Saab Grintek Defence

About Saab Grintek Defence

Saab Grintek Defence is the South African arm of the Swedish defence and security group Saab. Saab took a stake in the Grintek business in 2001 and later took a larger role in the company. Today it is majority owned by Saab AB, with Kunene Bros Holdings as the South African partner. Operations are in Centurion, with a second campus in Cape Town.

The company specialises in electronic warfare, sensors and aviation products. Its self-protection systems, for example, help aircraft, vehicles and ships detect and respond to threats. Much of this equipment is developed and built in South Africa. The firm has also been recognised as a leading exporter in the country.

How Saab Grintek Defence supports students

High-tech work like this needs a steady supply of engineers. For this reason, the company offers a bursary programme for students in technical fields. Past calls covered electronic, computer and mechanical engineering, as well as computer science. Postgraduate study in RF, microwave and antenna engineering was also included.

The funding described in earlier calls covered tuition, prescribed books, accommodation, meals and a laptop allowance. Bursary holders also joined a structured vacation work programme, with coaching and mentorship. As a result, students gain practical exposure before they graduate.

The company has supported graduates too. In 2022 it worked with the Sisekelo Institute of Business and Technology on a six-month workplace acceleration programme for 15 graduates. It has also supported school science laboratories in Centurion.

According to public sources, South Africa is Saab's largest operation outside Sweden, with more than 1,100 employees across the group. A business of that size is likely to need engineers in design, testing, software and support roles. Students who enjoy radio frequency work, signal processing or embedded systems will find these topics close to the company's core products.

What to know before applying

Defence companies handle sensitive work, so expect careful screening. Applicants are usually South African citizens with strong results in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Applicants may also face background and security checks, although the exact steps have not been confirmed here.

A work-back period is common in industry-funded engineering bursaries, but the terms for this programme have not been confirmed. Read your bursary agreement before you accept it. Ask how long you must work for the company and what happens if your plans change.

Deadlines and fields differ each year. Therefore, treat older adverts as a guide only. The Saab South Africa pages and the company's careers site carry the latest information.

Finally, prepare early. Gather certified documents, keep your marks strong, and write a clear statement about why electronics or engineering excites you.