Post – Radio Frequency Engineer

Contract type: Permanent

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Closing Date: 06 July 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes in all fields of science and technology. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope (SKA) in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the NRF and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as MeerKAT, Hartebeesthoek, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme, and associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

The purpose of the role is to design, develop and analyse concepts analytically and numerically for time and frequency transmission via RF techniques over fibre, and to interface with equipment such as atomic clocks, radio astronomy receivers and digitisers, ensuring high-precision time and frequency distribution.

• Research and analyse to ensure that the developed time and frequency system meets or exceeds performance requirements, delivering high precision and reliability.
• Develop and design photonic systems for the transmission and distribution of precise time and frequency signals.
• Utilise design software and simulation tools to create system schematics, perform circuit simulations, and optimise components.
• Design RF circuit schematics and PCB layouts.
• Assemble and test RF photonic modules, instrumentation, cabling and system diagrams.
• Conduct lab‑based and field‑based testing using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and other diagnostic equipment.
• Analyse test data to identify and resolve issues.
• Document all design, testing and optimisation processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, user manuals and compliance documentation.

• B-Tech/BSc in Electrical/Electronic Engineering with 6+ years relevant experience.
• BEng/BSc Hon in Electrical/Electronic with 4+ years relevant experience.
• MEng in Electrical/Electronic with 3+ years relevant experience.
• PhD with 1+ year relevant experience.

• Experience in an RF Engineering environment.
• Experience in RF Circuit Design.
• Experience using RF test equipment in a lab environment.

• Electronics
• RF Hardware Design
• PCB Design
• Firmware Design
• Test and Verification
• System Engineering
• Simulation Tools
• Programming Languages (e.g. Python)

• Excellent communication – both verbal and written, in English.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Efficiency in a high‑pressure environment.
• Proactive and capable of dealing with uncertain environments and reducing uncertainty.
• Proficient in root cause analysis and problem solving.
• Strong decision‑making and attention to detail.
• Well‑developed relationship and influencing skills.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours.
• No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and internationally.
• Experience interacting with multi‑disciplinary teams.

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. Correspondence will be sent to short‑listed candidates only.