Laboratory Technician

One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions is seeking a Laboratory Technician in Cape Town to perform materials and metallurgical tests on metals, polymers, composites, glass, ceramics, and chemicals, following established procedures and safety standards.

The role involves preparing samples, operating and maintaining lab equipment, recording and analysing test data, and supporting QA/QC routines, with opportunities to assist failure analysis, weld qualification testing, and ensure ISO 17025:2017

Qualifications

• Minimum of a National Diploma; preference for Advanced Diploma
• BSc in chemistry or physics also acceptable
• Strong work ethic; willing to work under pressure; deliver quality on time
• Driver's licence is essential
• Commitment to personal development and growth with the company
• Commitment to the company vision to enable Africa's industrialisation and energy security by 2050
• Should be a strong team player
• Willing to engage meaningfully with clients, colleagues and suppliers
• Willing to grow knowledge of Materials Engineering for Africa's needs

Responsibilities

• Perform materials and metallurgical tests on metals, polymers, composites, glass, ceramics and chemicals
• Prepare samples and operate/maintain laboratory equipment
• Record and analyse test data; support QA/QC routines
• Assist with failure analysis investigations and weld procedure qualification testing
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting in line with ISO 17025:2017 requirements

Skills

Strong work ethic

Team player

Client engagement

Ability to work under pressure

Personal development

Education

National Diploma

Advanced Diploma

BSc in Chemistry

BSc in Physics

Job description

Company Description

One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions is Africa's most widely scoped ISO 17025:2017 materials and metallurgical testing laboratory, serving over 1,400 clients globally. Founded in 2002, the company specializes in metallurgical and materials engineering across metals, polymers, composites, glass, ceramics, and industrial chemicals. One Eighty is uniquely approved by Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore and is the only materials testing lab in Africa that is a SASSDA member, as well as a member of ILAC. The team applies advanced technology to real-world challenges through root cause failure analysis, rapid weld procedure qualification testing, routine QA/QC testing, and expert materials selection and processing optimization. The company also supports risk mitigation for the insurance industry by assessing materials fitness for purpose and longevity.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Laboratory Technician role based in Cape Town. The Laboratory Technician will perform materials and metallurgical tests on a variety of engineering materials, including metals, polymers, composites, glass, ceramics, and chemicals, following established procedures and safety standards. Daily responsibilities include preparing samples, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, recording and analyzing test data, and supporting QA/QC routines. The role involves assisting with failure analysis investigations, contributing to weld procedure qualification testing, and ensuring accurate documentation and reporting in line with ISO 17025:2017 requirements. The Laboratory Technician will collaborate with engineers and other technical staff to support efficient workflows and timely delivery of results to clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a National Diploma however preference will be given to Advanced Diploma.
• BSc in chemistry or physics also acceptable, however candidate must be willing to work in an engineering environment and adapt to systems work flows and have a robust character and approach to their work.
• Strong work ethic willing to work under pressure and engage fully with the importance of delivery of quality work on time.
• Drivers licence is essential
• Commitment to personal development and growth with the company
• Commitment to the Companies Vision and Mission, which is to Enable the Industrialisation and Energy Security Strategy of Africa to affect the lives of 2.5Billion people by 2050
• Should be a strong team player.
• Willing to engage meaningfully with clients and colleagues and suppliers.
• Willing to grow and expand knowledge of Materials Engineering in the context of Africa's growing needs.