Vacant Position – Electrical Technician
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 23 July 2025
🔗 Apply here: https://www.sarao.ac.za/job/electrical-technician/
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The Role

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is seeking a qualified and experienced Electrical Technician to join its technical operations team in Carnarvon, Northern Cape. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting, maintaining, and improving electrical infrastructure and systems that are vital to the operation of SARAO’s facilities, including the MeerKAT radio telescope and its associated infrastructure.

This position requires a proactive, hands-on professional who can operate in a technically demanding and remote environment, contributing to world-class science infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance of electrical systems across the site.

• Install, test, and commission electrical equipment, including panels, distribution boards, and low-voltage installations.

• Diagnose and repair faults in electrical systems, machinery, and equipment.

• Monitor compliance with electrical standards, safety regulations, and internal protocols.

• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance and repair work.

• Provide technical support to other departments and contribute to infrastructure upgrades.

• Participate in after-hours standby duty rotation, responding to emergencies as required.

• Support energy monitoring, control systems, and power quality initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualification:

  • National Diploma (Electrical Engineering) or N6 with Trade Test (Electrician).

• Professional Registration (advantageous):

  • Registered with ECSA or eligible for registration.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience in electrical maintenance and installation.

  • Experience in industrial or infrastructure electrical systems (e.g., backup generators, UPS, solar, HVAC, etc.).

  • Experience working in remote or rural technical environments is an advantage.

• Technical Skills:

  • Strong understanding of electrical safety practices and regulations (e.g., OHS Act).

  • Proficient in interpreting electrical drawings, schematics, and manuals.

  • Competence in using electrical diagnostic tools and test equipment.

  • Familiarity with power distribution systems and SCADA/BMS systems.

• Other Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s licence.

  • Willingness to relocate to Carnarvon, Northern Cape.

  • Ability to work in a high-security, radio-frequency interference (RFI)-controlled zone.

Why Join SARAO?

SARAO is at the frontier of radio astronomy science and engineering in Africa. As part of the team supporting iconic projects like MeerKAT and the SKA (Square Kilometre Array), you'll contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and work in a collaborative, innovative environment.

📌 Apply before 23 July 2025:
https://www.sarao.ac.za/job/electrical-technician/

#ElectricalTechnician #CarnarvonJobs #SARAO #EngineeringCareers #Vacancies2025