written and verbal
• Able to effectively manage and lead a team on a technical project
• Ability to effectively transfer knowledge and skills to other team members
• Eagerness to develop a technical specialisation and expertise
• Willingness to travel both locally and internationally depending on operational needs

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.