Chief Data Systems (Re-advertisement)
The South African National Space Agency
2023-08-15 Pretoria
Job Ref #: CDS02
Industry: Information Technology
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation. SANSA has a mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities.
Job Description
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation.
SANSA has a mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology advances space engineering programmes and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organization can be found at
SANSA is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining employees who are passionate about the success of the national space industry.
SANSA thrives on our employees’ creativity, competencies, and expertise, and on their ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment.
Reporting to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will design, develop, and implement functional systems across all architects of SANSA’s Earth Observation (EO) Programme, supported through a high-performance computing environment, and data management system aligned with global standards for EO data that enable the storage, processing, discovery, dissemination, archiving and curation of satellite data and derived information products acquired and developed by SANSA.
The following opportunity exists in the Earth Observation Programme, to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies, and qualifications.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Design and implement SANSA EO’s system architecture. Design and implement an Earth observation Data Systems Strategy. Design and manage a high-performance EO Data Centre. Data management. Operationalization & performance of Data Systems. Risk management & compliance. Financial and Procurement Management. People management.
Job Requirements
The candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:
A Master’s degree in systems engineering, Computer Science, Computer Systems, or related qualification. 5 years as a senior systems engineer, software engineer, or similar experience. + 5 as head of technical systems team (management position).
They must have skills and knowledge of:
Knowledge of modern system design architectures (e.g., Containerization and Orchestration (Kubernetes). Management of hybrid data centre, managing a mixture of on-premises and cloud-based resources: Understanding of Computer Networks and Security. Hardware virtualization and clustering technologies. Storage systems – short-term and long-term storage systems (backup technologies). Systems hosting infrastructure and life cycle management. Applications and integration architectures. Knowledge of Cloud computing architectures and services (Storage and Compute) and preferably AWS. Experience leading a software development team. Preferably, having a solid software development background will be beneficial, using any modern programming language (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript). Experience with the SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) and modern ways of working, such as leading fast-paced teams by applying DevOps (XOps) and Agile Methodologies. Ability to lead a team of software developers and be hands-on when a situation requires – leading by example. MS Office Suite - Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook (Moderate).
Background verification, including criminal record, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, may form part of the selection process. By applying for these vacancies, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.
SANSA subscribes to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of SANSA and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups (African males and females, Coloured females, and People with disabilities).
Should you meet the above requirements, please upload your detailed CV, and apply on: Current Opportunities (mcidirecthire.com)
Communication will only be conducted with short-listed candidates. If applicants have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, regard your application as unsuccessful. SANSA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Closing Date: 29 August 2023.
For queries, please contact Mr. Selaelo Motalaota by email at or on 012 844 0502.
