Electronics Engineer at Marion Island (Hermanus)

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

Requirements

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