Principal Materials Scientist - Advanced Composites

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health and retirement

Professional growth opportunities

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Materials Scientist to lead strategic R&D in advanced composites for aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy applications. You will guide projects from concept to validation and mentor junior scientists.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a related field with 8+ years of experience in polymer matrix composites, and strong expertise in materials characterization and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in materials R&D focused on composites.
• Expertise in polymer matrix composites, carbon/glass fiber reinforcement, and manufacturing techniques (RTM, autoclave, pultrusion).
• Strong skills in material characterization and technical reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D programs to develop high-performance composite materials and manufacturing processes.
• Define strategic research initiatives and manage complex projects from concept to validation.
• Mentor a team of materials scientists and technicians.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate innovations into products.
• Oversee failure analysis, performance testing, and reporting including patents.

Skills

Polymer matrix composites

Fiber reinforcement technologies

Material design & modeling

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

DSC

TGA

DMA

Mechanical testing

FEA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in advanced materials science, is seeking a distinguished Principal Materials Scientist to join our state-of-the-art research facility in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior role is critical to our ongoing development of novel composite materials for high-performance applications across aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. You will be responsible for guiding strategic research initiatives, leading complex material development projects from concept to validation, and mentoring junior scientists. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of polymer chemistry, composite manufacturing processes, and materials characterization techniques. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of materials engineering and contribute to groundbreaking technological advancements within a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven track record of innovation and a passion for solving complex material challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new high-performance composite materials and manufacturing processes.
• Define and execute strategic research programs to address critical material challenges.
• Oversee the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced composite systems.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate material innovations into product applications.
• Conduct in-depth failure analysis and performance testing of composite materials.
• Mentor and guide a team of materials scientists and technicians.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in materials science and composite engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Manage project budgets and timelines effectively.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in materials science research and development, with a focus on composite materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer matrix composites, fiber reinforcement technologies (e.g., carbon fiber, glass fiber), and manufacturing techniques (e.g., RTM, autoclave, pultrusion).
• Proficiency in materials characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, DSC, TGA, DMA, and mechanical testing.
• Strong understanding of material selection, design for manufacturing, and performance modeling.
• Proven ability to lead complex R&D projects and manage scientific teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a creative approach to innovation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in technical reporting and presentations.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for material modeling is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, retirement, and life insurance benefits. Employees enjoy access to advanced laboratory facilities, opportunities for professional growth and development, and generous paid time off. The position in Centurion, Gauteng, is located in a key industrial hub, providing excellent work-life balance and access to amenities. We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence. Join a team that is shaping the future of material science.