Explosives Technologist at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Explosives Technologist in the Landward Sciences impact area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The purpose of this role is to support multi-disciplinary research and technological innovation in explosives testing at the CSIR Landward Sciences Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives Laboratory (DBEL) facility. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical support as an explosive supervising official for all explosives activities during the execution phase of tests/demos/demolition operations;
• Supervise and execute the casting of explosive as per project requirement and provide continuous optimisation of the casting process to improve delivery time and quality of explosive charges;
• Support investigations of explosives incidents and/or near misses as per Department Of Employment and Labour and the CSIR Corrective Action request requirements support Explosives Manager in the management of explosives activities;
• Ensure timeous completion of tasks in support of R&D activities;
• Provide technical assistant in energetic chemical laboratory experiments, tests and data analysis;
• Ensure that all regulations set out in OHS Act of 1993 explosives regulations are adhered to within the Landward Sciences DBEL  facility;
• Perform operations maintenance functions and explosives technical expertise on a variety of projects and themes in the field of detonics, ballistics and explosives;
• Maintain safety and good housekeeping standards to meet CSIR requirements/ policies and all the requirements of the OHS act, by ensuring all precautionary measures and practices are adhered to at all times;
• Follow documented procedures and methods independently as mandated by the explosives regulations, Occupational and Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and DBEL special rules;
• Validate accuracy of test experimental results independently;
• Assist the Explosives Manager with training CSIR staff around safety at Explosives test facility;
• Diagnose equipment, maintenance and or operational problems and propose an ideal solution to the facility management;
• Research and identify solutions or systems required by the customer;
• Write the evaluation and test procedures in accordance with clients requirements;
• Conduct the evaluations together with the customer and suppliers;
• Capture and process the test results and present the project outcome and recommendations to the client;
• Present progress on projects to stake holders on a monthly basis.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National diploma in explosives management  and/or diploma in engineering (mechanical) with a certificate in explosives management with at least three  years’ experience in the field of explosives and ammunition testing or firing environment;
• Certificates in ammunition and explosives engineering (SANDF) with explosives ordnance disposal will be advantageous;
• Knowledge of composition and characteristics of military munitions and commercial explosives;
• Knowledge of the South African National Defence Force/South African Police Services processes, approaches and philosophies;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the explosives regulations set out in OHS Act of 1993;
• Familiar with standard quality processes such as ISO9000 and ISO 17025;
• Ability to write documents i.e. reports, test instructions, user requirements etc;
• Must be computer literate;
• A valid security clearance fit for the environment;
• Valid driver license and other requirements of company's driving policy required when driving company vehicle or using personal vehicle on company business;
• South African citizenship is required, must have or be able to obtain a valid security clearance, and must not hold dual citizenship;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 29 October 2023