Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Materials R&D (Hybrid)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Opportunities for research publication

Access to advanced laboratory work

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Bloemfontein, Free State, seeks a dedicated Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D team on a hybrid basis. You will design experiments, develop testing fixtures, and analyze material performance under diverse mechanical loads and environmental conditions.

The role emphasizes collaboration with material scientists and chemists, development of models, and timely documentation for reports and conferences. A strong background in materials science and hands-on testing is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science with a strong mechanical focus.
• 3–5 years of experience in mechanical testing, experimental design, or materials research.
• Proficiency with mechanical testing equipment (e.g., universal testing machines, hardness testers).
• Experience with data acquisition systems and data analysis software (MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• Understanding of material science principles, including metallurgy, polymers, and composites.
• Familiarity with CAD software for designing testing fixtures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Located in or able to commute to Bloemfontein for hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop specialized mechanical testing equipment and fixtures for evaluating advanced material properties.
• Conduct mechanical testing on various materials, including tensile, compression, fatigue, and impact tests.
• Analyze test data using statistical methods and engineering principles to characterize material behavior.
• Collaborate with material scientists and chemists to understand material structure-property relationships.
• Develop models and simulations to predict material performance under mechanical stress and strain.
• Document research findings, experimental procedures, and test results in detailed reports.
• Assist in the scale-up of promising materials from laboratory to pilot production.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and operated safely.
• Present research findings to internal teams and potentially at scientific conferences.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Report writing

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

MATLAB

LabVIEW

CAD software

Job description

WhatJobs Direct in Bloemfontein, Free State, seeks a dedicated Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D team on a hybrid basis. You will design experiments, develop testing fixtures, and analyze material performance under diverse mechanical loads and environmental conditions.

The role emphasizes collaboration with material scientists and chemists, development of models, and timely documentation for reports and conferences. A strong background in materials science and hands-on testing is essential.