Lead R&D Engineer - Battery Technology

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Insurance benefits

Professional development

R&D facilities

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead R&D Engineer to advance battery technology at its Sandton facility. You will design experiments, prototype components, and evaluate performance, safety, and scalability in a high-impact energy storage program.

The role requires a strong electrochemistry background, team leadership, and a track record of delivering research from concept to prototype. On-site work in Sandton is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of R&D experience in battery technology.
• Strong understanding of battery chemistries and degradation mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with battery fabrication, testing equipment, and analytical techniques.
• Proven experience leading R&D projects and managing technical teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Sandton facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects focused on advanced battery chemistries and architectures.
• Design and conduct experiments for electrode materials and cell assembly.
• Characterize battery materials and cells using electrochemical techniques and analyses.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for lab- and pilot-scale.
• Evaluate performance, safety, and energy density of batteries.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Prepare reports, publications, and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Materials Science

Electrical Engineering

Project Leadership

Team Mentoring

Analytical Skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly innovative and experienced Lead R&D Engineer to drive advancements in battery technology at their research facility in Sandton, Gauteng. This leadership role focuses on the development of next-generation energy storage solutions, including lithium-ion, solid-state, and beyond. You will be responsible for designing experiments, prototyping new battery components and systems, and evaluating their performance, safety, and scalability. The position requires a strong background in electrochemistry, materials science, and electrical engineering, coupled with proven project leadership experience. You will work collaboratively with a team of scientists and engineers, guiding research efforts from concept to prototype validation. This is a key opportunity to contribute to sustainable energy solutions and establish Sandton as a center for battery innovation within South Africa. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the future of energy storage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects focused on the development of advanced battery chemistries and architectures.
• Design and conduct experiments for electrode material synthesis, electrolyte formulation, and cell assembly.
• Characterize battery materials and cells using electrochemical techniques (e.g., EIS, CV, galvanostatic cycling) and materials analysis tools (e.g., SEM, XRD).
• Develop and optimize battery manufacturing processes for lab-scale and pilot-scale production.
• Evaluate battery performance, cycle life, safety, and energy density.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and propose innovative solutions.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and research associates.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product development, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Author technical reports, patent applications, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders in Gauteng.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of R&D experience in battery technology, with a focus on energy storage.
• Strong understanding of electrochemical principles, battery chemistries (Li-ion, solid-state preferred), and degradation mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with battery fabrication, testing equipment, and analytical techniques.
• Proven experience in leading R&D projects and managing technical teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment.
• Experience with battery modeling and simulation is a plus.
• Willingness to work on-site at our Sandton facility.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and insurance benefits.
• Generous opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art battery R&D facilities and equipment.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a significant impact on the future of energy.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture in Gauteng.
• Potential for career advancement into senior management roles.
• Relocation assistance available.