Company: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Cluster: Future Production: Manufacturing Cluster (CSIR Photonics Centre – Laser Enabled Manufacturing Group)
Industry: Scientific & Industrial Research, Advanced Manufacturing & Defense Technology
Location: Scientia Campus, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Work Arrangement: On-Site (Part-Time / Temporary Contract)
Posted Date: 23 September 2026
Closing Date: Sunday, 27 September 2026
About the CSIR & The Photonics Centre
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is South Africa’s premier scientific and technology research organization, dedicated to accelerating socio-economic prosperity through cutting-edge technology development, industrial support, and research innovation.
An exciting internship opportunity is available within the CSIR Photonics Centre’s Laser Enabled Manufacturing (LEM) Group located at the Scientia Campus in Pretoria. This internship provides hands-on technical exposure to additive manufacturing (AM), advanced laser-enabled processes, material property optimization, computational modeling, and protection technologies for vehicles and personnel against explosive threats within the Detonics, Ballistics, and Explosives Laboratory (DBEL).
Key Responsibilities & Research Workstreams
Under the direction of the Research Group Leader for Laser Enabled Manufacturing, the intern will support senior Scientists, Engineers, and Technologists (SET) across four primary operational areas:
1. Research, Literature Review & Prototyping
- Literature Reviews & Reporting: Conduct literature searches using CSIR research tools, write literature reports, and execute experimental procedures.
- Prototype Design & Testing: Assist in designing, developing, and testing prototype systems related to vehicle mobility, soldier safety, and explosive science.
2. Computational Modeling & Laboratory Experiments
- Dynamic Simulation: Contribute to finite element analysis (FEA) and multibody dynamic computational modeling tasks to simulate the effects of explosive events.
- Field Data Acquisition: Support the preparation and execution of field experiments at DBEL, acquiring data using high-speed cameras and advanced sensors.
3. Systems Integration & Technology Demonstrators
- Protection Technologies: Participate in evaluating innovative protection technologies (technology demonstrators) for vehicles and personnel.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate on cross-functional projects involving automation, sensor deployment, systems integration, and situational awareness technologies.
4. Laboratory Health, Safety & Maintenance
- Equipment Troubleshooting: Manage and troubleshoot faulty laboratory equipment to maintain optimal research operations.
- Safety Compliance: Generate, maintain, and adhere to laboratory health and safety protocols and safety documentation.
Candidate Profile & Entry Requirements
To qualify for consideration for this CSIR research internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualifications:
- BSc, BEng, BTech, or equivalent Degree in Metallurgical, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Final-year students may apply provided all degree requirements are fulfilled prior to the internship commencement.
- International qualifications require an official evaluation report/certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Experience Requirements:
- At least 12 months of practical experience in an engineering environment (includes university laboratory research, project work, or industrial experience).
- Key Technical & Personal Attributes:
- Basic familiarity with additive manufacturing, data acquisition sensors, or finite element analysis tools.
- Strong technical reporting, report-writing, and research presentation skills.
- High attention to laboratory safety and equipment troubleshooting capabilities.
- Mandatory Application Attachments:
- Certified copy of updated CV.
- Certified copy of latest academic transcript/results.
- Certified copy of tertiary qualification(s) (or university proof of registration/letter if in final year).
What the CSIR Offers
- World-Class Mentorship: Work alongside leading Scientists, Engineers, and Technologists (SET) in advanced laser manufacturing and detonics.
- Cutting-Edge Exposure: Direct practical training on state-of-the-art additive manufacturing, high-speed testing equipment, and computational modeling platforms.
- Career Growth: Structured learning and development within Africa’s top scientific research council.
Career Advice for CSIR Applicants
- Highlight Lab & Software Experience: Emphasize any university lab experience, CAD software, FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB), or Python/data tools on page 1 of your CV.
- Quote the Job ID: Ensure your application includes
Job ID: 315184. - Verify Documentation: Ensure all certified copies of transcripts and qualifications are attached before submitting, as incomplete applications are disqualified.
Sample CSIR Research Internship Interview Questions
Engineering Prototyping & Laboratory Safety
- Question (Computational Modeling): “How do you validate the results of a finite element analysis (FEA) model against real-world experimental data in a laboratory setting?”
- Question (Lab Safety): “How do you approach generating a Risk Assessment or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) before operating complex experimental machinery?”
How to Apply
Submit your application directly through the CSIR official career portal:
- Company: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Division: CSIR Photonics Centre (Laser Enabled Manufacturing)
- Position: Mechanical / Mechatronics Technologist Intern
- Job ID:
315184 - Location: Scientia, Pretoria, Gauteng
- Application Deadline: Sunday, 27 September 2026