Job Details

  • Reference number: ID 465
  • Type of engagement:
  • Posted: February 6th
  • Remuneration package: The 2023 annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R580 137 and R682 513.

Background to Position

CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER/ELECTRONICS WORKSHOP MANAGER

(Payclass 10)

Department of Chemical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons are invited for a vacant post. This is a permanent position. 

The incumbent must be a mature, energetic, driven and strongly disciplined individual who is able to deal with multiple, simultaneous demands in a high-pressure environment. They will oversee the management functions of the Electronics Workshop, will advises staff and students on the best approach to implement instrumentation systems, will be responsible for installing and advising staff and students with applicable software and IT matters and will develop novel systems related to the research activities within the Department. The incumbent must have excellent communication, inter-personal skills, and planning skills with good understanding of and experience in managing a multi-user workshop environment.

The purpose of the job is to manage the Chemical Engineering facility entitled the Electronics Workshop and its staff and their roles. This includes, but is not limited to, electronics, hardware, software support & development, and IT services not provided by ICTS. The job also entails supervision of assistants and requires supporting the department with any electrical installations.

The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) in Chemical Engineering is responsible for providing technical support to research groups in the field of electronics, electrical, IT and instrumentation. Design and construction of specialised instrumentation required by the research groups is undertaken. The CTO also manages the departmental software and websites, provides assistance with any departmental hardware requirements and maintains the departmental data center.

The CTO is the face and representative of the department and the Electronics Workshop and is therefore required to engage both staff and students requiring assistance in a friendly manner. The Electronics Workshop services Chemical Engineering department as a part of the department but is essentially run as an independent service provider and is thus important to provide needed services.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

  • Produce detailed reports and documentation of projects.
  • Liaise with research groups and other stakeholders on projects and other infrastructure related matters.
  • Generate funding by contract R&D, sale of instruments, etc.
  • Maintain electronics, electrical and IT practice & safety.
  • Management of mailing lists, departmental shared mailboxes, and departmental websites.
  • Respond to any electronics, electrical and IT needs in the department. 

Inherent Criteria

Requirements for the position:

  • National Diploma/BSc Degree in Electrical Engineering or closely aligned engineering discipline.
  • At least 5 years' relevant experience in a multi-user laboratory environment, preferably managing an electronic workshop and electronics projects and a demonstrated ability to manage the inputs & outputs of a workshop and prioritize tasks.
  • Proven ability to conceptualize, develop and implement instrumentation and control systems.
  • Familiarity with an electronic CAD system such as KiCad.
  • Experience with devices such as the Arduino, Raspberry Pi and micro-controllers.
  • General coding and programming experience (such as but not limited to web development, micro-controller programing, data management, etc.)
  • Ability to manage finances of workshop and departmental IT fund.
  • Maintains the departments data processing and visualization center. 

The following will be advantageous:

  • Preferably knowledge of UCT IT infrastructure · Experience with LabView or sufficient programming background to learn these skills.
  • Experience with 3D printing and prototyping. 

Application Requirement

To apply, please visit the UCT Internal Careers site (For Internal Applicants) and UCT Careers site (For external Applicants) to create a profile and submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A letter of motivation that speaks to the specific requirements and responsibilities listed above
  • Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.

To view and apply for this position, please visit the UCT Jobs site View (For Internal Applicants) and View (For external Applicants) to create a profile and to submit your application.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo an assessment and references may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process. 

Any inquiries for this position are to be addressed to Ms Abigail Dixon at recruitment03@uct.ac.za or 021 650 1673.

Closing Date:    14 February 2024             Website: www.ebe.uct.ac.za

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

About University of Cape Town

“UCT is a community of exceptionally talented students, teachers and researchers – and a wide range of professional, administrative support and service staff – all of whom are committed to help change this world for the better. We encourage one another to work hard, not only to earn degrees or public recognition, but also to be leaders in this increasingly changing world. Our vision is to be an inclusive, research-intensive African university that addresses the challenges of our time with cutting-edge teaching, research and facilities. As a university we are committed to promoting transformation, to working tirelessly to guarantee the sustainability of our institution, and to ensuring excellence in all we do.”