Materials Engineer - Advanced Composites

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote work

Advanced lab access

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Materials Engineer with expertise in advanced composites to join its R&D team in a fully remote role within South Africa. You will lead material characterization and testing, collaborating with engineers to push composite technology boundaries.

The role emphasizes independent project management, data analysis, and communication across stakeholders, enabling cutting-edge R&D and potential IP generation in a flexible remote setting.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering with composites specialization.
• 3–5 years in advanced composites materials engineering.
• Experience with material characterization (SEM, DSC, TGA, mechanical tests).
• Ability to work remotely and manage research projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and characterize advanced composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass, PMC).
• Design and conduct material testing experiments to evaluate mechanical, thermal, and physical properties.
• Analyze material performance data and failure mechanisms using advanced techniques.
• Develop material specifications and quality control procedures.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure material suitability for applications.
• Stay abreast of advancements in materials science and composite technology.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for stakeholders.
• Assist in scale-up of material processing and manufacturing techniques.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues in product development or manufacturing.
• Contribute to IP generation through patents and publications.

Skills

Data analysis

Independent work

Remote communication

Technical writing

Education

Master's or PhD in Materials Science/Mechanical Engineering (composites)

Tools

SEM

DSC

TGA

Autoclave curing

RTM

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Materials Engineer with expertise in advanced composites to join their research and development division. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute from anywhere within **South Africa**. You will be at the forefront of developing and evaluating new composite materials for a variety of demanding applications. This role involves extensive material characterization, performance testing, and failure analysis. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical understanding of material science, coupled with practical experience in composite manufacturing and processing. You will collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of material technology. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional to engage in cutting-edge research and development, contributing to the creation of next-generation products. Our client is committed to fostering an environment of scientific exploration and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and characterize advanced composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, polymer matrix composites).
• Design and conduct material testing experiments to evaluate mechanical, thermal, and physical properties.
• Analyze material performance data and failure mechanisms using advanced techniques.
• Develop material specifications and quality control procedures.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure material suitability for intended applications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and composite technology.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in the scale-up of material processing and manufacturing techniques.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues encountered during product development or manufacturing.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications and publications.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a specialization in composites.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in materials engineering, with a focus on advanced composites.
• Proven experience in material characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, DSC, TGA, mechanical testing).
• Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes (e.g., layup, autoclave curing, RTM).
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and mechanics of composites.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage research projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Must be eligible to work remotely within **South Africa**.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate equivalent to ZAR per annum.
• Flexible remote working arrangement.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking R&D projects.
• Access to advanced laboratory equipment and software.
• Professional development and knowledge sharing opportunities.
• Be part of a leading-edge research team.