Specialist Operations Systems

Listing reference: atns_000638
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 8 May 2025
Position summary
Industry: Aviation & Aerospace
Job category: Electronic Engineer
Location: Bedfordview
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
Applications are invited for the position of Specialist Operations Systems (Peromnes Grade 7) based at Head Office, Bruma. The successful applicant will be reporting to the Manager Technology Planning and Continuity. Purpose To ensure that ATNS ATM systems are effective for optimal delivery of ATC/cns/ATM services and to provide 3rd line support with disaster recovery, test and evaluation and simulator datasets, as well as technical services fault management where required
Job description

System design and planning - Review user requirements and provide specialist input; Translate user requirements into functional specification and detail technical design specifications; Recommend architecture deployment planning methodologies in support of the delivery of engineering projects; Participate in system architecture and technology forums; Support the total asset management framework and policy for specific system area of responsibility by ensuring compliance from asset inception to retirement; Provide input to RFP specifications and review; Participate in FAT/SAT; Serve as the ATNS corporate design authority on engineering for the system area of responsibility.

Management of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - Develop, implement and maintain critical operations systems standard operating procedures to be used; Approve all operational systems SOP related documents; Ensure that any amendments to operational processes and procedures are aligned with the SSS status; Ensure that there is proper version control of database and software configuration changes; Ensure that standard operating procedures reflect the latest configuration and procedures for current database versions.

Systems Performance and Quality Authority - Initiate and conduct research and compile documentation for proposed technology changes related to systems; Manage and maintain a proper version distribution process; Develop and manage critical  specialised system functions related to data-base files;       Provide specialised input in the development of changing operational procedures which have a major impact on improved service delivery, and provide guidance to the various pool managers in this regard; Identify, co-ordinate and implement projects to improve the ATNS cns/ATM concept; Provide 3rd line support for Disaster Recovery, Test and Evaluation and Simulator datasets, as well as technical services fault management where required; Obtain input from technical services required to analyse and make recommendations on all operational system escalated faults and potential problems in system performance; Continuously monitor and maintain operational processes, stay abreast with new concepts, and ensure that the operational processes and disaster recovery processes and procedures are aligned; Test and validate changes, including software releases, to the system specific data-base, prior to implementation; Develop and manage together with internal and external clients, electronic operational systems version control tracking for database and operational changes; Conduct tender evaluations on various systems that may have an impact on operational system(s); Plan, co-ordinate and evaluate all radar flight trials with Operations together with engineering; Plan, co-ordinate and implement, in whichever designated capacity, allocated regional ATM Projects; Provide specialised input in meetings with various aviation organisations on proposed ATM changes; Take ownership of quality and performance management of ATM systems and support project implementation; Take ownership of quality and performance monitoring of ATM infrastructure through the full system lifecycle; Monitor, investigate and research performance shortcomings in ATM systems, re-design and make recommendations with regard to improvements and/or maintenance activities; Prevent problems that have occurred in one area from occurring in another by proactively identifying the cause and undertaking preventive action in other areas; Actively communicate the details of significant problems which may occur elsewhere to all other users, nationally, of such software equipment in ATNS; Enhance client service by speedily reacting to all problems; Develop an innovative approach to determining solutions; Draft useful, informative and concise technical reports on systems and equipment as requested and proactively when the need arises; Become expert on the use of specialised test, monitoring, and remote control equipment as part of the overall support and maintenance programme;               Develop testing methods for the effective evaluation of system and equipment performance; Participate in site acceptance and commissioning tests of new CNS systems and equipment to ensure specified requirements are met.

 Capacity planning -Implement system capacity forecast models based on utilization trends; Ensure proper planning for capacity expansion projects as well as support the change control process.

System 3rd Line/Advanced Support Nationally and Internationally  - Analyse diagnostic information from  technicians and system engineers; Ensure and validate integrity of new scripts and procedures to be implemented by technicians as per change control policy; Provide guidance to technicians and support engineers on correct fault escalation and develop necessary training programs in areas of gaps; Assume technical and expert lead on proactive problem identification, problem analysis and solution recommendation; Visit other regions to ensure inter-regional co-ordination for the pursuance of successful conclusions;    Make decisions on planned change control request and provide expert advice on emergency changes; Provide recommendation on staffing levels and mentor new employees.

