Master's Studentship: Space Engineering

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The CSIR invites applications for a Master's Studentship in Space Engineering, based in Pretoria, within the Defence and Security Cluster OSS. You will undertake original research, develop a proposal, and contribute to publications.

This is a hands-on research role in space technologies. Applicants must enroll for a Master's degree at a South African university, have a strong electronics/mechanics background, and skills in Python/MATLAB; modelling tools like STK/ANSYS are plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in electronics, computer, mechanical or mechatronic engineering.
• Register for a Master's qualification at a SA university.
• Strong background in Electronics and Mechanical Systems, System Engineering, and Space cybersecurity.
• Knowledge of Python and/or MATLAB; modelling/simulation tools.
• Experience in software development for experimentation and simulation.
• Good communication and peer-reviewed publication record advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare a research proposal approved by CSIR OSS and the university.
• Prepare literature overview of current state-of-the-art in the topic.
• Perform original research addressing identified problems.
• Publish peer-reviewed papers from the Master’s topic.
• Compile a Master’s thesis and defend successfully.
• Contribute to extra project activities up to 20% of total time.

Skills

Electronics

Mechanical Systems

System Engineering

Cybersecurity

Data Communication

Python

MATLAB

Machine Learning

STK

ANSYS

NX Siemens

Education

BE/BSc Eng

Master's registration

Tools

STK

ANSYS

NX Siemens

Job description

Master's Studentship: Space Engineering

About The Job

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, 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. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Master's Studentship: Space Engineering in the

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.

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Master's Studentship: Space Engineering in the Optronic Sensor System (OSS), within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for undertaking original research and development in Space Engineering with the Optronics Sensor System Impact Area. This position is based in Pretoria. For more information about the cluster, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/defence-and-security

Research Areas

• Electro Optics Payload for Disaster Management
• Electro-Optics Payload Image Processing
• Satellite Bus Design and Development
• Satellite Orbital Mechanics Design
• Space Modelling and Simulation
• Space Ground Station Technologies
• Emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies for Space Applications
• Thermal management of satellite buses and payloads
• Radiation shielding of satellite bus materials
• Space Data Management, Processing and Analysis

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR OSS and the university;
• Prepare a written literature overview of the current state-of-the-art relevant to the research topic;
• Perform original research to solve the open research problem(s) that the student identified in his/her proposal;
• Produce sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications based on the Master's research topic;
• Compile a Masters's thesis dissertation and defending the work successfully; and
• Contribute to extra project activities that may be outside the scope of the Master's research as per the needs of the research group. The amount of such work shall be limited to 20% of the total time.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in electronic/computer/mechanical/mechatronic engineering or a related/relevant field;
• Register for a Master's qualification within the South African university (to be agreed upon with the CSIR co-supervisor);
• Must have a strong background in Electronics and Mechanical Systems, System Engineering, Cybersecurity in Space Domain, Data Communication systems;
• Knowledge of machine learning and/or artificial intelligence application in space technologies;
• Working knowledge of related programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, (and others applicable);
• Must have knowledge of modelling and simulation software such as STK, ANSYS, NX Siemens (and others applicable);
• Must have experience in software development for experimentation and computer simulation with a hands-on approach;
• Good understanding of the scientific method: design of experiments, running experiments, critical analysis of results, and dissemination of knowledge;
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to interact efficiently with diverse teams of people; and
• A good peer-reviewed publication record will be advantageous.

Applicants Must Attach The Following Documents

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) including a description of the applicant's research interests, the problem statement, research statement or question(s), research objectives and expected outputs/outcomes/impact of the research;
• Certified copies of the applicant's latest academic results or transcript;
• Certified copies of tertiary qualifications;
• Curriculum vitae;
• If applicable, proof of registration from the university or a confirmation letter from the university supervisor that she/he is willing to be involved in the candidate supervision; and
• A recommendation letter would be advantageous;

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.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at [e-mail]

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.