Lead Aerospace Materials Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package with Incent

Comprehensive medical, dental, and视視保险

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement savings plan with company/m

Advanced training and conferences

Opportunities for travel

Job summary

Placements24, a leader in advanced aerospace manufacturing, is seeking an innovative Lead Aerospace Materials Engineer to guide R&D on materials for aircraft and spacecraft. You will lead a team of materials scientists, drive testing, and ensure compliance with AMS/ASTM standards while collaborating with design and manufacturing.

The role offers a hybrid work arrangement balancing on-site laboratory duties with remote analysis and reporting.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in aerospace materials engineering with demonstrated leadership.
• Strong expertise in material selection, processing, characterization, and failure analysis for aerospace applications.
• In-depth knowledge of metallic alloys, composite materials, polymers, and ceramics used in aircraft and spacecraft.
• Experience with materials testing equipment and techniques (e.g., tensile testing, fatigue testing, microscopy).
• Familiarity with aerospace material standards and specifications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for effective team management and collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing laboratory/on-site duties with remote analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency in materials modeling and simulation software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and characterization of advanced materials for aerospace applications, including composites, alloys, polymers, and ceramics.
• Oversee material testing and failure analysis to ensure performance, durability, and safety requirements are met.
• Develop material specifications and processing guidelines for manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to select and implement appropriate materials for new projects.
• Manage material procurement and supplier qualification processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis for material-related failures and develop corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and engineering and their potential applications in aerospace.
• Mentor and guide junior materials engineers and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., AMS, ASTM) and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for project reviews and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Team management

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Materials testing equipment

Microscopy

Materials modeling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced aerospace manufacturing, is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Aerospace Materials Engineer . This role is crucial for the research, development, testing, and application of advanced materials used in aerospace components and structures. You will lead a team of materials scientists and engineers, driving innovation and ensuring the highest standards of material performance, reliability, and safety. While this position involves significant laboratory and team collaboration, it offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for focused remote work on analysis and documentation. Your expertise will be key to selecting and developing materials that meet the demanding requirements of modern aircraft and spacecraft, contributing directly to cutting-edge aerospace solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and characterization of advanced materials for aerospace applications, including composites, alloys, polymers, and ceramics.
• Oversee material testing and failure analysis to ensure performance, durability, and safety requirements are met.
• Develop material specifications and processing guidelines for manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to select and implement appropriate materials for new projects.
• Manage material procurement and supplier qualification processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis for material-related failures and develop corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and engineering and their potential applications in aerospace.
• Mentor and guide junior materials engineers and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., AMS, ASTM) and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for project reviews and regulatory submissions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in aerospace materials engineering, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Strong expertise in material selection, processing, characterization, and failure analysis for aerospace applications.
• In-depth knowledge of metallic alloys, composite materials, polymers, and ceramics used in aircraft and spacecraft.
• Experience with materials testing equipment and techniques (e.g., tensile testing, fatigue testing, microscopy).
• Familiarity with aerospace material standards and specifications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for effective team management and collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing laboratory/on-site duties with remote analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency in materials modeling and simulation software is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with potential company contributions.
• Opportunities for advanced training, professional development, and attending leading industry conferences.
• A stimulating work environment at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
• The chance to work on challenging and impactful projects with state-of-the‑art materials.
• Potential for travel to support supplier and research collaborations.