CSIR Mechanical. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is inviting applications for its Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Internship Programme 2026. The opportunity is aimed at South African graduates and eligible final-year students who want to gain practical experience in engineering, scientific research and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The internship is based at CSIR Scientia in Pretoria, Gauteng, and successful applicants will work alongside experienced scientists, engineers and technologists.
Application Closing Date: 27 September 2026
Job ID: 315184
Location: Scientia, Pretoria, Gauteng
CSIR Mechanical/Mechatronics Internship
The CSIR is a South African scientific and technology research organisation involved in research, technology development, localisation and the implementation of innovative solutions that support industrial and socio-economic development.
For this internship, the Photonics Centre’s Laser Enabled Manufacturing (LEM) group, within the Future Production: Manufacturing Cluster, is seeking a Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Intern.
The selected intern will support senior technical and research personnel while gaining practical exposure to research and development projects. The role combines engineering, experimentation, prototype development and advanced manufacturing.
The intern will report to the Research Group Leader: Laser Enabled Manufacturing.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates should hold a relevant qualification in one of the following areas:
- BSc
- BEng
- BTech
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- An equivalent engineering-related qualification
Applicants must have completed a qualification relevant to the position. Final-year students may also be considered, provided they complete their required qualification before the internship begins.
Candidates are expected to have at least 12 months of experience in an engineering environment. This experience can include practical exposure gained through university laboratory work or experience obtained in an industrial setting.
Applicants who obtained their qualifications outside South Africa may be required to provide an evaluation report or certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to a variety of technical, engineering and research activities. The position is designed to provide practical experience while supporting ongoing CSIR projects.
Some of the expected responsibilities include:
- Conducting literature research for assigned projects;
- Using appropriate research and engineering resources;
- Preparing technical reports based on research and experimental results;
- Performing laboratory and engineering experiments;
- Presenting research findings to team members;
- Contributing to relevant research conferences and symposiums;
- Helping design, develop and test prototype systems;
- Supporting research related to vehicle mobility, explosive science and soldier protection;
- Assisting with computational modelling;
- Supporting finite element and multibody dynamic analysis;
- Recording and documenting technical results;
- Assisting in the preparation of presentations and research reports;
- Supporting field-based experiments;
- Working with data acquisition equipment, sensors and high-speed cameras;
- Helping analyse experimental data;
- Supporting the development and assessment of protection technologies;
- Working with multidisciplinary research teams;
- Assisting with systems integration and automation;
- Supporting sensor installation and situational-awareness technologies;
- Participating in workplace health and safety activities;
- Maintaining laboratory documentation and following safety procedures; and
- Helping identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.
Research and Engineering Exposure
One of the key benefits of this internship is the opportunity to work in a technology-focused research environment.
Depending on project requirements, the intern may gain exposure to several areas, including:
Additive Manufacturing
The internship can provide practical exposure to modern additive manufacturing processes and their applications in engineering and product development.
Laser Enabled Manufacturing
Candidates will have an opportunity to learn about laser-based manufacturing technologies through the work of the LEM research group.
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
The role involves engineering principles related to mechanical systems, mechatronics, automation and prototype development.
Computational Modelling
Interns may participate in computational modelling activities used to understand and evaluate engineering systems.
Finite Element Analysis
The position may include exposure to finite element analysis and other engineering simulation techniques.
Prototype Development
The intern can assist with designing, building, testing and evaluating prototype systems.
Sensors and Automation
The position also provides exposure to sensors, data collection, automation and systems integration.
Research and Development
Working within the CSIR environment gives candidates practical exposure to scientific research, experimentation and technology development.
Documents Required for the Application
Candidates should prepare all required supporting documents before submitting their applications.
The vacancy requires applicants to provide:
- An updated CV;
- A certified copy of their latest academic results or academic transcript;
- Certified copies of relevant tertiary qualifications; and
- Proof of university registration or a confirmation letter where applicable.
Applicants should carefully check their application and ensure that the required documents have been attached before submitting it through the recruitment system.
What Can Interns Gain From This Opportunity?
The CSIR internship provides graduates and eligible students with an opportunity to develop practical skills in a professional scientific and engineering environment.
According to the advertised opportunity, successful candidates can benefit from:
- Learning and development opportunities;
- Practical exposure to research and engineering projects;
- Working with experienced scientists, engineers and technologists;
- Exposure to advanced and modern technologies; and
- Experience within a multidisciplinary research environment.
This type of experience can help candidates develop their technical, analytical, research, reporting and teamwork skills.
How to Apply for CSIR Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Internship 2026
Applications should be submitted through the CSIR online recruitment portal.
Applicants should search for the relevant vacancy using the following information:
Position: Internship: Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist
Job ID: 315184
Location: Scientia, Pretoria
Applicants should carefully review the vacancy requirements and upload all requested supporting documents before completing their application.
Official application portal:
CSIR Careers Application Portal
CSIR Recruitment Contact Details
Candidates who need recruitment-related information can contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre.
Telephone: 012 841 4774
Email: [email protected]
Applicants should use the official recruitment contact details for questions concerning the application process or vacancy.
CSIR Internship 2026 Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 27 September 2026.
Candidates should submit their applications before the deadline and make sure that all required documents have been included. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
The CSIR indicates that only shortlisted candidates will receive feedback regarding their applications.
Conclusion
The CSIR Mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist Internship 2026 offers an opportunity for suitably qualified graduates and eligible final-year students to gain practical exposure to engineering research and advanced technology.
With areas such as mechanical engineering, mechatronics, additive manufacturing, prototype development, computational modelling, sensors, automation and research and development, the internship can provide valuable experience in a professional scientific environment.
Interested applicants should review the requirements carefully, prepare their supporting documents and submit their applications through the CSIR recruitment portal before 27 September 2026.
