Automotive Materials Engineer

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Automotive Materials Engineer to join a leading automotive client in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will select, test, and validate materials for vehicle construction to ensure performance, durability, safety and cost-effectiveness.

You will evaluate polymers, metals, composites and coatings, and collaborate with design, manufacturing and quality teams to develop material specifications and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in materials-related engineering.
• At least 4 years in automotive materials engineering.
• Experience with material testing techniques and equipment.
• Understanding of steels, aluminum, plastics, composites, coatings.
• Familiarity with casting, forging, injection molding, welding.
• Familiar with ASTM and ISO automotive material standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Awareness of sustainable materials and recycling initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Research, evaluate, and select materials for automotive components.
• Conduct material testing and characterization for properties such as strength, fatigue life, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability.
• Develop material specifications and standards for use in vehicle design and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize component designs for material usage and performance.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure effective implementation of materials in production processes.
• Investigate material failures and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Stay current with emerging materials technologies and their potential applications in the automotive sector.
• Manage relationships with material suppliers and ensure quality control.
• Document material test results, specifications, and recommendations comprehensively.

Skills

Materials science

Metallurgical

Material testing

Automotive knowledge

Data interpretation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Materials Science/Metallurgical/Chemical Eng

Tools

ASTM standards

ISO standards

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the automotive industry, is seeking a dedicated Automotive Materials Engineer to enhance their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is essential for selecting, testing, and validating materials used in vehicle construction to ensure optimal performance, durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. You will be involved in evaluating advanced materials, including polymers, composites, metals, and coatings, for various automotive applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of material science, engineering properties, and manufacturing processes, with a keen interest in automotive innovation. This is a prime opportunity to contribute to the development of lighter, stronger, and more sustainable vehicles. We are looking for an analytical and proactive individual who can collaborate effectively with design, manufacturing, and quality teams for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, evaluate, and select appropriate materials for automotive components, considering performance, cost, manufacturability, and environmental impact.
• Conduct material testing and characterization to determine properties such as strength, fatigue life, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability.
• Develop material specifications and standards for use in vehicle design and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize component designs for material usage and performance.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure effective implementation of materials in production processes.
• Investigate material failures and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Stay current with emerging materials technologies and their potential applications in the automotive sector.
• Manage relationships with material suppliers and ensure quality control.
• Document material test results, specifications, and recommendations comprehensively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in materials engineering, with a focus on automotive applications.
• Proficiency in material testing techniques and equipment.
• Strong understanding of material properties, behavior, and failure mechanisms.
• Knowledge of common automotive materials, including steels, aluminum alloys, plastics, composites, and coatings.
• Familiarity with material processing and manufacturing techniques (e.g., casting, forging, injection molding, welding).
• Experience with material standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO) and automotive-specific material requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Awareness of sustainable materials and recycling initiatives in the automotive industry.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development. This role provides a chance to work with innovative materials that shape the future of vehicle design. The position is located in Kimberley, Northern Cape , within a supportive and growth-oriented environment. We value employee well-being and offer ample paid time off, including annual leave and sick days. Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative culture and providing rewarding career opportunities.