• Apply hands-on expertise in the field of optical fibre to assist the delivery of the Radio astronomy telescopes such as MeerKAT Extension and SKA-1 Mid Dish fibre network (DFN), Optical Fibre Networks and related activities within the scope of South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO).

Key Responsibilities:

• Take part Optical fibre installations such as Dish Fibre Network (DFN) installations at telescope sites where needed
• Take part in fibre optic troubleshooting, and maintaining fibre optic systems at telescope sites or as directed, to ensure that they are working properly. This involves but not limited to Conducting regular inspections of fibre optic network systems with the aim of locating and repairing any defects detected during the inspections.
• Documentation, installation, testing, and maintenance of fibre optic systems at telescope sites
• Perform Acceptance tests activities for each optical fibre installation as per the given acceptance test procedure, as well as Capturing the as-built data for each built Telescope fibre network.
• Assist in the management and maintenance of installed fibre optics networks such as DFN at telescope sites
• Understanding the installation instructions to ensure that all optical fibre network installations are done accurately and to the highest quality and standard
• Assisting team where there is a breakdown to ensure fibre links are restored within the shortest time possible
• Taking responsibility for Optical fibre network Assets, ensuring they are properly and safely stored and are always within calibration periods.
• Supporting facilitating optical fibre network installation schedules and resources within the scope of SARAO whenever required

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• National Diploma in Engineering (preferably electrical/electronic Engineering) (NQF6)
• FOA Certified Fibre Optics Technician or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license

Experience:

• 5+ years Fibre Optic splicing experience (preference given to those with additional optical fibre practice at a responsible level).
• Experience in using Fibre Optic testing/troubleshooting equipment; OTDR, Max Tester as well as Optical link loss test tools
• Experience in Cable preparation, working with loose tube and tight buffer fibre optic cables
• Experience in preparation and assembly of different Patch Panels
• Fibre optic fusion splicing of SMF, MMF and NZDSF
• Optical Fibre testing/troubleshooting equipment: OLS, OTDR, PM, Max Tester.

Knowledge:

• Assembling different types of patch panels and joints.
• Understanding and identifying different types of fibre optic connectors.
• Perform OTDR tests
• Evaluate OTDR traces
• Perform Optical Power loss testing
• Perform tasks using plans and diagrams
• Fusion splicing of SMF, MMF and NZDSF
• working with both loose tube and tight buffer fibre cables
• Test report writing, Interpretation and presentation of test results
• Construction and maintenance of fibre optic links.
• Interpreting optical test results
• Interpretation of fibre optic splicing diagrams and documents
• Understand and identify the different types of optical connectors.

Additional Notes:

• Good working knowledge of hand and power tools used in this position with proficiency in fibre cable termination with connectors.
• Well versed in fusion splicing machine technique
• Working at heights 5 – 10metres
• Patch Panel preparation
• Cable preparation
• Fusion Splicing
• Optical Fibre testing
• Display excellent interpersonal skills.
• Quality awareness
• working at heights 5 – 10 metres above the ground
• Responsible and trustworthy
• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to work under tight schedules
• Willingness to work in remote locations as well as outside normal working hours
• Willingness to learn
• display analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-disciplined, motivated and organized