Master's Studentship: Space Engineering at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Master's Studentship: Space Engineering in the Optronic Sensor System (OSS), within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for undertaking original research and development in Space Engineering with the Optronics Sensor System Impact Area. This position is based in Pretoria.

Research areas: 

• Electro Optics Payload for Disaster Management
• Electro-Optics Payload Image Processing
• Satellite Bus Design and Development
• Satellite Orbital Mechanics Design
• Space Modelling and Simulation
• Space Ground Station Technologies
• Emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies for Space Applications
• Thermal management of satellite buses and payloads 
• Radiation shielding of satellite bus materials
• Space Data Management, Processing and Analysis

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR OSS and the university;
• Prepare a written literature overview of the current state-of-the-art relevant to the research topic;
• Perform original research to solve the open research problem(s) that the student identified in his/her proposal;
• Produce sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications based on the Master's research topic;
• Compile a Masters's thesis dissertation and defending the work successfully; and
• Contribute to extra project activities that may be outside the scope of the Master's research as per the needs of the research group. The amount of such work shall be limited to 20% of the total time.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in electronic/computer/mechanical/mechatronic engineering or a related/relevant field;
• Register for a Master's qualification within the South African university (to be agreed upon with the CSIR co-supervisor);
• Must have a strong background in Electronics and Mechanical Systems, System Engineering, Cybersecurity in Space Domain, Data Communication systems;
• Knowledge of machine learning and/or artificial intelligence application in space technologies;
• Working knowledge of related programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, (and others applicable);
• Must have knowledge of modelling and simulation software such as STK, ANSYS, NX Siemens (and others applicable);
• Must have experience in software development for experimentation and computer simulation with a hands-on approach;
• Good understanding of the scientific method: design of experiments, running experiments, critical analysis of results, and dissemination of knowledge;
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to interact efficiently with diverse teams of people; and
• A good peer-reviewed publication record will be advantageous.

Applicants must attach the following documents:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) including a description of the applicant's research interests, the problem statement, research statement or question(s), research objectives and expected outputs/outcomes/impact of the research;
• Certified copies of the applicant's latest academic results or transcript;
• Certified copies of tertiary qualifications;
• Curriculum vitae;
• If applicable, proof of registration from the university or a confirmation letter from the university supervisor that she/he is willing to be involved in the candidate supervision; and
• A recommendation letter would be advantageous;

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

Closing date: 7 September 2026