Jobs at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job: 

The CSIR has a vacancy for Assistant: Business Support (Durban Regional Office) in the Facilities Management and Security Services Unit. The incumbent will assist the Site Support Manager to provide a reliable, professional business support service to the site. The Business Support Assistant will assist by providing an effective and efficient service that covers Registry, Document Production; Meeting/Board Room Management, Waste Management, Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Support, Cleaning, Fleet Custodian and Messenger/Driver support. This position is based in the Durban Regional Office.

This position reports to the Manager: Site Support

Key responsibilities:

Registry / Mail Services

• Handle incoming and outgoing mail (e.g., Sort incoming mail from post office, prepare
• Outgoing mail, frank correct postage and pack parcels).
• Record mail in appropriate files for charging other departments and update records.
• Maintain records of materials filed or removed from registry.
• Administer and safe handling of registered mail.
• Administer franking postage machine.
• Package and distribution of parcels to various destinations.
• Create new records as required or add new materials to existing records.
• Retrieval of records on time in response to requests from authorised users.
• Control access to archived materials or records.
• Maintain registry consumables.
• Prepare monthly Registry / mail services report.

Document Production and Print Support

• Assist various departments with document production of reports e.g. photocopying & binding
• Troubleshoot basic technical problems, e.g. printer jams, system crashes, and take corrective action.
• Timeously log calls to report problems with the printers and fax machines.
• Interact with customers to understand their customer needs.
• Ensure availability of sufficient inventory of toners and papers to ensure continuous service.
• Ensure safe and environmentally friendly disposal of empty cartridges through registered service provider and obtain safe disposal certificates / waste manifests.
• Compile monthly report and prepare charges on document production statistics.

Boardroom support

• Set up and test equipment daily according to client requirements and adhere to set standards.
• Coordinate and monitor bookings for VC sessions by conducting weekly checks with other CSIR sites.
• Provide technical assistance by liaising with ICT Services in Pretoria.
• Assist external clients with Boardroom / videoconference bookings and set up.
• Ensure continuous improvement of facility.
• Maintain meeting/board room/s equipment.
• Put out tables and chairs for meetings & workshops.

Fleet Custodian

• Ensure designated / assigned vehicles are managed efficiently.
• Carry out vehicle inspections on designated vehicles to ensure cleanliness.
• Arrange for washing of vehicles as and when needed.
• As directed by the Site Support Manager (SSM), be responsible for the maintenance of designated vehicles and inform SSM when repair / services need to be carried out.
• Report faults/ damages to the Site Support Manager to arrange repairs.
• Take care of all essential vehicle auxiliary documents such as petrol card etc.
• Prepare monthly fleet report.
• Capture monthly vehicle usage entries into PeopleSoft Carlog system for cost recovery. 

Waste Management

• Ensure all waste is managed and disposed of safely.
• Identify opportunities to reduce and recycle waste on site.
• Report any unhealthy / foul smells resulting from waste to the Site Support Manager.
• Gather data on waste for reporting purposes.
• Perform weekly campus housekeeping inspections and action accordingly.
• Prepare monthly waste report.

EHS / Security

• Perform duties as SHE Representative for Facilities Management.
• Report unsafe acts and conditions to the Site Support Manager.
• Attend monthly SHE Meetings.
• Issue and control security access cards and ensure users are billed accordingly.
• Ensure security logs are maintained by security.
• Ensure all security related equipment is operational and where required calls are logged

Messenger/Driver Support

• Collect, pickup, deliver and distribute mail, documents and other materials as required.
• Ensure proper control over documents and effective record keeping.
• Collect invoices to ensure that finance process payment on time.
• Handle packages and documents with care especially those marked fragile.
• Drive staff or delegates of the CSIR to appointments from/ to various locations and functions during working days and after hours when necessary.
• Adhere to the rules of the road to minimise accidents, traffic fine and uphold the CSIR image.
• Ensure safety of road users by being alert and taking safety precautions to avoid accidents (harm, fatalities, legal actions, costs etc.).
• Project a positive image for the CSIR both internally and externally when on duty by maintaining professional conduct.
• Accurate Logging of trips.
• Receive monthly trip authorisation to collect statements as per request from Finance to reconcile financial books.
• Ensure that the delivery is done in a timely manner.
• Adhere to privacy.
• Maintain communication with destination and point of departure.
• Prepare monthly driving support report.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

