Principal Materials Scientist: Lead 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

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.