Lead Materials Engineer, Renewable Energy Systems

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Conference funding

Training and development funding

Modern laboratory facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer in Upington to lead R&D on advanced materials for solar, storage, and renewable energy systems. You will drive material selection, testing and failure analysis to optimize performance in demanding environments, while mentoring junior staff.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineering teams, adherence to safety standards, and publishing findings to support IP development and future projects.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in materials engineering, with renewable energy focus.
• Expertise in materials selection, processing, characterization (SEM, XRD, mechanical testing), and failure analysis.
• Knowledge of solar energy materials (silicon, perovskites, encapsulation) and energy storage materials.
• Experience with performance testing and lifecycle assessment in relevant environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D activities to identify, evaluate and implement advanced materials for renewable energy applications.
• Perform material characterization, performance testing and failure analysis for reliability.
• Develop material specifications and QC procedures for new and existing technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide material expertise.
• Stay updated on emerging materials technologies in renewables.
• Manage materials testing labs and ensure safety and standards compliance.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in materials science.

Skills

Materials science

Materials engineering

Failure analysis

Material characterization

Materials selection

Solar energy materials

Battery materials

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Engineering

Master's in related field

Tools

SEM

XRD

Mechanical testing

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer in Upington to lead R&D on advanced materials for solar, storage, and renewable energy systems. You will drive material selection, testing and failure analysis to optimize performance in demanding environments, while mentoring junior staff.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineering teams, adherence to safety standards, and publishing findings to support IP development and future projects.