Grade 12

• Managing registry service
• Document Production and Printing
• Boardroom support
• Fleet Management
• Waste Management
• SHE / Security
• Messenger/Driver Support
• Driver's licence
• Knowledge and competence in providing business support services covering Registry, Document Production; Boardroom / Seminar Room Management, Waste Management, Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Support, Cleaning, Fleet Management and Messenger/Driver Support.
• Familiar with Occupational Health and Safety Act as it relates to SHE Representative duties
• Basic IT skills to support Boardroom support in terms of VC
• Basic word-processing skills as it relates to Excel
• Good organisational skills
• Attention to detail
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in Facilities Support Services, with a solid track record in the following areas:

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• 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.                                                             

Closing date: 11 September 2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a General Assistant in the Facilities Management & Security Services. The incumbent will perform semi-skilled multiple repair and maintenance tasks, which include, but not limited to: electrical work; carpentry work; plumbing; painting; flooring; Air conditioning, removals and general facility repairs and housekeeping. To assist the supervisor, artisans, technicians and handyman in carrying out planned and breakdown maintenance, refurbishments and new installations. To carry out preventative and corrective maintenance tasks on buildings, systems and equipment and ancillary areas. This position is based in Stellenbosch.
• This position reports to Building Maintenance Supervisor.

Key responsibilities:

• Assist Artisans and Handyman in carrying out planned maintenance and repairs to CSIR buildings plant and equipment.
• Perform minor electrical works to include but not limited to the following: replacing light bulbs and tubes and preventative maintenance inspections.
• Perform electrical tasks under the supervision of the Artisan, such tasks to include but not limited to the following: Installation and replacement of light fittings; installation/replacement of electrical plugs; electrical wiring.
• Perform minor air conditioning works to include but not limited to the following: preventative maintenance inspections and cleaning of filters; cleaning air conditioner outside units.
• Perform air-conditioning and refrigeration tasks under the supervision of the Artisan, such tasks to include but not limited to the following: Installation and replacement of air conditioners; re-gassing, general repairs.
• Perform general building maintenance works to include but not limited to the following: painting; flooring; furniture; blinds; mounting white boards and pictures; doors, door systems and locks; cleaning roofs; and preventative maintenance inspections.
• Perform general facilities duties to include but not limited to the following: general housekeeping in all areas of work; cleaning of vehicles used by the section; attend to personnel visiting the site such as contractors.
• Carry out other general duties within the section and assist clients with minor requests as may be assigned by the Supervisor from time to time.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Matric
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a technical / maintenance environment
• 5 years of hands-on maintenance experience will be an advantage
• Code 8 driver's License with medical clearance certificate
• Good knowledge of maintenance and facilities management
• Knowledge and experienced in EHS and statutory compliance in workshop environment.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).  

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• 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.                                                                            

