At SKAO, we?re coordinating a global effort to deliver the largest science facility on the planet. The SKA will be a next-generation radio telescope 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 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, it will be one observatory, operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, SKAO will soon join only a handful of other science infrastructures in becoming an intergovernmental organisation.
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 SKA teams in Australia & South Africa and 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 decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us
The SKA Computing and Software team are looking for a talented Network Specialist/Architect to lead the network deployment of the SKA telescopes and work alongside other architects, project managers and system engineers to ensure the networks for the two SKA telescopes are fit for purpose, providing the quality needed for a system that will have to last, and be continually developed, for decades. The system will be based on designs submitted by worldwide-based design consortia which have recently completed a critical design review, but we anticipate that there will be continual evolution as the systems are delivered and the network COTS market evolves during telescope construction. The main functions of this role will be to:
Work with the stakeholders to continually refine the network requirements for the SKA telescopes to ensure they meet the system requirements in an appropriate and cost-effective manner.
Manage a small team of network engineers to ensure that the multi-terabit networks needed for these telescopes to operate are fit for purpose and meet existing and evolving requirements.
Develop the technical content of the network procurement packages once the designs have been agreed
Act as the SKA technical contact for network contracts once the successful supplier has been selected.
The successful applicant for this role shall:
Have significant experience in the design and architecture of large network systems.
Have experience in developing and managing network contracts in a complex, high value environment.
Have a good understanding of new and emerging network technologies and roadmaps.
Be able to demonstrate understanding and enthusiasm for working based on lean/agile principles.
Have excellent communication and influencing skills with distributed, highly specialised project teams and stakeholders, across international boundaries and time zones, involving a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
Be a flexible team player who is adaptable to change.
Have the ability to travel to SKA partner sites world-wide as necessary and when possible in the context of any international travel restrictions (travel for this sort of role has typically been for up to one week 4-6 times per year).
The ideal candidate would also:
Have knowledge and understanding of :
High Performance Computing environments.
Software defined networking systems.
Zero trust networking principles.
Have experience in managing a small team of technical staff.
Demonstrable interest in astronomy, with an understanding of the challenges of controlling telescopes like the SKA.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the core the SKA's agenda and we are 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, marital status, religion or nationality.
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.
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