Careers at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for an Industrial Engineer in the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing impact area, within the Manufacturing cluster. The candidates will be responsible to optimise foundry and powder metallurgy production processes, improve efficiency, and ensure quality in the manufacturing of parts, components, and systems, while driving cost-effective solutions and continuous improvement initiatives. Implementation of 4IR technologies in operations. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Analyse and optimise casting, sintering, compaction, and finishing processes to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Conduct time studies and process simulations to develop standard work procedures and improve machine utilisation.
• Improve furnace efficiency, powder blending uniformity, and material handling for consistent product quality
• Optimise powder mixing, pressing, sintering, and secondary operations to enhance density and mechanical properties
• Reduce scrap rates and improve yield in compaction and sintering by controlling process variables
• Integrate robotics, automation, and IoT sensors for real-time process monitoring in foundry and powder metallurgy operations.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and equipment to enhance productivity and efficiency
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to reduce defects such as porosity, inclusions, and cracks
• Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent quality in metal powders and cast parts
• Reduce material waste by improving powder recovery, recycling processes, and metal utilisation
• Adhere to compliance with OSHA, EPA, and industry-specific safety regulations for foundry and powder metallurgy operations
• Enhance workplace safety by improving ventilation, dust control, and ergonomics in metalworking environments

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field;
• A master’s degree in industrial engineering will be advantageous;
• Five years’ experience in applied research environment or in a related industry;
• Solid experience in product development
• 3+ years of experience in foundry / powder metallurgy / metals processing related industries preferred;
• Solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and SPC Methodologies;
• Proficiency in CAD, simulation tools, ERP/MRP systems, and data analytics;
• Sound problem-solving, leadership, and project management skills

Closing date: 25 August 2025

go to method of application »

About the job:

• The CSIR is recruiting for the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) Programme Manager to co-ordinate and manage activities that are required for the rollout of projects and programmes that are linked to the industry/sector wide interventions under the Department of Trade and industry Competition’s (dtic) and Aerospace Programme (IDAP). The position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defence, linked to the AISI and the dtic.
• Align AISI activities with government strategic objectives, including dtic’s industrial policy, industry development strategies, and business plan.
• Manage the contracting of service providers to implement core activities identified in the AISI Business Plan.
• Lead the development and execution of the AISI Business Plan and strategic objectives, in collaboration with the dtic management and the Steering Committee (Steercom).
• Manage the daily strategic operations of the initiatives, encompassing business planning, performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Prepare and implement the initiative’s business plan, communication strategy, and other strategic documents as directed by the Steercom.
• Draft, table for approval, and periodically maintain the Steercom Terms of Reference.
• Prepare and manage budgets to support the unit’s work.
• Provide quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports on unit activities in alignment with the dtic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
• Organise, prepare, and support meetings and related work of the unit and Steercom.
• Liaise with relevant entities, programmes, and stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration, information sharing, and alignment of activities in support of the initiative’s objectives.
• Coordinate with government departments, industry associations, and organisations to ensure alignment of dtic’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing initiatives with national strategies.
• Organise symposia and workshops to advance the initiative’s objectives.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required by the Steercom.
• Support related activities of the dtic where relevant.
• Ensure the initiative delivers on its short, medium, and long-term strategic objectives and targets as defined by dtic.
• Manage the initiatives in accordance with CSIR policies, standards, procedures, and corporate governance.
• Ensure alignment with CSIR Hosted National Programmes (HNP) quality processes and prepare the AISI Operations Manual.
• Facilitate access to relevant CSIR facilities and experts for the South African aerospace industry.
• Align AISI and Centurion Aerospace Village (CAV) activities to support the Integrated dtic Aerospace Programme (IDAP).
• Draft the IDAP Business Plan and KPIs to align with dtic strategic objectives.
• Convene and chair the IDAP Operational Committee (OPCO).
• Implement and manage national flagship projects as identified by industry bodies and dtic.
• Align IDAP operations with the strategic direction provided by dtic and industry stakeholders.
• Host and manage the Industry Body Secretariat, including drafting its operations manual and overseeing interim operations.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with key international and local partners on behalf of the CSIR.
• Act as Key Account Manager for CSIR Aerospace, as defined by the Strategic Relationships portfolio.
• Keep relevant CSIR units informed of strategic industry developments.
• Convene and chair the quarterly CSIR Aerospace Forum.
• Manage multi-unit aerospace projects within CSIR.
• Strategically position CSIR and its aerospace offerings with industry, academia, and government.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with at least ten years project management experience in a multi-disciplinary business environment. A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• Adequate experience and knowledge in Management, Engineering, Project management, Contract management and other related fields of expertise
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams at a management level
• Adequate experience in Industry development, Supply and value chains Experience with Manufacturing and Engineering disciplines is essential
• Knowledge of relevant Government policies and instruments linked to socio-economic activities
• Self-disciplined
• Good interpersonal relationship and stakeholder liaison skills
• Good Financial management, budget and costing skills
• Leadership and people management skills
• Liaise with a diverse portfolio of people locally and internationally
• Capacity building
• Programme management skills
• Sound communication skills
• Strong knowledge and experience of Government funding systems and/or CSIR systems and processes
• Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)

