Research Group Leader: Landwards Prototyping

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. **Research Group Leader: Landwards Prototyping** **About the job**: The CSIR has a vacancy for a **Research Group Leader: Landwards Prototyping **in the Landward Sciences Impact Area, within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria. **Key responsibilities**: - Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy; - Implement the RD&I strategy for the impact area; - Lead researchers and engineers in design, analysis, development, rapid prototyping and evaluation of mechanical and electronic engineered systems; - Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RD&I leadership of multiple disciplines such as mechanical and electronic Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), modeling, simulation, analysis, testing and evaluation; - Ensure that the Rapid Operational Solutions area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge; - Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects; - Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization); - Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to landward forces and the broader defence and security industries; - Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RD&I; - Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development; - Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering; - Ensure SET outputs are achieved; - Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets; - Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational approvals; - Network with peers in the fields expertise (design, analysis, development, rapid prototyping and evaluation of mechanical and electronic engineered systems) within and outside the CSIR; - Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships; - Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions; - Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer; - In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio: - Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment; - Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an “investment ready business” through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development. **Qualifications, skills and experience**: - A Master’s degree in mechanical engineering with at least five years’ experience in technology/product development; - A Doctoral degree will be advantageous; - All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). - Experience in the following will be advantageous: - Mechanical systems structural and dynamic analyses; - System safety assessment and analysis will be an added advantage; - Systems engineering and product lifecycle management (PLM) will be an added advantage; - Proven track record of translating user requirements into engineering specifications; - Proven track record of delivering engineering outputs on schedule and within budget; - Proven track record in project management and research project leadership; - Professional Registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) would be an added advantage; - Knowledge of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) processes, approaches and philosophies; - Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions; - Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation; - Ability to work independently as well as in teams; - Business Development and financial acumen; - Excellent communication and presenta