Vacancies at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership to translate the User Needs and Innovation ideas into feasible and cost-effective Electro-Optics systems;
• Facilitate the elicitation of requirements and conduct in depth requirement analysis;
• Generate the System Requirement Specifications with attainable and measurable functional and performance requirements;
• Conduct EO system trade-off analysis to derive and generate design alternatives. 
• Design the system architectures for Electro-Optics payload and sensors for different applications;
• Generate the Verification and Validation plans for the new systems;
• Lead technical members in different projects and ensure there is effective technical knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer in these diverse team;
• Implement and ensure that the new system designs incorporate the Manufacturability, Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (MRAM);
• Lead the development of Payload System Performance Modelling tools to support the design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR);
• Develop systems technical work breakdown structures;
• Mentor and coach senior, junior, candidate researchers/engineers and pipeline within the team.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in mechatronics/electronics/computer/mechanical or optical engineering with at least ten years' engineering experience, of which five years should be in systems engineering;
• A Master;s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer, mechanical engineering is System Engineering/Project Management qualifications with experience in Defence and Space systems engineering life cycle process, using SE tools will be advantageous;
• Knowledge of systems engineering is fundamental to this position supported by strong systems thinking skills;
• Ability to facilitate and communicate both verbal and written across technical and non-technical audiences;
• Ability to lead and manage self, others and various project scopes;
• Must have strong technology development and product development for commercialisation;
• Must have good MS Office, Zimax Matlab skills;
• Must be a South African citizen eligible for a confidential security clearance.

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Key responsibilities:

• Assist in electrical upgrades, installations, and system enhancements; manage plant energy under supervision; and troubleshoot electrical faults including motors and control systems;
• Program Siemens and Allen Bradley PLCs; design and install power factor correction (PFC); and assist in the commissioning of sensor-based electrical and data acquisition systems;
• Support electrical system projects for wind tunnel infrastructure, ensuring adherence to timelines, safety standards, and budget requirements;
• Assist with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs/VFDs), industrial automation integration, and PCB design and programming;
• Conduct research and propose new software solutions and technical developments for Wind Tunnel Facilities; collaborate with academic institutions and international user groups;
• Provide hardware and software systems support and troubleshooting during active wind tunnel test campaigns;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and maintain accurate technical documentation and reports.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science degree (NQF8) in electronic/mechatronic/electrical engineering with at least three years' experience in the field of electronic/mechatronic engineering;
• Professional registration (ECSA) will be advantageous; 
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, PLC programming, and industrial automation;
• Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for drafting electrical schematics;
• Knowledge of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), systems engineering principles, and project management tools;
• Excellent communication, presentation, and technical writing skills;
• Competencies: Analytical and conceptual thinking, problem-solving, planning and organizing, and the ability to work independently on complex technical tasks;
• Must be a South African citizen eligible for a Confidential security clearance.

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Key responsibilities:

• Conceptualise innovative solutions within the logistics, freight transport, and supply chain management domains to fulfil project requirements.
• Propose, plan and implement Parliamentary Grant (PG) and other grant-funded projects to advance the science, engineering and technology (SET) outputs of the group. 
• Provide technical leadership in the development and harnessing of knowledge and technology to create industry responsive solutions in logistics and supply chain innovation.
• Productively work within a team that addresses current and future challenges related to national and regional logistics and supply chain performance.
• Plan and coordinate projects with the relevant team members and researchers to ensure projects are delivered on brief, budget and time.
• Develop deliverables to fulfil project requirements.
• Coach and mentor junior staff members.
• Develop the business. 

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A master's degree in industrial engineering, operations research, transport economy or logistics with at least four to five years relevant working experience.
• Registered professional scientist or engineer, or candidate working towards professional registration will be advantageous 
• Experience in modelling and simulation of complex systems is required.
• Recent peer-reviewed journal articles and/or peer-reviewed conference papers.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Ability to work in a methodical manner is essential.
• Excellent business management skills (budgeting, establishing networks, and excellent people skills).
• Excellent presentation skills (ability to present ideas, concepts, plan and procedures).
• Excellent people management skills (mentorship, coaching diversity and diversity management).
• Demonstrated track record of the ability to work accurately, independently and efficiently.
• Ability to deliver on-the-job requirements.

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Key responsibilities:

• In conjunction with the cluster leadership, contribute to cluster research, development and implementation (RDI) strategy.
• Provide and coordinate strategic leadership within the Impact Area.
• Develop, provide and motivate capacity to deliver on the clusters strategy.
• Integrate complete solutions aligned with the focus of the Impact Area.
• Develop and implement appropriate components of cluster research, development and innovation (RDI) strategy with specific sub-sectors and specific impacts.
• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting for the cluster and development of an RDI strategy for the Impact Area.
• Drive and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth and impact.
• Drive staff development through strategic Human Capital development initiatives to advance individuals through their research careers, to ensure alignment with industrial needs.
• Promote high quality science, engineering and technology (SET) expertise and develop appropriate SET capacity and profiles.
• In collaboration with business development and commercialisation portfolio: 
• Drive the transfer of technology and solutions to industry/user environments.
• Drive and implement the business development and commercialisation strategy.
• Package technologies for commercialization and/or develop and ¿investment ready business¿ through financial modelling, market assessment and business development.
• Industry applications ¿ support to SMME, products and prototypes developed, technologies localised and diffused, new patents granted, new licenses, new companies formed, industry standards and capable state (technology development, acquisition and use dimension), etc.
• Lead strategic stakeholder interaction, internal and external ¿ including international collaborations.
• Establish and service strategic alliances (institutional) according to RDI strategy.
• Drive the financial sustainability of the Impact Area and attract funding.
• Integrate sector knowledge in multidimensional research and development programmes in order to deliver industry aligned RDI, through deep understanding of the industry needs.
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, other grant-funded projects and programmes;
• Drive SET outputs and quality, which includes:
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure all output is achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business and governance systems, including operational approvals;

