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.

Graduate in Training (GIT): Aeronautical Engineering

About the job:

The CSIR has Graduate in Training opportunitiesin the Aeronautics Systems Impact Area within the Defence and Security cluster. The purpose of this GIT is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience through research and development of competitive technologies and innovative products under the guidance of researchers and engineers within cross-functional teams. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to Research Group Leader: Aerospace Engineering.

Key responsibilities:

• Participate and contribute in unmanned aircraft design;
• Build and test technology demonstrator aircraft;
• Design Aero-structures;
• Perform analysis of aircrafts;
• Develop and apply simulation models;
• Implement programming solutions in Python, C++ and MATLAB.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/mechanical engineering;
• Good academic performance and a passion for aviation (demonstrated by various means) will be major advantages;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Good communication, presentation and writing skills, including the publication of technical outputs;
• Problem-solving and solution-seeking orientation;
• Must have competencies in analytical thinking; conceptual thinking, customer service orientation, initiative, networking and liaison; numerical reasoning; planning and organising; process engineering -and system competence and teamwork;
• Must be willing to travel to clients and industry manufacturing sites;
• Must be a South African citizen and eligible for security clearance.

What’s in it for you?

The CSIR offers:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• 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.

How to apply

Click here to apply for CSIR Aeronautical Engineering Graduate Internships 2025