SKA Observatory
Junior EMC Engineer
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At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
The SKAO is looking for a Junior EMC Engineer to join the SKAO Telescope Engineering Team and will support the SKAO EMC Engineer in matters related to EMC and RFI. Tasks may include EMC Tests, analysis of results, help to ensure products meet relevant standards and monitor compliance.
The Role
The Junior EMC Engineer will support the SKAO EMC Engineer on all matters related to EMC and RFI. The role spans both Low and Mid telescope systems, contributing at both system and product levels to ensure compliance with observatory and international EMC/RFI standards.
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The role will report to the Electrical Engineer, and will be work-managed by the EMC Design Authority.
Candidates should be willing to travel to SKAO sites internationally if required typically for 1 to 2 weeks, 2 or 3 times per year.
This position is available on a fixed term basis with the initial period of contract expected to be between 18 - 24 months and is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.
Depending on the programme need, the role will be flexible in also being deployed to support other sub-systems as needed.
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.
This role requires the postholder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
- Support the SKAO EMC Engineer across all aspects of EMC/RFI engineering.
- Participate in technical reviews, identifying opportunities to improve processes, facilities, and equipment, and proposing actions to enhance efficiency.
- Produce technical reports with recommendations based on EMC/RFI analyses.
- Review and quality-assure engineering deliverables to ensure compliance with SKAO requirements.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of SKA by building engineering expertise and staying current with relevant technologies and practices.
- Represent SKAO at technical forums and professional events to maintain awareness of industry best practices.
- Provide technical leadership in domain expertise across the entire SKAO project.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Telecommunication engineering or equivalent
- Strong knowledge of RFI and EMC issues across systems operating from 50 MHz to 26 GHz
- Experience with EMC design techniques (e.g. shielding, grounding, filtering)
- Experience developing commissioning, testing, compliance, and verification procedures for EMC/RFI
- Hands-on experience with EMI test and measurement equipment, including participation in qualification and acceptance testing
- Good knowledge of international EMC standards (e.g. EN 55032, EN 55035, EN 61000 series, MIL-STD-461)
- Familiarity with RFI spectrum monitoring, surveys, measurements, and data analysis
- Proficiency in using software tools for planning and analysis, including RFI/EMC tools; programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB) are an advantage
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and provide expert guidance to stakeholders
- Good level of problem solving skills and the ability to plan and organise workload
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Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Familiarity with RFI and EMC challenges in scientific projects and radio astronomy observatories
- Understanding of RFI/EMC control and management within Radio Quiet Zone environments
- Knowledge of radio astronomy RFI recommendations and associated best practices
- Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) in RFI and/or EMC-related fields
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.
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