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Doctoral degree in materials sciences or engineering, or related fields (Metallurgical / Mechanical / Industrial Engineering expertise)
• At least 8 years post PhD experience in RDI / Manufacturing / Consulting
• At least 5 years working experience in senior management level;

Solid track record of:

• Engagement with target sector on strategic level and understanding of industry competitiveness drivers (product and manufacturing);
• Broad understanding of relevant technologies and their potential impact on competitiveness;
• SET capability building track record (HCD, R&D rigour and R&D infrastructure);
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

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Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical and strategic leadership to staff in the Pavement Design and Construction (PDC) research group by ensuring quality scientific outputs and the professional development and transformation of the group's scientific capacity;
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence in terms of both quality and delivery;
• Act as an ECSA or other statutory registration body mentor, supervisor, and referee for the SET team members;
• Lead innovation in road materials design and development;
• Lead research in the structural design of road pavements;
• As an expert in the field of PDC and associated research,  providing thought leadership to position the research group in this field;
• Proven contract and project management experience on medium sized projects, preferably involving multi-disciplinary research and development, both in South Africa and international and
• Effective Project Management.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A master's degree in civil engineering with at least ten years civil engineering experience specialisation in pavement design, with practical experience in road construction and geometric design.
• A PhD in civil engineering is preferable.
• Registered as Professional Engineer.
• A track record in publishing high quality peer-reviewed research papers and articles. 
• Research experience in Advanced Long Term Pavement Performance Testing. 
• A track record in attracting and securing funding to support a team and formulating strategies.
• Good understanding of the transport sector in South Africa.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Ability to continuously disseminate research outputs in the form of technical papers.
• Ability to innovate and generate new knowledge.
• Must have good communication, presentation and writing skills.
• Must have the ability to work accurately, efficiently and independently as well as in a team. 
• Must be computer literate as well as have the ability to understand and use domain specialised software.
• Ability to work in a methodical manner is essential.
• Ability to carry out strategic stakeholder interactions at all levels.
• Ability to effectively present ideas, concepts, plan and procedures.
• Demonstrated track record of the ability to work accurately, independently and efficiently.

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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.

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 Key responsibilities:

• Maintain calibration of measurement instruments and maintain the calibration schedule;
• Procure instrumentation, consumables and measurement instruments as required by testing projects and routine testing services;
• Develop test and measurement methods suitable to the RDI operational needs and customer testing requirements;
• Install, set-up and commission instrumentation and related equipment in the laboratory and at test facilities in the danger area as needed for testing;
• Undertake system checks, data recording, data integrity checks, fault finding and fixing during testing operations and do data post-processing after recording.
• Maintain instrumentation, cabling, transducers, data recording equipment and related tools and equipment incl. repair, clean and store ready for use.
• Support the Manager, Supervisor and Explosives Manager in ensuring that testing and training operations are carried out safely;
• Maintain and upgrade as required the instrumentation and control systems in the laboratory, milling plant and testing facilities in the danger area;
• Identify and communicate suggestions for continuous improvement.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National Diploma in electronic/ electrical/ mechanical engineering or NQF Level 6 qualification;
• At least five years experience in control and instrumentation, or in use and maintenance of instruments and equipment in a mechanical laboratory and / or mechanical field measurements and data recording;
• Knowledge of transducers for physical measurements (e.g. force, acceleration, pressure, temperature) and data acquisition equipment; 
• Knowledge and ability to do post-processing of recorded data including the identification and clean-up of spurious data.
• Basic understanding of occupational health and safety protocols and standards; 
• Ability to prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Planning and organizing skills;
• Strong mathematical skills;
• Mechanical, electrical, and electronic troubleshooting ability;

Operational requirements include:

• Lifting equipment operator;
• Drivers license.

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Key responsibilities:

• Prepare proposals on demand and provide inputs into proposals negotiations,
• Ensure compliance with all project initiation documentation;
• Prepare and ensure all project initiation documentation is of adequate quality and in place;
• Identify risks and plan risk mitigation response;
• Facilitate the scoping and planning of projects;
• Share accountability for the planning of, negotiating for and coordinating resources (human resources, financial, equipment, service providers, etc.) required for project execution;
• Create an appropriate project plan in collaboration with relevant expertise;
• Direct, manage and control project work;
• Perform integrated change control;
• Validate and control project scope;
• Control/manage schedule and costs,
• Report financial and HR performance of the project team to relevant line manager;
• Perform quality assurance and quality control;
• Manage communications to relevant stakeholders in accordance with communication plan;
• Communicate project status to all stakeholders
• Manage and mitigate risk and issues;
• Conduct and control of contracting and procurement;
• Balance constraints across and between projects;
• Administer close out of project in accordance with organisational processes;

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent (NQF level 7) with at least six years work experience in project management experience, three years of which would have been as a Project Manager;
• Experience on projects that were multi-disciplinary or multi-stakeholder; 
• A formal qualification or certification in Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP or a diploma) Is mandatory;
• Experience in working with project teams across organisational boundaries, under tight and dynamic deadlines;
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment with many uncertainties, being able to learn and adjust accordingly;
• Sound financial management and business development skills;
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills;
• Knowledge of computers as well as database, spreadsheet and word processing software;
• Excellent problem solving, planning and organisational skills;
• Ability to take responsibility and operate as a self-starter;
• Ability to work with diverse environments and cultures;
• Great presentation skills are a requirement for this position;
• Practical management of tasks and resource management.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026