Closing date: 5 September 2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Engineer:  Localised Cloud Platform in the Centre for High-Performance Computing (CHPC) area, within the National Integrated Cyber Infrastructure System (NICIS), hosted by the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to provide technical and strategic leadership for the design, development, operation, and evolution of the Localised Cloud Platform (LCP) and associated cloud services. This position is based in Rosebank, Cape Town and will report to the Research Centre Manager.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic, technical and operational leadership for the CSIR's Localised Cloud Platform and associated cloud services;
• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of cloud engineers, technologists, researchers and technical specialists;
• Define and maintain the technology strategy, architecture, roadmap and operating model for the Localised Cloud Platform;
• Guide the design, development, deployment and operation of cloud platforms based on open-source technologies including OpenStack, CEPH and related cloud-native technologies;
• Lead the evolution, growth and sustainability of the Sebowa cloud platform and the broader NICIS cloud ecosystem;
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to design and deploy sovereign, hybrid and on-premises cloud solutions that meet organisational and national requirements;
• Contribute technical leadership and expertise to national cloud, cyberinfrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives;
• Evaluate emerging cloud, storage, security, orchestration, automation and platform technologies and guide their adoption where appropriate;
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government departments, research institutions, universities, industry partners and open-source communities;
• Support the development of sovereign cloud capabilities and local cloud expertise within South Africa;
• Lead the development of technical proposals, business cases, project plans, reports, architectures and strategic recommendations;
• Contribute to business development, partnership development and funding initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of the Localised Cloud Platform;
• Ensure the reliability, security, resilience, scalability and operational maturity of cloud services delivered by the team;
• Contribute to research, innovation and technology development programmes related to cloud computing, digital infrastructure and sovereign cloud technologies;
• Participate in human capital development initiatives, including mentoring staff, supervising students, supporting training programmes and developing cloud skills within the broader scientific and public-sector communities.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Master's degree in computer science, computer/electronic engineering, information technology or a related fields with at least ten years' experience in cloud computing, distributed systems, cyberinfrastructure or related technology domains;
• A Doctoral degree will be advantageous;

Experience in the following is required:

• Leading complex technical teams, programmes, platforms or large-scale technology initiatives;
• Cloud infrastructure technologies and platforms;
• Designing, deploying and operating production-scale cloud services;
• Developing technology strategies, architectures and roadmaps;
• Engaging with senior stakeholders across government, academia and industry;
• Experience with research, innovation and technology development programmes will be advantageous;

Strong experience in the following will be advantageous: 

• OpenStack;
• CEPH;
• Linux systems administration;
• Infrastructure as Code;
• Ansible;
• Terraform;
• GitOps practices;
• Kubernetes and container platforms;
• Cloud networking and software-defined infrastructure;
• High-availability and disaster recovery architectures;
• Cloud security and identity management;
• Strong understanding of public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud and sovereign cloud architectures;
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and develop technical capability;
• Good reporting, presentation and technical writing skills;
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• 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. 

Closing date: 21 September 2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Master's Studentship: Space Engineering in the Optronic Sensor System (OSS), within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for undertaking original research and development in Space Engineering with the Optronics Sensor System Impact Area. This position is based in Pretoria.

Research areas: 

• Electro Optics Payload for Disaster Management
• Electro-Optics Payload Image Processing
• Satellite Bus Design and Development
• Satellite Orbital Mechanics Design
• Space Modelling and Simulation
• Space Ground Station Technologies
• Emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies for Space Applications
• Thermal management of satellite buses and payloads 
• Radiation shielding of satellite bus materials
• Space Data Management, Processing and Analysis

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR OSS and the university;
• Prepare a written literature overview of the current state-of-the-art relevant to the research topic;
• Perform original research to solve the open research problem(s) that the student identified in his/her proposal;
• Produce sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications based on the Master's research topic;
• Compile a Masters's thesis dissertation and defending the work successfully; and
• Contribute to extra project activities that may be outside the scope of the Master's research as per the needs of the research group. The amount of such work shall be limited to 20% of the total time.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in electronic/computer/mechanical/mechatronic engineering or a related/relevant field;
• Register for a Master's qualification within the South African university (to be agreed upon with the CSIR co-supervisor);
• Must have a strong background in Electronics and Mechanical Systems, System Engineering, Cybersecurity in Space Domain, Data Communication systems;
• Knowledge of machine learning and/or artificial intelligence application in space technologies;
• Working knowledge of related programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, (and others applicable);
• Must have knowledge of modelling and simulation software such as STK, ANSYS, NX Siemens (and others applicable);
• Must have experience in software development for experimentation and computer simulation with a hands-on approach;
• Good understanding of the scientific method: design of experiments, running experiments, critical analysis of results, and dissemination of knowledge;
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to interact efficiently with diverse teams of people; and
• A good peer-reviewed publication record will be advantageous.

