IT and Software Engineering Internship at CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in partnership with the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), is offering a high-impact, twelve-month IT and Software Engineering Internship. Headquartered in Scientia, Pretoria, the CSIR stands as Africa's premier scientific research and technology development institution, driving technological innovation to advance socio-economic prosperity across South Africa. This one-year graduate internship contract is structured to bridge the gap between academic achievement and professional industry practice, offering emerging software engineers, computer scientists, and IT specialists unprecedented access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, world-class mentorship, and real-world national innovation projects.

Selected candidates will work within multidisciplinary research, development, and implementation clusters. Interns will collaborate directly with seasoned research scientists, senior systems architects, and senior software developers on challenging digital interventions. The programme aims to rapidly cultivate core professional proficiencies, modern software development methodologies, systems analysis capabilities, and applied technical problem-solving skills to build South Africa’s next generation of digital leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Software Development and Coding: Assist in designing, coding, testing, and debugging robust software applications, microservices, and scripts using contemporary programming languages.

• Systems Analysis and Architecture: Participate in gathering technical requirements, interpreting specifications, and translating business processes into functional system models.

• Database Administration and Support: Assist with database modeling, querying, maintenance, and integration for both relational and non-relational database management systems.

• Testing and Quality Assurance: Develop and execute automated test scripts, conduct unit and integration testing, document software defects, and verify technical fixes.

• Technical Research and Documentation: Compile comprehensive technical documentation, user guides, API specifications, and research summaries under mentor supervision.

• Collaborative Agile Delivery: Participate actively in daily stand-ups, sprint planning sessions, and technical code reviews alongside senior development teams.

• Continuous Professional Learning: Engage proactively with assigned mentorship goals, technical upskilling workshops, and specialized training initiatives provided by CSIR and MICT SETA.

Why Join the Company

Working at the CSIR exposes you to cutting-edge research and innovation that directly impacts South African society and industry. Interns benefit from direct mentorship by leading scientific minds and technical experts, exposure to modern technologies, and a vibrant hybrid working environment centered around scientific excellence, inclusivity, and continuous learning. As an equal opportunity employer committed to the Employment Equity Act, CSIR fosters an environment where diverse talent thrives and builds sustainable career pathways in science, engineering, and technology.

How to Apply

To submit your application, please ensure you have prepared all required supporting documentation. Your application bundle must include:

• A certified copy of your South African Identity Document.

• An updated, detailed CV.

• Certified proof of qualification completion (National Diploma, Degree, or official completion letter).

• A signed learner affidavit confirming that you are not currently enrolled in any MICT SETA-funded or other SETA-funded programme.

Reference: 315097

Please submit your formal application online via the official portal: Click here to apply for this role

For recruitment queries, you may contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre at 012 841 4774 or via email at 📧 Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za. Please note that feedback will be provided to shortlisted candidates only.

Salary is estimated based on market research.

• Must be a South African citizen.

• Must hold a completed National Diploma, Bachelor's Degree, BTech, Advanced Diploma, or equivalent qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related SET discipline.

• Strong foundational knowledge in software development principles and programming languages such as Python, Java, C#, or JavaScript.

• Understanding of database design, SQL querying, and modern web technologies.

• Demonstrated analytical reasoning, creative problem-solving skills, and a strong willingness to learn new technical tools.

• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

• Must not have previously participated in an MICT SETA-funded internship or currently be active on any other SETA-funded programme.