Overview
Principal Systems Engineer: Electro-Optics Systems Design and Development Jobs in Pretoria, South Africa at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
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.
Principal Systems Engineer:
Electro-Optics Systems Design and Development About The Job
The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Systems Engineer in the Optronics Sensor Systems (OSS) within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will lead the technical design and development of Electro-Optics (EO) systems for surveillance in space, security and defence applications. The position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership to translate the User Needs and Innovation ideas into feasible and cost-effective Electro-Optics systems.
- Facilitate the elicitation of requirements and conduct in depth requirement analysis.
- Generate the System Requirement Specifications with attainable and measurable functional and performance requirements.
- Conduct EO system trade-off analysis to derive and generate design alternatives.
- Design the system architectures for Electro-Optics payload and sensors for different applications.
- Generate the Verification and Validation plans for the new systems.
- Lead technical members in different projects and ensure there is effective technical knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer in these diverse teams.
- Implement and ensure that the new system designs incorporate the Manufacturability, Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (MRAM).
- Lead the development of Payload System Performance Modelling tools to support the design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR).
- Develop systems technical work breakdown structures.
- Mentor and coach senior, junior, candidate researchers/engineers and pipeline within the team.
Qualifications, Skills And Experience
- A Bachelor of Engineering degree in mechatronics/electronics/computer/mechanical or optical engineering with at least ten years’ engineering experience, of which five years should be in systems engineering.
- A Master’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer, mechanical engineering or System Engineering/Project Management qualifications with experience in Defence and Space systems engineering life cycle process, using SE tools will be advantageous.
- Knowledge of systems engineering is fundamental to this position supported by strong systems thinking skills.
- Ability to facilitate and communicate both verbal and written across technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to lead and manage self, others and various project scopes.
- Must have strong technology development and product development for commercialisation.
- Must have good MS Office, Zimax Matlab skills.
- Must be a South African citizen eligible for a confidential security clearance.
What’s in it for you? The CSIR Offers
- 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.
For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on or email
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 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Title: Principal Systems Engineer: Electro-Optics Systems Design and Development
Company: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Category: