The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invites South African graduates and eligible final-year students to apply for the Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Internship Programme 2026.
Internship Application Closing Date: 27 September 2026
Internship Location: CSIR Scientia, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Job ID: 315184
About the CSIR Internship
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a scientific and technology research organisation that conducts research, develops, localises and diffuses technologies aimed at contributing to South Africa’s socio-economic development and industrial growth.
The CSIR Photonics Centre, Laser Enabled Manufacturing (LEM) group is looking for a motivated Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Intern to join its team within the Future Production: Manufacturing Cluster.
The successful candidate will provide technical support to senior scientists, engineers and technologists while participating in research, development and innovation activities.
The internship provides exposure to areas including additive manufacturing, engineering design, material properties, prototype development, computational modelling, testing and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The position reports to the Research Group Leader: Laser Enabled Manufacturing.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have one of the following qualifications:
- BSc;
- BEng;
- BTech; or
- Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Mechatronics or an equivalent field.
Applicants must have a degree in one of the stated fields.
Final-year students may also apply, provided that they successfully complete the required degree before the internship commences.
Applicants should also have at least 12 months of experience in an engineering environment. According to the vacancy, this may include experience obtained through basic university laboratories or industry-based experience.
Applicants with international qualifications must provide an evaluation report or certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Key Responsibilities
The successful intern will provide technical and research support across different engineering and research activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Contributing to literature reviews for relevant projects;
- Using research tools available at the CSIR;
- Writing reports based on literature and experimental work;
- Conducting experiments;
- Presenting completed work to the research team;
- Contributing to research symposiums in relevant fields;
- Assisting with the design, development and testing of prototype systems;
- Supporting work relating to explosive science, vehicle mobility and soldier safety;
- Contributing to computational modelling activities;
- Conducting or supporting multibody dynamic and finite element analysis;
- Documenting technical findings;
- Assisting with research reports and presentations;
- Supporting field experiments within the Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives Laboratory;
- Assisting with data acquisition and analysis using high-speed cameras and sensors;
- Participating in the development and evaluation of protection technologies;
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams;
- Supporting systems integration and automation activities;
- Assisting with sensor deployment and situational-awareness technologies;
- Participating in health and safety activities;
- Following laboratory safety requirements and documentation; and
- Managing and troubleshooting faulty equipment.
Areas of Exposure
The internship provides an opportunity to gain exposure to advanced research and engineering environments.
The advertised position includes exposure to areas such as:
- Additive manufacturing;
- Laser Enabled Manufacturing;
- Mechanical and mechatronics engineering;
- Metallurgy;
- Prototype design and development;
- Computational modelling;
- Finite element analysis;
- Engineering testing;
- Automation;
- Sensors;
- Systems integration;
- Laboratory research; and
- Research and development.
Documents Required
Applicants must attach the following documents to their applications:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Certified copy of the latest academic results or academic transcript;
- Certified copies of tertiary qualifications; and
- Where applicable, proof of university registration or a confirmation letter from the university.
Applicants should make sure that all required documents are included before submitting the application.
What Does the CSIR Offer?
According to the internship advertisement, successful candidates will receive:
- Learning and development opportunities;
- An opportunity to work alongside scientists, engineers and technologists; and
- Exposure to state-of-the-art technologies.
The internship provides graduates with an opportunity to develop practical engineering and research experience within a scientific and technological research environment.
How to Apply for CSIR Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Internship 2026
Applications must be submitted through the CSIR online recruitment portal.
Click here to apply for CSIR Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Internship 2026
When searching on the CSIR recruitment portal, applicants should use the following vacancy details:
Position: Internship: Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist
Job ID: 315184
Location: Scientia, Pretoria
For recruitment enquiries, applicants can contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre:
Telephone: 012 841 4774
Email: Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za
Closing Date
Applications for the CSIR Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Internship 2026 close on:
27 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date and ensure that all supporting documents have been attached.
The CSIR states that feedback will be provided to shortlisted candidates only.
Meta Description
Apply for the CSIR Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Internship 2026 in Pretoria. Graduates and eligible final-year students can apply. Closing date: 27 September 2026.
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