Senior Electrical Technician

About the role

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is looking for a Senior Electrical Technician to support the operation, installation and maintenance of its radio‑telescope infrastructure, including MeerKAT and Hartebeesthoek. The role combines hands‑on electrical work with project coordination to ensure critical systems meet performance, safety and quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and execute site visits to multiple telescope locations.
• Develop conceptual, preliminary and detailed designs for electrical installations.
• Lead projects from initiation to completion, managing scope, schedule, cost and resources.
• Ensure facility power operations comply with technical and quality requirements.
• Monitor and verify that power supplied by Eskom meets the Electricity Supply Agreement.
• Conduct electrical system assessments for expansion or refurbishment.
• Support senior electrical engineers on project execution.
• Provide engineering change control and operational support.

Required profile

• National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (NQF 6) with 6‑9 years relevant experience, or B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering with 6+ years experience.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Highly organized, self‑driven and able to manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and contributing to graduate training programmes.

Required skills

• Electrical installation
• Power system assessment
• Fault finding
• Engineering change control