Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Materials (Hybrid)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mechanical Engineer specializing in advanced materials for a hybrid role in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. You will design, test, and analyze components made from next‑generation composites, driving material selection, processing, and integration for high‑performance applications.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of mechanical design/analysis experience, strong CAD/FEA skills, and a solid grounding in material science and composite manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in mechanical design/analysis with advanced materials, particularly composites.
• Proficiency with CAD/FEA tools (Inventor, SolidWorks, etc.).
• Knowledge of material science principles and composites manufacturing processes (layup, autoclave, RTM).
• Experience with material testing equipment and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components using advanced composite materials.
• Conduct material characterization and mechanical/thermal/fatigue testing.
• Analyze material properties and failure mechanisms to optimize designs.
• Collaborate with R&D to explore new material applications and processing routes.
• Create detailed drawings, specs, and reports using CAD tools.

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail/accuracy

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

FEA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the development of novel composite materials for aerospace applications, is seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer with a specialization in advanced materials to join their dynamic team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This hybrid role requires a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, offering the opportunity to work on the cutting edge of material science and engineering. You will be responsible for the mechanical design, testing, and characterization of components utilizing next-generation materials. This position is perfect for an engineer who enjoys hands-on work and theoretical analysis, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of what's possible in high-performance applications. The successful candidate will play a vital role in material selection, processing, and integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and structures using advanced composite materials.
• Conduct material characterization and performance testing, including mechanical, thermal, and fatigue testing.
• Analyze material properties and failure mechanisms to optimize design and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to explore new material applications.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and reports using CAD and documentation software.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to translate designs into producible parts, ensuring quality and efficiency.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to predict component behavior under various load conditions.
• Support prototype development and pilot production runs, providing technical expertise.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in composite materials and manufacturing technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, with a focus on advanced materials, particularly composites.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Inventor, SolidWorks) and FEA tools.
• Strong understanding of material science principles, manufacturing processes for composites (e.g., layup, autoclave, RTM).
• Experience with material testing equipment and data analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a detail-oriented approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities for effective collaboration in a hybrid setting.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, balancing remote and on-site duties in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.
• Familiarity with aerospace or automotive industry standards is a plus.
• Willingness to commute to the office as required for team meetings and lab work.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive contract rate and access to state-of-the-art facilities. While this is a contract position, it provides significant opportunities for professional development and exposure to advanced technologies. You will be part of an innovative environment with a focus on cutting-edge research. We provide a conducive work environment that balances remote flexibility with essential in-person collaboration, supporting employee well-being and career growth within a leading organization in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.