Senior Aeronautical Engineer at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Aeronautical Engineer in the Aerospace Systems Impact Area within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will lead and execute advanced experimental aerodynamics initiatives, with a strong focus on wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) integration. The role includes design, analysis, and testing of aerospace systems such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), munitions, and aircraft. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to Research Group Leader: Aerospace Engineering.
• For more info about the cluster and impact area, please visit: https://www.csir.co.za/defence-and-security and https://www.csir.co.za/aeronautics-systems

Key responsibilities:

• Plan and execute wind tunnel test campaigns, including test design, sequencing, and client liaison;
• Perform aerodynamic data reduction, analysis, and reporting;
• Integrate CFD simulations with experimental data to enhance design insights;
• Lead research, development, and innovation in wind tunnel techniques and aeronautic systems;
• Manage multidisciplinary teams and project resources effectively;
• Support stakeholder engagement, including client consultations and industry representation;
• Contribute to the design and prototyping of aeronautic systems and subsystems;
• Ensure quality assurance and technical excellence in all testing and analysis activities.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor's degree (BEng/BSc) in aeronautical/mechanical engineering or related fields with at least five years' experience in aerospace and defence, with exposure in the following areas: 
• Experimental aerodynamics (wind tunnel testing);
• Aeronautical design;
• Modelling and simulation;
• Aerostructures;
• Aeroelasticity;
• CFD;
• A Master's or Doctoral degree and professional registration (PrEng) will be advantageous;
• Experience in the following is required:
• Experimental data interpretation;
• Mesh generation;
• CFD model validation;
• Programming and data analysis skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms;
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate across disciplines;
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and planning capabilities;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must be willing to travel, including internationally;
• Valid driver's license required.