Current Vacancies at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Software Developer: Computer Vision in the Optronic Sensor Systems (OSS) impact area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will work within a team to research, develop, evaluate, optimise, and deploy computer vision applications or deep learning models. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Research, design, develop, evaluate, and deploy computer vision, algorithms and applications;
• Manipulate, analyse and enhance images and videos acquired from advanced real-world imaging systems;
• Develop software to implement and test image processing algorithms;
• Use programming languages with specialized libraries like OpenCV;
• Experiment design and execution of both laboratory and external field environments;
• Optimize algorithms and code for efficiency, especially for real-time applications;
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, books or conference proceedings;
• Mentor student researchers;
• Prepare documentation of algorithms, code, and experiments and project reports to disseminate information;
• Participate in the development and maintenance of software tools and libraries for image processing and computer vision applications;
• Keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in image processing, computer vision, machine learning, and related fields.

Qualifications, skills, and experience:

• An Honours degree in electronic/computer engineering, or computer science with two years’ experience in video image processing and computer vision;
• A Master’s degree will be advantageous;
• Experience with deep learning frameworks and tools such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, NumPy, SciPy libraries or MATLAB;
• Expertise in image processing libraries, computer vision, machine learning, and signal processing;
• Strong mathematical knowledge, including linear algebra and calculus, is crucial for developing complex image-processing algorithms;
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in image processing, such as Python, C/C++;
• Familiarity with writing optimised code for GPUs, CPUs and heterogeneous processors;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team;
• Ability to present research findings to technical and non-technical audiences;
• Problem-solving and solution-seeking orientation;
• Excellent communication, presentation and report writing skills, including the publication of research outputs (journals and conference papers.).

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Explosives Technologist in the Landward Sciences impact area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The purpose of this role is to support multi-disciplinary research and technological innovation in explosives testing at the CSIR Landward Sciences Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives Laboratory (DBEL) facility. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical support as an explosive supervising official for all explosives activities during the execution phase of tests/demos/demolition operations;
• Supervise and execute the casting of explosive as per project requirement and provide continuous optimisation of the casting process to improve delivery time and quality of explosive charges;
• Support investigations of explosives incidents and/or near misses as per Department Of Employment and Labour and the CSIR Corrective Action request requirements support Explosives Manager in the management of explosives activities;
• Ensure timeous completion of tasks in support of R&D activities;
• Provide technical assistant in energetic chemical laboratory experiments, tests and data analysis;
• Ensure that all regulations set out in OHS Act of 1993 explosives regulations are adhered to within the Landward Sciences DBEL  facility;
• Perform operations maintenance functions and explosives technical expertise on a variety of projects and themes in the field of detonics, ballistics and explosives;
• Maintain safety and good housekeeping standards to meet CSIR requirements/ policies and all the requirements of the OHS act, by ensuring all precautionary measures and practices are adhered to at all times;
• Follow documented procedures and methods independently as mandated by the explosives regulations, Occupational and Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and DBEL special rules;
• Validate accuracy of test experimental results independently;
• Assist the Explosives Manager with training CSIR staff around safety at Explosives test facility;
• Diagnose equipment, maintenance and or operational problems and propose an ideal solution to the facility management;
• Research and identify solutions or systems required by the customer;
• Write the evaluation and test procedures in accordance with clients requirements;
• Conduct the evaluations together with the customer and suppliers;
• Capture and process the test results and present the project outcome and recommendations to the client;
• Present progress on projects to stake holders on a monthly basis.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National diploma in explosives management  and/or diploma in engineering (mechanical) with a certificate in explosives management with at least three  years’ experience in the field of explosives and ammunition testing or firing environment;
• Certificates in ammunition and explosives engineering (SANDF) with explosives ordnance disposal will be advantageous;
• Knowledge of composition and characteristics of military munitions and commercial explosives;
• Knowledge of the South African National Defence Force/South African Police Services processes, approaches and philosophies;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the explosives regulations set out in OHS Act of 1993;
• Familiar with standard quality processes such as ISO9000 and ISO 17025;
• Ability to write documents i.e. reports, test instructions, user requirements etc;
• Must be computer literate;
• A valid security clearance fit for the environment;
• Valid driver license and other requirements of company's driving policy required when driving company vehicle or using personal vehicle on company business;
• South African citizenship is required, must have or be able to obtain a valid security clearance, and must not hold dual citizenship;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 29 October 2023

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Software Engineer: Modelling and Simulation in the Optronic Sensor Systems (OSS) Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to develop simulation software for advanced optical scenario engagement simulation, and modelling of imaging, mechanical, electronic, radiometry and physical systems. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop simulation software tools which can include elements of simulation architecture, model development, user interfaces, data management, and 3D visualisation;
• Model imaging, mechanical, electronic, radiometry, and physical systems;
• Verify models through laboratory test and measurement experimentation;
• Develop and implement models on the optronic sensor simulator;
• Develop image processing, machine learning and system-based algorithms and software.
• Solve complex radiometric problems using modelling and simulation tools;
• Interact with internal clients to determine requirements;
• Compile reports and documentation on applications and models;
• Ensure that the software configuration system is up to date;
• Develop training material and tools;
• Implement systems engineering and systems thinking practices;
• Develop stand-alone applications that can solve specific client requirements;
• Design, execute, analyse and report on simulation studies for specific client requirements;
• Communicate with relevant stakeholders (PMs, line management, senior management);

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering in electronics/computer engineering or a Bachelor of Science Honours in computer science or physics, with at least two years’ engineering or programming experience;
• A Master’s degree in engineering or science will be an advantage;

Experience in the following is essential:

• Mathematical Languages (ex, Python),
• Modelling Environments (ex, Simulink),
• Programming Languages (ex C++, C#),
• Version control (ex. SVN, git)
• Hardware and software interfacing,
• Development of signal/image processing algorithms,
• Development of Graphical User Interfaces,
• Statistical and Mathematical analysis of systems,
• Mathematical analysis of systems,
• Optimization algorithms and implementation of algorithms.

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

Closing date: 01 November 2023