Advanced Composites Materials Engineer (Hybrid)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Provident fund

Medical aid options

Paid leave

Professional development support

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Materials Science Engineer specializing in advanced composites for its Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal facility. You will conduct R&D and testing across the material lifecycle—conceptualization, formulation, characterization, and validation—while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires a strong theoretical base with hands-on polymer chemistry, composite manufacturing, and materials characterization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in materials science with a focus on polymer composites.
• Hands-on experience with composite manufacturing techniques (layup, infusion, pultrusion).
• Proficiency in material characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, fiber science, and composite mechanics.
• Experience with CAD software and FEA for material simulation is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving and meticulous approach to experimental work.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a project team.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop novel composite materials with enhanced properties.
• Formulate and optimize composite resin systems and fiber reinforcements.
• Conduct material characterization, including mechanical testing, thermal analysis, and microscopy.
• Investigate material failure mechanisms and propose performance improvements.
• Develop and validate manufacturing processes for composite materials and components.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to ensure material suitability for applications.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, generating detailed reports and documentation.
• Stay abreast of trends and innovations in composite materials science and engineering.
• Support product development through material expertise and problem-solving.

Skills

Polymer composites

Material characterization

CAD/FEA

Problem solving

Report writing

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science or related field

Tools

CAD software

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Materials Science Engineer specializing in advanced composites for its Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal facility. You will conduct R&D and testing across the material lifecycle—conceptualization, formulation, characterization, and validation—while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires a strong theoretical base with hands-on polymer chemistry, composite manufacturing, and materials characterization.