Electronic​/Mechatronic Engineer: Wind Tunnel Facilities

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

The CSIR has a vacancy for an Electronic/Mechatronic Engineer in the Aerospace Systems Impact Area within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to provide electronic and mechatronic engineering maintenance, development, support, and management services to the Aerospace Engineering and Wind Tunnel (WT) Facilities Groups. This spans from high-level engineering architecture down to low-level hardware and software upgrade development and testing.

This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader:
Aerospace Engineering.

For more info about the cluster and impact area, please visit:  and

• 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.

• 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 electric systems, PLC programming, and industrial automation;
• Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, Solid Works) 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 organising, and the ability to work independently on complex technical tasks;
• Must be a South African citizen eligible for a Confidential security clearance.

• 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.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history.

The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.