 Process optimization - Analyse current system functionality and establish gaps; Develop scripts necessary for efficiency improvement, process optimisation and automation such as preventative maintenance, etc.Research and recommend software tools necessary for process optimisation and efficiency in area of responsibility; Maintain a fault management system database in line with QMS procedures; Develop testing methods and scripts for the effective evaluation of system and equipment performance; Draft white papers and position papers on contributions in the area of responsibility; Participate in CNS/ATM forum’s such as ICAO, ITU-T reviewing specifications and agenda items; Represent ATNS at relevant conferences and provide specialist inputs; Participate in research projects in line with partnerships that have been established within technology R&D for the relevant area; Develop relationships within and between regions to enhance service delivery; Engage industry players for the determination of industry trends to enable technology evolution in the relevant area; Engage with industry players on system evolution; Provide input into technology forecasting and roadmap development in technology R&D; Research new solutions and provide expert specialist advice in technology solution alternatives; Recommend technology direction related to systems OS, database platforms, applications servers and integration technologies.

 General Administration - Liaise with Peers, Technical Support staff, ATC, SADC and other clients/stakeholders; Become proficient in the “O” level software support of all Communications, Navigation and Surveillance systems and relevant Equipment within ATNS; Develop an understanding of and become proficient in RCMMS systems for the effective evaluation of system and equipment performance; Become conversant with the ATNS Air Traffic Service ( ATS) and maintenance and support operations and regulations; Knowledge of all other applicable ATNS Centre and Shift requirements; Knowledge of all other FIR equipment environments; Keep up to date with changes in the maintenance environment.

Stakeholder Relations Management - Develop and maintain sound relationships with key stakeholders including service providers to support ongoing alignment and collaboration; Monitor SLAs with relevant departments to ensure business requirements are achieved and expectations managed; Manage and provide regular reports on SLA compliance and identify areas of inefficiency.

Governance, Compliance, Risk Management & Reporting - Participate in the development and implementation of relevant processes, procedures and standards to enable effective governance; Ensure compliance with SACAA and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices; Ensure compliance with the ATNS Quality Management System; Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, standards, and prescripts; Comply with the ATNS OH&S plan; Comply with station stores procedures; Comply with equipment LSP stores procedures; Identify risks and develop and implement effective mitigation; Generate formal and ad hoc reports as required.

 Financial Management - Track expenditure in line with business needs and priorities, and within set financial parameters; Ensure efficient utilisation of the approved budget; Manage the costs involved while maintaining quality of service; Compile and provide required reports on utilisation of the budget; Identify and prevent irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure; Provide the required supporting documents to enable effective auditing process.

Minimum requirements

Minimum Formal Qualifications: 

             B.Sc./B.Eng. in Engineering (Electrical/Electronics) or B-Degree in Computer Science/ Computer Studies/ Information Technology or related field

             ECSA Professional Registration as an Engineer will be an advantage

             Post-graduate qualification in Engineering or Technology Management will be an advantage

 Minimum Years of Experience: 

             At least 5 years’ experience in a high-technology electronic engineering environment with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the planning, specifying, acquiring, implementing, supporting and managing of CNS and ATM systems.

             Experience in a multi-rated ATC, procedural and radar environment, with an in-depth understanding of ATC/ATM processes and procedures

             Specialised knowledge of Research and Development, ATM/cns system architecture, administration and Configuration Control.

             Knowledge of current and future systems and the interaction between airborne aircraft systems and ATM support options/requirements/efficiency drivers

 If you have not been contacted within 3 weeks of the closing date of this advert, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

 ATNS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to achieve a diverse workforce broadly representative of our people. This position will be filled in line with the objectives of ATNS’ Employment Equity Plan and therefore candidates from designated groups as per the Employment Equity Act of 1998, are encouraged to apply.

    People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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