Software Engineer: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

Total guaranteed salary packages (pays

Job summary

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invites applications for a Software Engineer: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning based in Pretoria to develop and maintain software for research and defence-related projects.

You will design AI/ML solutions, collaborate with researchers, and contribute to data pipelines, testing, and documentation, with opportunities for postgraduate study and career growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related field with at least two years' software development experience.
• Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated interest in AI and ML with practical exposure through projects or coursework.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, or Java.
• Understanding of software design principles and modern development practices.
• Experience with data processing, algorithms, and model development.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly and work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software applications, systems, and tools for research and development projects.
• Assist in designing, building, and improving AI/ML solutions and data pipelines.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to translate ideas into practical software.
• Integrate software with sensors, databases, and external systems.
• Write clean, reliable, and well-tested code meeting quality and performance standards.
• Support evaluation and adoption of new technologies and practices.
• Contribute to technical documentation, reports, and research outputs.
• Participate in prototyping and experimentation, staying current with AI/ML advances.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

AI/ML

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science / software engineering

Postgraduate qualification advantageous

Job description

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 Software Engineer: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 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.

Software Engineer: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Software Engineer ¿ Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Command, Control and Integrated Systems Impact Area within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and maintaining software applications, systems, and tools that support research and development architectures for command and control, situation awareness, integration, and interoperability in military, non-military, and safety and security domains. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

For more information about the impact area and cluster, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/command-and-control-systems and https://www.csir.co.za/defence-and-security, respectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software applications, systems, and tools that support research and development projects.
• Assist in designing, building, and improving AI and machine learning solutions and data pipelines.
• Collaborate with other researchers and engineers to translate research ideas into practical software solutions.
• Integrate software with sensors, databases, and external systems.
• Write clean, reliable, and well-tested code that meets quality and performance standards.
• Support the evaluation and adoption of new technologies, tools, and development practices.
• Contribute to technical documentation, reports, and research outputs.
• Participate in research and development activities, including prototyping and experimentation.
• Stay current with advances in software engineering, AI, and machine learning.
• Contribute to funding proposals and project-related technical submissions.
• Share knowledge and collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and project stakeholders.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related field with least two years¿ experience in software development.
• A Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated interest in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with practical exposure through projects, research, coursework, or industry experience.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java.
• Understanding of software design principles and modern development practices.
• Experience working with data processing, algorithms, and model development.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly and apply them effectively.
• Experience in working on research, innovation, or experimental projects will be beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

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.

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.