Closing date: 29 August 2025

go to method of application »

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Artificial Intelligence Engineer in the Emerging Digital Technologies for Fourth Industrial Revolution (EDT4IR) Research Centre within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to design, develop and implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems architecture and solutions. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Research, develop and test innovative solutions in AI and remain well-versed in new approaches in tools, methods or technologies in the evolving AI space;
• Advance theoretical AI approaches to deployable solutions, i.e. implemented and deployed into large-scale production systems
• Develop technology demonstrators to contribute to an increase in new localised technologies
• Supervise/mentor junior staff in the area(s) of expertise;
• Generate and lead science engineering and technology (SET) activity outputs e.g. reports, guidelines, system requirements, peer-reviewed publications, and technology and software packages;
• Understand and interpret client requirements by contributing to user requirement analysis and/or well-articulated proposals;
• Participate in external task teams or committees in relevant domains;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Honour’s degree in computer science/engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, information technology or related fields with at least seven years’ experience in artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) and software development in artificial intelligence technologies;
• A Master’s degree will be advantageous;

Experience in the following is required:

• Applied machine-learning with regression, classification, etc. models for supervised learning;
• Computer vision tasks
• Natural language processing and understanding,
• Building multimodal models;
• Unstructured data;
• Big-data unsupervised learning;
• Data platform engineering;
• Demonstrated experience in bringing theoretical machine-learning approaches illustrated in academia research papers to actual implementations, i.e. implemented and deployed into large-scale production system certain advanced ML and applied ML algorithms;
• Cloud-based platforms: AWS, IBM Cloud, Azure;
• Proficiency and experience building AI models with a deep learning framework such as TensorFlow, Keras or Theano;
• Ability to select hardware (and relevant production/deployment knowledge) to run an ML model with the required latency;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
  • Ability to construct scopes and proposals for potential clients.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Exposure to Project Management;
  • Technical lead for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of transforming/implementing software/algorithms for use in real-life systems would be advantageous;
• Conflict management skills will be advantageous;
• Knowledge of programming in modern object orientated languages, with Open-Source development tools and platforms;
• Ability to apply resource management techniques to run an ML model with the required latency; 
• Ability to demonstrate Object-orientated software engineering skills;
• Strong quantitative skills (mathematics/statistics/computer science);
• Demonstrated ability to supervise/mentor/develop junior staff;
• Demonstrated skills in: analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability, investigative orientation, planning and organising, problem solving, verbal and written communication, team work, self-management (planning, prioritising and time management – includes the ability to work independently), systems level thinking, multi-disciplinary knowledge.

Closing date: 4th September 2025

go to method of application »

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.

Closing date: 2nd September 2025

go to method of application »

