Salary
Competitive Salary and Flexible Benefits
Location
Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, SK11 9DL, UK
Expires
30th June 2024

Reference: RAM/01
Reports To: RAM & ILS System Engineer
Location: Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK
Submission of applications: Email to jobs@skatelescope.org
Organisation Background
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a global project to build the world’s largest radio observatory that will play a major role in answering key questions in modern astrophysics and cosmology. It will be one of a small number of cornerstone observatories around the world that will provide astrophysicists and cosmologists with a transformational view of the Universe. The SKA will be constructed in two distinct phases. Among major science goals for the first phase will be to study the history and role of neutral Hydrogen in the Universe from the dark ages to the present-day, and to employ pulsars as probes of fundamental physics. This will be accomplished by the construction of two telescopes, one in South Africa and the other in Western Australia, each with distinct technologies.
The SKA Organisation was incorporated as a UK company in December 2011 to coordinate global design activities in the ‘Pre-Construction’ Phase of the project. Ten governments are now participating in the project, with others engaged in discussions concerning possible membership. Negotiations are currently underway between the governments of SKA member countries with the aim of establishing the SKA Organisation as an Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO) governed by a Convention. It is expected that these negotiations will be concluded in 2024 and the IGO will be set up soon afterwards. It is envisaged that most, if not all, staff working at the SKA Organisation will transfer to the new IGO. The SKA Organisation is permanently headquartered at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, UK.
The Role
The RAM & Logistics Engineer will contribute to the overall System Engineering effort, and will provide direction and influence the activities leading to the creation of the Maintenance and Support Plan for the SKA Telescopes. The appointee will work with the element and consortium engineers to ensure coherency at system level. The appointee will determine, plan, and perform RAM and Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) at telescope level. The appointee will participate in the development of a LSA database and a Simulation Model. The appointee will also participate in the development of a Data Module Requirement List (DMRL) and a Common Source Database (CSDB) at the observatory level.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • University degree in Engineering, Physics or other closely related and relevant field.
  • A broad technical knowledge of the system engineering of high technology systems, such as large observatories, space systems, telecommunications networks, nuclear power plants, military projects etc.
  • Good English oral and written communication skills.
  • Industry experience, and/or a track record in successful collaborative links with industry.
  • Willingness to represent the SKA Office in international and other forums, ability to work closely with regional SKA management staff from a variety of cultures, and willingness to travel to SKA consortium locations and centres.
  • Membership of, or eligibility for, membership of, recognised national or international system engineering institutes.

The following competencies are desirable:

  • Familiarity with Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM), Logistics Support Analysis (LSA), Support Simulation Modelling and Technical Publications requirements such as; MIL-STD-1388-2B, Def Stan 00-60, ASD S1000D and IETM/IETP.
  • Experience of preparing Reliability, Availability, Maintainability Analyses, modelling and simulation of complex systems.
  • Experience of development, implementation and execution of integrated logistics processes in projects in high technology environments.
  • Knowledge of some critical technologies or major units within large RF systems, such as radio astronomy observatories or radars.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
Under the direction of the RAM & ILS System Engineer, the post holder will undertake the following:

  • Create and support a framework within which the top-level RAM analysis of the SKA Observatory is to be carried out. The appointee will also be responsible for the RAM analyses at system level including the use of techniques such as FMEAs, FTAs and Reliability Block Diagrams.
  • Consolidate the Element Logistics Engineering Reports into a Telescope maintenance plan for the MID and Low Telescopes.
  • Collect, consolidate and analyse data from Element level RAM activities in association with the Element Engineers, and create a Logistics Support Analysis Database at Telescope Level.
  • Provide support to develop a Telescope RAM and Support Simulation Model.
  • Provide support and guidance for Structured Documentation, in particular at the interface with the Element Consortia to develop a Data Module Requirements List (DMRL) and a Common Source Data Base (CSDB).
  • Participate in lower-level reviews, both from a general System Engineering perspective and from a RAM, Logistics Support and Maintenance standpoint.
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by your Line Manager.

For more information on the SKA project visit http://www.skatelescope.org. SKA Organisation offers a competitive salary, a generous company pension scheme, a relocation allowance (subject to qualifying criteria) and a flexible benefits package. The successful applicant’s workplace will be SKA Organisation’s headquarters at Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK
How to apply:
Please send a CV and covering letter to jobs@skatelescope.org, quoting reference RAM/01 and stating where you saw the job advertised.
Applications should include a summary of your experience, including evidence of your suitability for the role, details of your current remuneration and the names of at least three professional references.
Please note: your covering letter must contain, as a minimum, details of how you meet the mandatory criteria. Cover letters that do not address this will not be considered.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 30th June 2024.
Equal Opportunities Statement:
SKA Organisation is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. Our aim to is recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or nationality.
At all stages of the recruitment process and beyond, we strive to treat applicants and employees with a high standard of care, honesty and politeness.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Organisation 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. If you need equipment or adjustments to enable you to complete your application and/or attend an interview, then please let us know.