Applicants must attach the following documents:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) including a description of the applicant's research interests, the problem statement, research statement or question(s), research objectives and expected outputs/outcomes/impact of the research;
• Certified copies of the applicant's latest academic results or transcript;
• Certified copies of tertiary qualifications;
• Curriculum vitae;
• If applicable, proof of registration from the university or a confirmation letter from the university supervisor that she/he is willing to be involved in the candidate supervision; and
• A recommendation letter would be advantageous;

What's in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• 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. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

Closing date: 7 September 2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Mechatronics Engineer in the Technology for Special Operations Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be required to design, develop, integrate, test, commission, and maintain bespoke engineering systems ranging from complex to highly complex in nature.
• The role requires an engineer who is comfortable working across multiple engineering disciplines and can apply innovative solutions to unique technical challenges throughout the system lifecycle. The position is based in Stellenbosch and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Perform research and development work in a multi-disciplinary team;
• Design, develop, and implement bespoke mechatronic systems and solutions to meet specific client and operational requirements;
• Participate in the full engineering lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, manufacture, integration, testing, commissioning, maintenance, upgrades, and obsolescence management;
• Integrate mechanical and electro-mechanical components with electrical, electronic and  instrumentation components to form reliable and maintainable systems;
• Develop system architectures, functional specifications, engineering calculations, and design documentation for complex and highly complex systems;
• Produce and review engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, interface specifications, and technical reports;
• Develop, configure, test, and optimise control systems;
• Perform system modelling, simulation, analysis, verification, and validation activities;
• Conduct troubleshooting, fault-finding, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation on operational systems;
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), harbour acceptance testing (HAT), sea acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, and in-service support activities;
• Provide engineering support for maintenance, repairs, upgrades, modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Generate design data packs and product documentation for their own designs;
• Liaise with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, technicians, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure successful project delivery;
• Prepare technical proposals, cost estimates, schedules, and project documentation where required;
• Ensure compliance with relevant engineering standards, quality requirements, safety regulations, and client specifications;
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and the development of engineering best practices within the organisation.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in mechatronic engineering with at least three years' mechatronic engineering experience; 
• Registration with ECSA as a Candidate Engineer will be advantageous;

Experience in the following is required:

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for mechanical design and documentation;
• Engineering analysis techniques;
• Interpreting requirements and specifications;
• Hands-on experience in the assembly, integration, commissioning, and testing of prototype and production systems;
• Troubleshooting and root cause analysis;
• Engineering design and CAD software;
• Generating design documentation, data packs and build history files.

Must be able to:

• Analyse, diagnose, and resolve complex technical problems in operational environments;
• Perform engineering calculations, modelling, testing, verification, and validation;
• Produce high-quality technical documentation, including design specifications, test procedures, verification reports, and technical reports.

Knowledge and/or experience in the following will be advantageous:

• Finite Element Analysis/Modelling (FEA/FEM);
• Proficiency in the use of electronic laboratory and test equipment for system integration, verification, troubleshooting, and validation;
• Knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, and electromechanical integration;
• Understanding of sensors, actuators, motors, drives, motion control systems, and industrial communication protocols;
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and engineering materials;
• Experience of the iterative, systematic process of solving technical problems, applying creativity, practical experience, mathematical analysis and accumulated disciplinary knowledge.
• Understanding the principles of pure mechanical and electronic systems within their respective domains, as well as the interactions and interfaces between them.
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Time management and organisational skills.
• Participation in procurement processes and the provision of engineering input throughout procurement activities
• Competence in technical documentation, reporting, and configuration management.
• Familiarity with reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle support considerations.

Additional requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen only - NO dual citizenship
• Able to obtain a valid South African security clearance
• Must have a valid (Code B or higher) driver's licence
• Fit to travel to client sites and execute physical fieldwork on structures (e.g. scaffolding), maritime platforms (e.g. high-speed boats) and confined spaces (e.g. ship compartments).

What's in it for you?

The CSIR offers:

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which include 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. 

Closing date: 13 September 2026