Research and Development Engineer: Computer Engineering / Computer Science at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research and Development Engineer: Computer Engineering / Computer Science in the Centre for Robotics and Future Production within the Manufacturing cluster. The Centre conducts RD&I related to the development of mechatronic systems, robotic platforms, and industrial software applications. The work includes robot software design and development, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm implementation, computer vision and/or machine learning approaches to software, cloud processing, software verification, testing and documentation. The position entails activities within the described environment and is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake software design and development for aspects within mechatronic systems, robotics, and software applications.
• Create and maintain technical documentation
• Generate and contribute towards science engineering & technology (SET) activity outputs e.g. reports, guidelines, system requirements, peer-reviewed publications, and technology & software packages
• Understand and interpret client requirements by contributing to user requirement analysis and/or well-articulated proposals
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment, resolving problems utilising technical or specialised expertise
• Remain current in field of expertise with respect to new approaches in tools, methods or technologies
• Participate in external task teams or committees in relevant domains
• Develop own career by developing a personal career plan

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science;  
• Experience in each of the following:
  • Programming using C/C++ or Python or JavaScript;
  • Object-orientated software engineering skills;
• Strong quantitative skills (mathematics/statistics/computer science)
• Demonstrated skills in: analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability, planning and organising, problem solving, verbal and written communication, team work, self-management (planning, prioritising and time management – includes the ability to work independently), systems level thinking, multi-disciplinary knowledge;
• An Honours or Master’s degree in engineering or computer science would be advantageous;
• Experience conducting RD&I related work, demonstrated ability to complete a project successfully and on time;
• Evidence of project management skills,
• Understanding of transforming/implementing software/algorithms for use in industrial systems;
• Experience in using the Linux operating system.