Opto-Mechanical Engineer: Systems Development at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for an Opto-Mechanical Engineer: Systems Development in the Optronic Sensor Systems (OSS) Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for researching and developing opto-mechatronic systems and subsystems, providing input into the definition of fine mechanics and optics within the Surveillance Systems and Applications Research Group, and contributing towards leading-edge technology and research. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Design opto-mechatronic systems and subsystems, including engineering drawings, component sourcing, and configuration management;
• Generate system and subsystem concepts, planning, costing, and the generation of proposal inputs as required;
• Manage opto-mechatronic subsystem design and development;
• Analyse tolerance effects of assemblies;
• Design and implement precision motion systems;
• Perform general mechanical engineering design, construction, and integration;
• Conduct basic and advanced strength of materials analysis of components;
• Manufacture and source components;
• Assemble, integrate, and test the systems and subsystems.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in mechanical / mechatronics engineering with at least three years of experience in the following:

• Precision-mechanical design;
• Electro–mechanical design;
• Integration and analysis or a track record indicating the ability to contribute to precision mechanics;
• Machining workshop and manufacturing;
• Computer-aided design in SOLIDWORKS.   
• A Master’s degree in mechanical / Mechatronics engineering will be an advantage;
• Understanding of and the application of materials fundamentals, fine mechanics, optics opto-mechanics and electro-mechanics and high-quality standards;
• Knowledge and understanding of new techniques and new materials within the field of opto-mechanics and electro–mechanics;
• Able to conduct field testing and contribute towards physical involvement in projects;
• Understanding and application of project and task scope; risk assessment, cost estimation; timelines and demonstrated ability to plan activities;
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills; 
• Writing reports and documentation with Microsoft Office Tools.