Graduate in Training: Mechatronic Engineer at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Graduate in Training in the Aerospace Systems Impact Area within the Defence and Security cluster.  
• The purpose of this GIT program is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience under the guidance of experienced researchers and engineers within cross-functional teams. 
• This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

Wind Tunnel Plant Electrical System Management and Maintenance:

• Assist in electromechanical upgrades, installations, and system enhancements to improve performance in wind tunnel facilities;
• Assist in Wind Tunnel Plant Energy Management under Supervision;
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electromechanical faults, including motors, control systems, and wiring;
• Assist with programming of Siemens and Allen Bradley PLCs;
• Design and install PFC (power factor correction);
• Assist in the installation, testing, and commissioning of instrumentation/sensor-based electrical systems and data acquisition systems.

Project Management and Upgrades:

• Support electrical, mechanical and electromechanical system projects for wind tunnel plant infrastructure, ensuring timelines and safety standards are met;
• Assist in upgrades, installations, and system enhancements to improve performance.

Automation and Control Systems:

• Assist with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs);
• Assist in the design and integration of industrial automation and control systems;
• Design and program PCBs.

Team Support and Development:

• Collaborate with engineers and maintenance teams to improve operational efficiency;
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and assist in generating technical reports.
• Provide technical support, design and implementation in all areas.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering/Science degree in mechatronic engineering;
• Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for drafting electrical and mechanical schematics;
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, PLC programming, and industrial automation;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) for reporting and data analysis;
• Good academic performance;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Problem-solving and solution-seeking orientation;
• Excellent English communication, presentation and writing skills;
• Competencies: Analytical thinking; conceptual thinking, customer service orientation, initiative, networking and liaison; numerical reasoning; planning and organising; process engineering -and system competence and teamwork;
• Must be a South African citizen and eligible for security clearance.