Senior Materials Engineer - Road & Civil Projects

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Challenging, high-profile projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer for civil infrastructure projects, based in Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa, or supporting near-site work.

You will lead materials testing programs, QA/QC, and failure analyses, providing expert guidance on material selection and durability for roads, bridges, and other structures.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering (with materials specialization), or related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng).
• At least 10 years of materials engineering experience focused on civil infrastructure and transportation projects.
• Proven QA/QC experience for construction materials including aggregates, asphalt, and concrete.
• In-depth knowledge of material testing procedures and equipment.
• Familiarity with SANS specifications and industry standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent report writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to lead and manage a team of technical professionals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage materials testing laboratories and field testing activities.
• Develop and implement QA/QC programs for construction materials.
• Specify appropriate materials for road construction, earthworks, concrete, and asphalt.
• Conduct failure analysis investigations and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide technical guidance on material properties, performance and durability.
• Liaise with project managers, site engineers, and contractors on material-related issues.
• Review contractor submittals and test reports for compliance with specifications.
• Stay updated with advancements in materials science for civil infrastructure.
• Train and mentor junior materials engineers and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with SANS and industry best practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Materials/Civil Engineering

Tools

Material testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading civil engineering and construction firm specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects across **South Africa**, is seeking an experienced Senior Materials Engineer to be based in or support projects near **Upington, Northern Cape**. This role is critical for ensuring the quality and durability of construction materials used in roads, bridges, and other civil structures. You will be responsible for material testing, quality assurance, failure analysis, and providing expert advice on material selection and application. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the successful delivery of projects within the **Northern Cape** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage materials testing laboratories and field testing activities.
• Develop and implement quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs for construction materials.
• Specify appropriate materials for road construction, earthworks, concrete, and asphalt.
• Conduct failure analysis investigations and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on material properties, performance, and durability.
• Liaise with project managers, site engineers, and contractors on material-related issues.
• Review contractor submittals and test reports for compliance with project specifications.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in materials science and engineering relevant to civil infrastructure.
• Train and mentor junior materials engineers and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African National Standards (SANS) and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering (with materials specialization), or a related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng).
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in materials engineering, with a strong focus on civil infrastructure and transportation projects.
• Proven experience in QA/QC of construction materials, including aggregates, asphalt, and concrete.
• In-depth knowledge of material testing procedures and equipment.
• Familiarity with relevant SANS specifications and other industry standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent report writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to lead and manage a team of technical professionals.
• Experience working on projects in the **Northern Cape** region or similar remote areas is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, further certifications, and involvement in challenging, high-profile projects are abundant.
• The company values its employees and fosters a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on major infrastructure developments in **Upington** and the wider **Northern Cape**.