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for an Internal Auditor in the Internal Audit Services (IAS). The incumbent will will play a key role in evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management processes and compliance with policies, procedures and regulatory requirements. The Incumbent will further conduct independent audits, identify areas of improvement and provide recommendations to enhance organisational efficiency and mitigate risks. This position is based in Pretoria.
• This position reports to the Assistant Audit Manager.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct internal audits across various functional areas, including finance, operations, compliance, and information systems in accordance with established audit methodologies and professional standards;
• Develop an understanding of the audit approach, methodology and tools through planning and conducting preliminary investigations and preparing an Audit Planning Memorandum (APM) prior to undertaking each audit project;
• Develop an understanding of the client business and the areas audited through: 
• Researching and familiarization of applicable policies and procedures of the business;
• Obtaining data from other functions within the organization or externally (where necessary) while performing the audits;
• Interpreting the policies, procedure and processes and assess compliance thereof within the organisation;
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, processes and systems to identify controls weaknesses, inefficiencies and areas of potential risks;
• Perform detailed testing and analysis of financial information, operational activities and internal control processes to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, laws and regulations;
• Assist in the design and implementation of control activities, risk management practices, and governance processes to ensure alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements;
• Collaborate with process owners and management to develop and implement action plans to enhance internal controls, operational efficiency, and risk management practices;
• Stay updated with industry trends, emerging risks, and regulatory changes relevant to the organization, and ensure the audit approach remains current and aligned with best practices;
• Prepare comprehensive audit workpapers, documenting audit procedures performed, supporting evidence obtained, and conclusions reached;
• Review and provide guidance on the adequacy and effectiveness of control design and recommend enhancements to strengthen the control environment;
• Participate in the development and enhancement of audit programs, methodologies, and tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the internal audit function;
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive audit reports summarizing findings, recommendations, and action plans, and present them to management and submit to IAS management for review;
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions taken by management;
• Compile audit certificates and other ad hoc task from time to time as allocated by the IAS management;
• Foster a culture of ethics, compliance, and continuous improvement by providing training, guidance, and promoting best practices across the organization.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Technology or Bachelor’s Degree in Internal Audit or related field with at least three years’ relevant entry-level experience in internal audit, accounting, or a related field.
• Good Knowledge of internal auditing principles, techniques, and best practices.
• Familiarity with internal control frameworks (e.g. COSO) and risk management methodologies.
• Experience in conducting financial, operational, and compliance audits, including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
• Proficiency in evaluating risks, developing audit programs, and executing audit procedures.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and provide practical recommendations.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all audit-related activities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in using audit software, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel to various locations, as required.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 18th August 2025

go to method of application »

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Internal Auditor in the Internal Audit Services portfolio. The incumbent will play a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of our internal controls, risk management processes, and compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. The incumbent will further conduct complex audits, provide recommendations for improvement, and contribute to enhancing organizational efficiency and mitigating risks. This position is based in Pretoria.
• This position reports to Assistant Audit Manager.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and execute complex internal audit assignments, including financial, operational, and compliance audits, in accordance with professional standards and established audit methodologies
• Plan and conduct risk assessments to identify key areas of risk within the organization and develop appropriate audit programs to address identified risks.
• Plan and perform an audit with professional scepticisms recognising that circumstances may exist that cause potential risks.
• Develop an understanding of the audit approach, methodology and tools through planning and conducting preliminary surveys and preparing an Audit Planning Memorandum (APM) prior to undertaking each audit project.
• Develop an understanding of the client business and the areas audited through:
  • Researching and familiarization of applicable policies and procedures of the business
  • Obtaining data from other functions within the organization or externally (where necessary) while performing the audits
  • Interpret the policies, procedure and processes and assess compliance thereof within the organisation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls, processes, and systems, and assess compliance with policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, and to identify control weaknesses, inefficiencies, and areas of potential risk.
• Document papers in line with the IIA standards to assist in:
  • Preparing an evidence-based draft report, including conclusions drawn from the work undertaken and recommendations for improved control.
  • Providing a detailed audit trail of the work performed.
• Collaborate with process owners and management to develop and implement action plans to address identified issues, improve internal controls, and mitigate risks.
• Review and provide guidance on the adequacy and effectiveness of control design and recommend enhancements to strengthen the control environment.
• Stay updated with industry trends, emerging risks, and regulatory changes relevant to the organization, and ensure the audit approach remains current and aligned with best practices.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions taken by management.
• Execute already established audit programs for assigned projects within the required time frame through a team or individually, by interviewing clients, documenting systems, testing controls and preparing working papers to support findings.
• Prepare comprehensive audit reports summarizing findings, recommendations, and action plans, and present them to management and the audit committee when required.
• Compile audit certificates and other ad hoc task from time to time as allocated by the IAS management.
• Build effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization and provide advisory services on risk management, internal controls, and process improvements.
• Continuously assess and improve the internal audit function by recommending enhancements to audit methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Foster a culture of ethics, compliance, and continuous improvement by providing training, guidance, and promoting best practices across the organization.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Minimum qualification BCom/BTech/ Bachelor’s degree in Internal Auditing or related fields with at least five years of experience in Internal or external auditing.
• Honours qualification in Internal auditing or related will be advantageous.
• Member of IIA
• Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Control Self-Assessment (CCSA), Certified Risk Manager (CRMA), Chartered Accountant (CA) are highly desirable.
• Good Knowledge of internal auditing principles, techniques, and best practices.
• In depth understanding with internal control frameworks (e.g. COSO) and risk management methodologies.
• Experience in conducting financial, operational and compliance audits, including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
• Proficiency in evaluating risks, developing audit programs, and executing audit procedures.
• Good knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., PFMA, Treasury Regulations, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and provide practical recommendations.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels of the organisation.
• Detail oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all audit-related activities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in using audit software, data analysis, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel to various locations, as required.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 18th August 2025

