Manufacturing jobs in South Africa

Fibracast is the innovator of FibrePlate™, the next generation in ultrafiltration technology. By combining the best of hollow-fibre and flat-plate technologies into one, a unique and revolutionary hybrid design results, delivering new levels in performance and operational control previously only imagined. FibrePlate™: Making the Impossible, Possible.

We are looking for a highly skilled and hands-on Membrane Scientist / Chemist with a strong background in chemistry, polymer science, and material formulation. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the research, development, and optimization of microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), and nanofiltration (NF) membranes for next-generation water and wastewater treatment applications. You will leverage your deep knowledge of polymer chemistry and material characterization to solve complex challenges and contribute to the entire membrane lifecycle: from concept design, synthesis, and lab-scale fabrication to pilot testing, scale-up, and transfer to manufacturing.

This is a full time in house position.

• Formulate and optimize polymer dopes, coatings, and post-treatments for MF/UF/NF membranes.
• Conduct membrane casting, coating, and lab-scale fabrication.

• Perform structural and chemical characterization.
• Evaluate membrane performance (flux, permeability, retention, fouling, durability).

• Design experiments (DOE), analyze complex datasets, and generate high-quality technical reports.
• Present findings and recommendations to management.

• Investigate root causes of membrane defects or performance decline.
• Improve membrane permeability, selectivity, and chemical/mechanical robustness.

• Support pilot-scale trials, process optimization, and transfer of new membranes to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with engineering, QA, and manufacturing during validation and commercialization.

• Stay current on advancements in membrane materials and polymer chemistry.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Postgraduate degree is an asset.
• Minimum 5+ years of hands‑on industry experience in membrane R&D or manufacturing, specifically MF/UF/NF membrane development (must).
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis, dope formulation, casting/coating processes, and surface modification.
• Strong familiarity with phase inversion, interfacial polymerization, and/or thin‑film composite (TFC) membrane chemistry.
• Proficiency with DOE, statistical analysis, and data‑driven decision making.
• Extensive practical experience with analytical characterization tools, testing equipment, and membrane testing standards (ASTM, ISO).
• Experience supporting scale‑up, pilot testing, or manufacturing processes is desirable.

• Problem solving and analytical thinking.
• Independent and proactive work style.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Teamwork.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced R&D environment.