Electronics Engineer at Marion Island

VACANCY ADVERTISEMENT

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation.

SANSA has the mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology advances space engineering programmes and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organisation can be found at http://www.sansa.org.za.

SANSA thrives on its employees’ creativity, competencies, expertise and ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of, we Care for our People, we are Customer-Centric, we Innovate and Drive Impact, we Collaborate and we extend trust, then SANSA could be the place for you.

The following opportunity exists in SANSA to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies and qualifications.

Electronics Engineer at Marion Island

Programme: Space Science (Hermanus)

Contract Type: 18-month

Contract Salary: R593 436.00 pa (total cost to company)

About the role:

SANSA Space Science operates a network of space weather instruments on sub-Antarctic Marion Island that forms part of South Africa's contribution to global geomagnetic, ionospheric and space weather monitoring. The Electronics Engineer will be responsible for keeping these instruments operational for the duration of the overwintering expedition, ensuring that continuous, high-quality data reach SANSA in Hermanus, and supporting the wider scientific programme of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). The engineer will work largely independently, with remote support from the Engineering and Data Acquisition team in Hermanus. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain extensive hands-on experience with scientific instrumentation in one of the most remote environments on Earth.

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least a BEng/BSc (Eng) degree in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, or an equivalent qualification
• A minimum of 2–3 years' relevant working experience in electronic engineering, instrumentation, or a related technical field
• Proven competency in electronic maintenance, diagnostics, and repair, with strong fault-finding capabilities down to component level
• The ability to read and interpret circuit schematics, technical drawings, and datasheets, and to use standard test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and spectrum analysers
• Practical workshop skills, including soldering, cable and connector assembly, and PCB level repair
• Experience working with computers, especially with Linux operating systems, including command-line use and basic system administration
• A working knowledge of computer networking (TCP/IP, routers, switches) and remote access tools
• Experience in programming and scripting, especially in Bash and Python
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to keep accurate records and write clear technical reports
• The ability to work independently, show initiative, and solve problems with limited resources and remote support
• The ability to work and live with small groups of people in an isolated environment is essential

The following will be considered an advantage:

• An MSc/MEng degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Experience with data acquisition systems, sensors, and scientific or measurement instrumentation
• Familiarity with RF systems, antennas, GNSS receivers, or software-defined radio (SDR)
• Experience with power systems such as UPS units, battery banks, and off grid/solar installations
• Previous experience working in remote, field-based, or expedition environments

Applicants will be expected to:

• Complete three months of training at SANSA Space Science in Hermanus on the instruments, systems, and procedures before deployment
• Operate, maintain, and upgrade SANSA's space weather instrumentation on Marion Island
• Install, commission, maintain, calibrate, and modify electronic instruments and systems for the collection, reduction, and analysis of data
• Perform routine data quality checks and ensure the timely transfer of data to SANSA in Hermanus
• Carry out scheduled preventative maintenance, and diagnose and repair faults promptly to minimise data loss
• Design and build new equipment, and support the installation of new or upgraded instruments and experiments
• Execute experiments related to Space Weather studies
• Manage spares, consumables, and tools, and keep accurate maintenance logs and records
• Compile regular comprehensive engineering reports for SANSA
• Give core engineering and technical support to other scientific programmes and the base team, and take part in general base duties and relief-voyage operations as required

Candidates must be physically fit, have sober habits, be mentally strong, and be prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work.

Successful applicants will spend three months in Hermanus from 01 February 2027 for training and then depart for Marion Island.

Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax, and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant must be self-sufficient and self-motivated.

Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination, which will be arranged for at a limit of R 5000.00 to the applicants. No person may be declared fit if they have any history of stable angina, recent myocardial infarcts, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, known psychiatric ailments, or are on tuberculosis treatment.

Successful applicants will spend 14 months on deployment (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island and will not be able to return to South Africa during the deployment period.

More information on the Island and human activities there can be found at: http://www.sanap.ac.za

Food, accommodation, and protective clothing are provided by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) (Southern Oceans and Antarctica Support) while the applicant is at Marion Island.

Disclaimer

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should a candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavour to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with SANSA's Employment Equity plans. SANSA reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.

Background verification, including criminal records, credit checks, security clearances, medical examinations, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, shall form part of the selection process. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.