go to method of application »

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader in the Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM) within Chemicals Cluster, Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences Division. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization Research Group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide RDI leadership by implementing the HySA group RDI strategy, which is responsive to Chemicals Cluster/CeNAM RDI strategy-relevant technology trends, impact, growth, investment, R&D, technology transfer, commercialisation, Obtaining funding, HCD and transformation;
• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy for the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization Group;
• Ensure a well-balanced impact capability- identify and develop specific (not general) impact/application domain knowledge;
• Ensure that HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization team is dynamic, remain abreast of S&T and industry trends, remaining innovative and competitive;
• Effective management of HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization research group staff;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting-edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering, to ensure integrated capability;
• Manage staff members’ performance in collaboration with CeNAM manager;
• 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;
• Manage strategic stakeholder relationship for the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization group to secure appropriate, integrated research and industry programmes;
• Implement and comply with appropriate management and systems requirements, including operational approvals;
• Apply appropriate processes and policies to ensure IP protection, technology transfer, impact and appropriate benefit from IP in collaboration with the Commercialisation Manager;
• Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment and package technologies for commercialisation or develop an investment-ready business through financial modelling, market assessment and business plan development, in collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialisation portfolio.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Doctorate degree in chemical engineering/chemistry with at least five years’ of experience in fields of hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilisation and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU)
• Professional registration will be advantageous;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professionals;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Proven experience in obtaining External public and private sector funding;
• Communication, presentation skills, research, and report writing skills;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Ability to convert industry/clients’ requirements to technical deliverables;
• Ability to understand complete integration of technology to produce a functional product;
• Problem solving, facilitation and interpersonal skills in a goal-oriented approach;
• Track record and/or ability to produce actual device such as sensor unit;
• Strong Project Management skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.

Closing date: 1st September 2025

go to method of application »

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader: SWRM in the Water Research Centre, within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria/Stellenbosch.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Lead researchers, implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the Research Centre;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines to support Water Resource Management;
• Ensure that the Research Group remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge solutions/technologies;
• 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 the client’ programmes including;
• Fulfilling a leadership role in the water resources management area and be responsible for securing research projects;
• 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, water resources assessments, hydrological modelling (surface & ground water) and catchment management, and decision-support systems that enable integrated water resource management;
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all SET 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 strategic stakeholder engagements;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;
• Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of Water Resource Management and Nature-based solutions projects, including managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists.
• Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to water quality management, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and waterborne pathogens monitoring, online water quality monitoring, catchment management plans, integrated water resources planning and management, master planning, hydrological assessment, water resources modelling, systems analysis, flood risk assessment, water demand analysis, hydraulics and spatial analysis.
• In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio:

• Drive the transfer of water technology and solutions 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 Doctoral/Masters or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Chemical Science, Microbiology or related natural science discipline associated with the Water Resource Management OR
• A BSc Eng/BEng in a relevant civil engineering discipline complimented by a relevant postgraduate qualification;
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or SACNASP Registration as a professional natural scientist or legible to register as a professional natural scientist immediately;
• At least six years’ experience within an RDI environment, ideally in any of the following water resources management, catchment management and water quality testing technology; nature-based solutions, hydrological modelling or related field;
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary team of professionals, mentor and manage people and have strong inter-personal and networking skills;
• Proven track record in successful project bidding process and research project leadership;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• 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.

