Job Description

The incumbent is expected to lead a cross-disciplinary development team working on nano-satellite subsystems and complete missions in the vibrant research and innovation environment of the Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC). The Centre, hosted by the French South African Institute of Technology, is a flagship research and innovation entity within the CPUT Space Science and Technology Focus Area. The purpose of ASIC is to transition technologies resulting from basic and applied research conducted in the postgraduate programmes into industry-ready product prototypes within an 'agile aerospace' environment. ASIC develops nano-satellite missions and technology. The incumbent will coordinate all activities of the assembly, integration and testing (AIT) team and interface with key cross-functional groups and stakeholders (internal and external).
Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in electrical or mechanical or mechatronics Engineering.
• A minimum of 2 to 4 years relevant experience in the satellite industry, especially nanosatellites.
• Proven subsystem level experience in electronic communications systems (especially RF communications technologies).

Recommendations:

• Proven systems level experience in the small satellite industry.

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

• Systems engineering of nano-satellite missions.
• Assist during assembly, integration and testing of satellites.
• Interpret customer or user requirements to create product specifications.
• Coordinate all activities within the engineering discipline stream of projects.
• Manage projects so that they are delivered within budget and schedule.
• Quality management: ensure product compliance with functional, manufacturing and qualification testing specifications and guidelines and maintain supporting documentation.
• Maintain detailed records of assembly, integration, and testing activities.
• Maintain a good diplomatic relationship with commercial partners and customers.
• Technical advisor to student's research and internship projects.
• Engage and interface with internal and external stakeholders in terms of product support, user requirements, and defining product specifications.
• Maintain ethical, professional and safety codes.

Competencies

• Systems and subsystems level engineering experience with a demonstrable competency in satellite concepts, mechanical integration and assembly of subsystems recommended.
• Well developed, detail oriented organisational skills.
• Project and financial management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with management to set and achieve goals based on priorities of development projects and support of internal and external customers.
• The ability to manage several simultaneous projects is a requirement.
• Very good English language proficiency

General Information
Closing Date: 11 January 2026
Enquiries: Ms Yandiswa Vuwani @vuwaniy@cput.ac.za
NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW APPLICANTS TO UPLOAD CVs. IT IS
THUS IMPORTANT THAT APPLICANTS COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS COMPREHENSIVELY AS
FAILURE TO DO SO MIGHT DISADVANTAGE YOU. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR APPLICATION ON THE
SYSTEM WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION AS THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CRITERIA USED FOR
EVALUATION OF YOUR APPLICATION BY OUR PANEL.
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.

Skills Required