Mechatronics Engineer

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