Senior Operator at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
iThemba LABS seeks to a appoint a Senior Operator to assist with technical maintenance and development within the mechanical engineering field for the Tandem Van de Graaf Accelerator operation of the accelerator and related facilities and conduct mechanical
repairs related to the Tandem Accelerator and related equipment.

The incumbent will be responsible for operation and maintenance of accelerator facilities, as well as repairing electronic equipment/components to specifications including assembly, installation and maintenance for the accelerators, beamlines and associated systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conditioning of all power supplies, ion source loading and monitoring systems to be in good working order and prepared for operation
• Implement preventive maintenance or, if necessary, outsource
• Do mechanical repairs related to the Tandem Accelerator and related equipment. The incumbent should ensure that repairs are done in an effective manner by him/her or other members of the technical team of the laboratory, or if necessary to outsource
• Produce written reports, and maintain and develop extensive documentation, describing equipment development, modifications etc
• Log in the parameters of the Tandem Accelerator during or after operation and overlook the recording of all the activities relating to the Tandem Accelerator
• Operate the Tandem Accelerator and ion sources to users' requirements
• Do mechanical fault finding to component level
• Apply systems engineering processes and configuration management principles in design and operational activities
• Use CAD tools to design, modify and document accelerator components and related mechanical systems
• Perform component level fault-finding and troubleshooting on mechanical and associated systems
• Ensuring optimal usage, maintenance and care of the Tandem Accelerator

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

NQF 6/ National Diploma in engineering or related qualification
BTech in Mechanical engineering will be an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in the development and operation of scientific research equipment.

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics and vacuum systems in a technical/accelerator environment
• Knowledge in reading and interpret engineering drawings, schematics and technical documentation
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills

The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Fault Finding
• Mechanical Fault Finding
• Use CAD tools to design

About The Employer:

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 to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

iThemba LABS is Africa's leading research facility for accelerator-based science that is committed to advance knowledge, transform lives and inspire the nation. We do this through probing fundamental aspects of nuclear structure, investigating the origins of matter, and advancing humanity's understanding of condensed matter. We have a direct societal impact through the provision of radioisotopes for the health sector and isotope analysis for the environmental sector.