Closing date: 29th August 2025

go to method of application »

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Hardware, Firmware and Embedded Software Electronic Engineer in the Technology for Special Operations Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The successful incumbent will be responsible for developing analogue and digital electronic hardware, and firmware and embedded software for digital hardware. The position is based in Stellenbosch and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

The successful candidate would be involved in the design, development, test, evaluation and qualification of electronic modules and sub-systems. This will include, amongst others, the following:

Interpretation of requirements and specifications

• Interpret user requirements and/or system level requirements.
• Generate detailed item development specifications.
• Develop test plans.

Digital and analogue design

• Participate in digital and analogue design.
• Develop code for microprocessor units (MCUs).
• Implement firmware designs on pure digital and mixed digital/analogue devices.
• Perform simulations to verify design functions both for electronic hardware and firmware designs.
• Capture schematic designs.
• Design printed circuit board (PCB) layouts.
• Develop code for programmable logic devices (field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs)) using very high-speed integrated circuit hardware description language (VHDL).

Debugging and verification

• Debug designs.
• Perform sub-system and system integration.
• Develop test procedures.
• Perform functional verification testing, qualification testing and acceptance testing.
• Complete test reports.

Generation of data pack, design documentation and build history

• Generate design documentation and data packs.
• Generate production data packs and build history files.

Project management

• Plan project execution (budget forecasting, task determination, resource allocation, execution timelines).
• Manage and monitor internal resources.
• Monitor and report risks, timelines and budget.
• Liaise with suppliers, clients and third parties.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering in electronic engineering with at least three years’ experience in firmware, digital hardware and mixed signal design;
• A Master’s degree will be advantageous;
• Must have experience in the following:
  • Design and set to work of digital and mixed signal PC Boards;
  • Debugging of hardware;
  • PCB design;
  • Embedded firmware development;.
• The following experience will be advantageous:
  • FPGA and/or CPLD development using either Vivado or Quartus environments.
  • VHDL development of complex circuits;
  • STM platform;
  • Altium.
• Proficient in the C programming language;
• Ability to understand or develop high speed digital/analogue hardware will be considered an advantage;
• Proven capability of document preparation;
• Must be comfortable working in Linux environments and navigating command-line interfaces.

Closing date: 26th August 2025

go to method of application »

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Senior Artificial Intelligence Engineer in the Emerging Digital Technologies for fourth Industrial Revolution (EDT4IR) Research Centre within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to design, develop and implement AI systems architecture and solutions. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop innovative solutions in AI and remain well-versed in new technologies in the evolving AI space;
• Design, develop and implement AI systems architecture and solutions;
• Supervise/mentor junior staff in the area(s) of expertise;
• Generate and contribute towards science engineering and technology (SET) activity outputs e.g., reports, guidelines, system requirements, peer-reviewed publications, and technology and software packages;
• Understand and interpret client requirements by contributing to user requirement analysis and/or well-articulated proposals;
• Remain current in field of expertise with respect to new approaches in tools, methods or technologies;
• Participate in external task teams or committees in relevant domains.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, information technology or related field with at least five years’ experience in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and software development in Artificial Intelligence Technologies;
• An Honours or Master’s degree will be advantageous;
• Experience in the following:
  • Applied machine-learning with regression, classification, etc. models for supervised learning;
  • Natural language processing and understanding, Large language models;
  • Building multimodal models;
  • Unstructured data;
  • Big-data unsupervised learning;
  • Data platform engineering;
  • Demonstrated experience in bringing theoretical machine-learning approaches illustrated in academia research papers to actual implementations, i.e. implemented and deployed into large-scale production system certain advanced ML and applied ML algorithms;
  • Cloud-based platforms: AWS, IBM Cloud, Azure;
  • Proficiency and experience building AI models with a deep learning framework such as TensorFlow, Keras or Theano;
  • Ability to select hardware to run an ML model with the required latency;
• Exposure to Project Management;
• Understanding of transforming/implementing software/algorithms for use in real-life systems would be advantageous;
• Knowledge of programming in modern object orientated languages, with Open-Source development tools and platforms;
• Ability to demonstrate Object-orientated software engineering skills;
• Strong quantitative skills (mathematics/statistics/computer science);
• Demonstrated ability to supervise/mentor/develop junior staff;
• Demonstrated skills in: analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability, investigative orientation, planning and organising, problem solving, verbal and written communication, teamwork, self-management (planning, prioritising and time management – includes the ability to work independently), systems level thinking, multi-disciplinary knowledge;

Closing date: 25th August 2025