Systems Engineer (Networks)

Overview

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Systems Engineer to join an international, multicultural organisation and contribute to the construction of computing infrastructure for two of the largest radio telescope arrays in the world.

We are looking for an experienced Systems Engineer with knowledge of Networks to help deliver two next generation radio telescopes - one being built in South Africa, and one in Australia. This Network for each telescope will be used to transport the monitoring and control data, and science data, across the telescope. While networking domain knowledge is beneficial, the core of this role is systems engineering - including requirements, interface definition, verification, and lifecycle support.

This person will be part of a cross-functional team responsible for delivering all the networking and compute hardware for both telescopes, and will work closely with project managers, systems engineers, technical specialists and suppliers. They will be responsible for the systems engineering activities pertaining to the procurement, installation and testing for a range of COTS-based network equipment.

The role will report to the Head of Systems Engineering and will be known internally as Networks Systems Engineer.

This role is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK and is a three year fixed term contract.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Responsibilities

• Write technical specifications as input to suppliers.
• Write Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between network equipment and other sub-systems and host buildings.
• Manage configuration and baselines of technical documentation.
• Capture and diagram architecture as needed to guide integration efforts.
• Lead reviews to assess compliance of the submitted design against specifications, ICDs.
• Define how the system will be verified.
• Lead reviews of integration and test results.
• Track verification of the as-delivered hardware.
• Support configuration of as-built and product documentation.
• Travel locally and internationally several times per year, as required.

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering, Telecommunications or Physics, or equivalent experience.
• Substantial experience working as a systems engineer in complex, large-scale, technology systems, following INCOSE-aligned practices.
• Experience working as a systems engineer during the procurement, construction, and verification stages of a project.
• Excellent organisational, time management and prioritising skills.
• Good communication skills with the ability to present to international and other forums.
• Ability to build good and flexible working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Experience

• Experience with design, scaling, integration, testing and maintenance of Networks.
• Recognised systems engineering certification (e.g., INCOSE CSEP, ASEP, or equivalent).
• Familiar with Requirements Management Tools such as Jama.
• Knowledge of project management.