CSIR: Internship Programme 2025

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invites qualified individuals to apply for the Internship Programme 2025. Take advantage of this chance to kickstart your career! Apply now and make a difference in your future.

Position: Internship Programme (Internship: Electronics Engineer, Internship: Mechanical Engineer Internship: Mechatronics Engineer)

Location: Pretoria, Gauteng

Closing Date: 10 June 2025

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Apply today and pave the way for your success.

Internship: Electronics Engineer

Key responsibilities:

Under supervision, the Intern will be required to:

Support the design, development and testing of electronic systems used in research on explosive science, situational awareness technologies, and soldier protection.
Assist in documenting test procedures, compiling data and generating technical reports that contribute to project deliverables and client presentations.
Support the preparation and execution of field experiments within the Detonics, Ballistics, and Explosives Laboratory (DBEL), including data acquisition and analysis using high-speed cameras and sensors.
Assist in the setup, calibration, and operation of sensors, data acquisition systems, and ultra-high-speed cameras for recording explosive events, wheel vehicle mobility and other dynamic phenomena.
Aid in developing and testing electronic control systems for use in prototype equipment and operational technology demonstrations.
Contribute to computational tasks, including signal processing and analysis of data collected during experiments and field trials.
Collaborate on the integration of sensor networks and electronic subsystems within research projects focused on vehicle mobility, Improvised Explosive Devises (IED) protection, and crew survivability.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in electrical/electronic engineering.
Understanding of data acquisition systems and sensor technology.
Familiarity with Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design and microcontroller programming.
Foundational knowledge of circuit design, sensor technology, and electronic instrumentation.
Knowledge of high-speed data acquisition and signal processing.
Knowledge of data analysis software.
Knowledge of safety protocols in experimental and field test environments.
Be knowledgeable about safety while working in the laboratory.
Exposure to control systems, robotics, or related project work.
All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Internship: Mechanical Engineer

Key responsibilities:

Under supervision, the Intern will be required to:

Contribute to computational modelling tasks, including finite element analysis (FEA) and multibody dynamics, to simulate mechanical behaviour under various scenarios.
Contribute to literature review for the projects involved. Be able to use research tools available at CSIR and be able to write reports from literature and conduct experiments.
Help document technical findings, test results, and contribute to the creation of reports and presentations for stakeholders.
Assist in the design, prototyping, and testing of mechanical systems related to blast protection, vehicle mobility, and soldier safety enhancements.
Support the development and maintenance of testing setups, including high-speed data acquisition systems and mechanical test rigs for experiments involving explosive loads and impact analysis.
Participate in the preparation, execution, and analysis of field tests conducted at the Detonics, Ballistics, and Explosives Laboratory (DBEL), contributing to projects involving the evaluation of blast effects and vehicle survivability.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on rapid prototyping and development of custom solutions using advanced workshop tools and fabrication methods. Aid in developing and testing electronic control systems for use in prototype equipment and operational technology demonstrations.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering;
Knowledge of rapid prototyping techniques and workshop machinery;
Be knowledgeable able safety while working in the laboratory;
Understanding of data acquisition systems and sensor technology;
Understanding of mechanical system design and testing principles;
Familiarity with high-speed sensors and data acquisition systems;
Exposure to project work involving structural analysis, material behaviour, or dynamic system testing;
Background in vehicle dynamics or blast response modelling.

Internship: Mechatronics Engineer

Key responsibilities:

Under supervision, the Intern will be required to:

Contribute to literature review for the projects involved. Be able to use research tools available at CSIR and be able to write reports from literature and conduct experiments.
Contribute to computational modelling tasks, including multibody dynamic and finite element analysis, to simulate the effects of explosive events.
Present the work done to the team and contribute to research symposiums in related fields.
Assist in the design, development, and testing of prototype systems related to explosive science, vehicle mobility, and soldier safety.
Support the preparation and execution of field experiments within the Detonics, Ballistics, and Explosives Laboratory (DBEL), including data acquisition and analysis using high-speed cameras and sensors.
Document technical findings and assist in writing research reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in the development and evaluation of innovative protection technologies (technology demonstrators) for vehicles and personnel against explosive threats.
Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams on projects involving systems integration and automation, sensor deployment, and situational awareness technologies.
Be involved in health and safety roles in our impact area.
Be familiar with safety documents used in the lab. Be able to obtain or generate these documents.
Be able to manage troubleshoot faulty equipment.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering.
Understanding of data acquisition systems and sensor technology.
Be knowledgeable about safety while working in the laboratory.
Knowledge of data analysis software.
Knowledge in high-speed sensors and data acquisitions.
Basic knowledge of CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink).
Vehicle and laboratory Instrumentation.
Familiarity with prototype manufacturing and mechanical workshop tools.
Background in vehicle dynamics, vehicle blast test instrumentation or human response modelling will be advantageous.
Technical report writing.
Good English written and verbal communication.