Research Group Leader at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader in the Aerospace Systems Impact Area, within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group, including establishing new capabilities and technologies, people management, business development, packaging new aerospace solutions, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Impact Area Manager.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, grow and supervise a team of engineers in the development of systems, products and processes for the Department of Defence and the Aerospace and Defence market;
• Sustain current capabilities within the Research Group including but not limited to unmanned aerial systems, turbomachinery, weapons integration, aero-elasticity, flight simulation, scenario modelling and simulation, computational fluid dynamics and aerodynamics;
• Nurture, acquire and/or develop capabilities to:
  • Perform modelling and analysis of concepts of operations, doctrine, tactics, system and sub-system architecture;
  • Build world-class capabilities by leveraging systems engineering methods, tools, processes, techniques, training etc.
  • Conceptualise, package, cost, manage and deliver a portfolio of technology development projects;
  • Establish new product development process technology (processes, procedures, policies and standards)
• Elicit, agree and communicate requirements at user, product and sub-system level;
• Lead systems integration activities on projects so that subsystems work together seamlessly to meet product requirements;
• Develop and maintain validation and verification strategy;
• Ensure system level risks are understood, managed and communicated effectively;
• Own and co-ordinate multi-domain physics simulation to speed development time
• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the impact area;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, , IP and commercialization);
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI;
• Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering;
• Ensure SET outputs are achieved;
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational approvals;
• Network with peers in the fields of expertise within and outside the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
• Ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;
• In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio: 
  • Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment;
  • Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an “investment ready business” through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/aeronautical/mechatronics engineering or related fields with at least five years’ experience in a technology, engineering or RDI environment at a management level,
• A Doctoral degree in mechanical/aeronautical/mechatronics engineering will be advantageous;
• Must understand architecture definition and requirements analysis;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Working approach that actively pursues building relations across and between functions;
• Inquisitive mind and interest in the underlying principles behind systems engineering;
• Must be able to:
  • Provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
  • Work independently as well as in teams;
  • Operate effectively on ambiguous early stage product development projects;
  • Persuade and influence across disciplines and functions within the organisation at all levels;
  • Effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts either verbally or in writing tailoring communication to suit different level particularly senior management;
  • Challenge conventions, change direction and redefine process to ensure delivery of value to the client;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Project Management skills.
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.

What’s in it for you?

The CSIR offers:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• 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.

SA Citizenship is necessary, as a Security Clearance is required for this position.

Deadline: 3rd August, 2025