Jobs Available at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Key responsibilities:

• Interpret requirements and specifications;
• Design and develop embedded firmware for microcontrollers and IoT systems; 
• Build, test, and debug embedded systems prototypes; 
• Collaborate with the product design team to integrate electronics into hardware systems; 
• Provide circuit design and PCB development; 
• Perform bench testing using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and logic analysers; 
• Maintain software repositories and manage version control using Git; 
• Support technical training and assist participants or interns on embedded-related projects; 
• Prepare documentation and technical reports on all embedded system-related activities. 

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor degree in electronic engineering with at least three years' experience in firmware development;
• Experience working with microcontrollers, sensors, and communication protocols is required; 
• Web or Mobile Software development will be added advantage;
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar languages; 
• Solid understanding of electronics principles, power systems, and circuit protection; 
• Familiarity with PCB layout and schematic design; 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; 
• Strong attention to detail and document preparation.

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Key responsibilities:

• Develop cutting edge real-time software;
• Push the boundaries of current technology in processing throughput;
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team to design, develop, and implement breakthrough radar technologies in South Africa, set for successful deployment within the global defence market;
• Develop high-performance systems that challenge the limits of radar and system design;
• Engineer groundbreaking solutions at the heart of next-generation radar systems.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic or computer engineering with at least three years' experience in software engineering; OR
• A Master's degree in electronic or computer engineering with at least one  year experience;

Experience in the following is required:

• Digital Signal Processing;
• C++ (preferably, otherwise C or C#), and/ Python;
• Data structures, algorithms, concurrency, and code optimization;
• GIT Version Control and CI/CD tools;
• Linux development environments;
• Understanding of how networks work.

Experience in the following will be advantageous;

• Modern C++ standards and libraries;
• Object-oriented programming;
• GPGPU programming (CUDA);
• Control system development;
• Data acquisition;
• Radar, Communications or Electronic Warfare signal processing 
• UI/UX development (e.g. in Qt);
• Embedded systems;
• Production software environments;
• End-to-end lifecycle of software development.
• High ownership and autonomy across the end-to-end lifecycle of software development.
• Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and established code bases.
• South African citizenship and security clearance are required for this position

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Key responsibilities:

Under supervision, the Intern will be required to:

• Conduct textile testing and routing verification test accurately;
• Comply with Global Laboratory Quality Management System (ISO 17025:2017);
• Maintain Turn Around Time (TAT) within the agreed time frame:
• Reconcile the remaining tested samples and hard copies after testing and store as per the client¿s requirements;
• Carry out quality assurance measures, apply work and test procedures, considering all relevant standards SANS, ASTM, AATCC, EU, WW, etc;
• Ensure the lab has adequate resources to perform all aspects of work required:
• Ensure compliance with all corporate policy and procedures in the laboratory;
• Represent the inspectorate by appearance and ethical conduct.
• Take responsibility and custodianship of the laboratory;

Qualifications, skills, and experience:

• A National diploma in textile technology, textile science, or other related fields;
• A bachelor's degree will be advantageous;
• Must have a `hands-on approach with respect to equipment operation, and working in the laboratory and pilot facility;
• Basic knowledge of textile materials, fibres, and fabric construction.
• Must be Computer literate with the MS Office Package;       
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);

The following skills are required; 

• Self-motivated and a team player; 
• Analytical, methodical, innovative, and results-driven;
• Willingness to learn and work under pressure;
• Pro-active and focused;
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow precise testing protocols.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; 
• Ability to prioritise and have a good sense of urgency and accuracy

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Research areas: 

Electronic Warfare (EW) including

• Artificial Intelligence in EW
• Electronic Support
• Electronic Attack
• EW Modelling and Simulation
• EW Signal Processing
• And other EW related topics

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR 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 the Master's dissertation and defending the work successfully; and
• Contribute to extra project activities that may be outside the scope of the master 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 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).
• Knowledge of the following will be an advantage: MATLAB, Julia, Python and/or C++.
• Knowledge of the following will be an advantage: Antennas, Radio Frequency (RF) systems, Electromagnetic Theory and Propagation.
• Knowledge of electronic hardware and software implementation.
• Knowledge and exposure in software development for experimentation and prototyping.
• 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.

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Key responsibilities:

• Design and develop advanced signal processing algorithms that redefine what is possible in radar technology.
• Dive deep into system requirements, capabilities, and functionality, uncovering insights that drive groundbreaking solutions.
• Analyze mathematical systems, optimize their performance, and tackle fascinating system effects head-on.
• Conduct functional analyses and simulations of systems and subsystems, turning concepts into reality.
• Create prototypes using high-level languages like MATLAB, Python, Julia, or C++, turning concepts into tangible solutions.
• Transform algorithms into real-world applications, seamlessly integrating them into cutting-edge systems.
• Simulate, experiment with and analyze operational systems, unlocking their full potential by maximising performance.
• Experiment with deployable systems to validate and refine algorithms, ensuring they perform at their peak.
• Contribute to the design and specification of next-generation operational radar systems that will set new industry standards.
• Engage with internal and external clients as well as domain-defining stakeholders.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic/computer/mechatronic engineering or computer science;
• A postgraduate degree will be advantageous;
• Must have experience in Matlab, Python, Julia and/or C++;
• Must have knowledge of electronic hardware and software implementation;
• Technical report writing and presentation skills;

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Key responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of complex software systems and architectures;
• Design, implement, and optimise Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) driven solutions and pipelines;
• Drive technical decision-making for research and development platforms;
• Collaborate with researchers to translate research concepts into software;
• Oversee code quality, testing practices, and system performance;
• Integrate software with sensors, data sources, and external systems;
• Contribute to technical reporting and research outputs;
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption where appropriate.
• Proactively research technologies, developments, tool improvements and their processes as well as deployments to ensure increased productivity;
• Contribute to proposal development to secure funding for the research group;
• Lead the development of research publications;
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and students.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Honours degree in computer science/engineering, software engineering or related fields with at least five years' experience in software development focusing in artificial intelligence and machine learning;
• A Master's degree will be advantageous; 
• Solid understanding and practical experience in AI and/or machine learning;
• Significant professional experience in software engineering;
• Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g. Python, C++, Java);
• Proven experience designing and maintaining large or complex software systems;
• Experience with data processing, algorithm development, and model evaluation;
• Strong systems thinking and problem-solving ability;
• Experience working in research, experimental, or innovation-driven environments;
• Ability to lead technical workstreams and mentor less experienced staff;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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Key responsibilities:

• Support the design, development, integration, and testing of soldier systems and subsystems, including capabilities related to situational awareness, mobility, protection, firepower, survivability, and mitigation of emerging threats;
• Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements analysis, system architecture development, verification and validation, and configuration management;
• Contribute to the experimental development and prototyping of advanced soldier technologies and wearable systems;
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of field trials, user evaluations, and laboratory experiments related to soldier systems;
• Engage with key stakeholders, including military end-users, government agencies, and industry partners, to understand requirements, gather feedback, and support capability development;
• Manage technical tasks and small-scale projects, including scheduling, resource planning, risk assessment, and reporting;
• Prepare and contribute to technical documentation such as design reviews, progress reports, test plans, user manuals, and technical presentations;
• Support multidisciplinary collaboration with mechanical, electrical, software, and human factors engineers to ensure successful system integration;
• Stay informed of current and emerging technologies relevant to dismounted soldier operations and contribute to the assessment of their applicability.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National Diploma or NQF Level 6 equivalent qualification in mechanical/mechatronic engineering or military science domain with at least at least fifteen years' experience within the defence environment;
• A Bachelor's degree or higher will be advantageous;

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Key responsibilities:

• Conceptualise, guide and manage R&D projects within the water value-chain infrastructure.  Provide strategic direction to R&D activities, understand and analyse real world problems and user requirements, select from a range of proposed conceptual solutions, formulate key research questions and appropriate R&D approaches.
• Development of operations and maintenance plans for water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Develop Asset Care management documentation.
• Development of strategic water infrastructure planning documentation.
• Design of water distribution network, water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Undertake research in the development and application of hydraulic models for water distribution networks.
• Utilise standard software for design, assessment, optimization, re-engineering of water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Develop and design stormwater management systems and plans;
• Undertake field investigations, site inspections, surveys, and condition assessments to support project delivery and research activities.
• Design of roads and related infrastructure, which includes all aspects of the design process and costing.
• Manage project life cycle, technical resources, scheduling of activities to meet client expectations, balancing competing demands on scope, time, cost and quality.
• Develop proposals for different institutions in order to generate funding to pursue the strategic objectives of the CSIR.
• Engage with research programs and researchers to identify and grow opportunities to expand research endeavours and strengthen science at national and international level.
• Network with peers in the field expertise within and outside of the CSIR.
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships.
• Generate research papers, reports, reviews and summaries.
• Manage and ensure the development of self and interns through coaching, mentoring, work assignment, structured training and appropriate supervision in order to maximise human potential in line with the needs of the organisation and the national system of innovation.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Civil engineering with a minimum of ten years experience in the field of water engineering; 
• At least ten years' experience in design of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Experience in working with public sector clients (e.g., municipalities, water boards, government departments);
• Experience in developing and/or updating operations and maintenance plans for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Experience in water conservation and water demand management (non-revenue water programs) in the municipal space;
• Experience in water resources planning and design;
• Experience with road engineering and associated civil works. 
• Experience in construction project management for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Demonstrated ability to align municipal water infrastructure projects with regional strategic frameworks, including compliance with the National Water Act;
• Professional registration with ECSA; 
• Practical knowledge and application of hydraulic modelling is essential;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Excellent English communication, presentation and writing skills, including the publication of technical outputs;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Computer (MS software), programming and IT skills;
• Problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
• Ability to network and proactively establish and maintain links with internal and external stakeholders and clients as well as the research community;
• Must have a valid driver's licence.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

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Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the Research Centre;
• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines;
• 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 field's 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;
• 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 blockchain and DLT R&D projects, including managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists.
• Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to cryptocurrency analytics, on- and off-chain data, and related blockchain protocols.

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 computer science/engineering, information technology or related field with at least six years' experience in technologies domain research within a Research Development and Innovation environment, in blockchain, distributed ledger technologies, or cryptocurrency-related field.
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Proven track record in project management 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 Research Development and Innovation networks;
• An understanding of the research to market `innovation' value chain.