Principal Nanomaterials Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Nanomaterials Engineer to lead R&D in Rustenburg, focusing on synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials for energy, electronics, and catalysis. You will guide a team and drive innovative projects in a hybrid research setting.

The role requires a PhD with 8+ years of nano-materials experience and a track record of publications or patents. Relocation support and global collaboration opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• PhD required with strong nanomaterials focus.
• 8+ years industrial or academic nanomaterials R&D experience.
• Hands-on synthesis and characterization expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D for new nanomaterial synthesis routes.
• Design and execute experiments to create/characterize nanomaterials.
• Utilize TEM/SEM/AFM/XPS/BET to analyze materials.

Skills

Nanomaterials synthesis

Material characterization

Leadership

Team mentoring

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Chemical Engineering/Physics

Tools

TEM

SEM

AFM

XPS

BET

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly accomplished Principal Nanomaterials Engineer to lead pioneering research and development initiatives at their state-of-the-art facility in Rustenburg, North West. This senior role is focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel nanomaterials for advanced technological applications, including energy, electronics, and catalysis. You will be at the forefront of innovation, guiding a team of talented engineers and scientists in exploring the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale. The position requires a deep understanding of materials science principles, chemical synthesis techniques, and advanced characterization methodologies. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future direction of nanomaterial research within the organization, ensuring that Rustenburg remains a hub for technological advancement in South Africa. This role offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new nanomaterial synthesis routes and processes.
• Design and execute experiments to create and characterize a wide range of nanomaterials (e.g., nanoparticles, nanotubes, quantum dots).
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques such as TEM, SEM, AFM, XPS, and BET to understand material structure and properties.
• Develop and optimize processes for scaling up nanomaterial production from lab to pilot scale.
• Investigate the performance of nanomaterials in target applications, such as batteries, fuel cells, sensors, or catalysts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chemists, physicists, and engineers, to integrate nanomaterials into final products.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and research staff.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications.
• Author and co-author technical reports, research papers, and presentations for scientific conferences.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices in handling nanomaterials at the Rustenburg site.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline with a strong focus on nanomaterials.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant industrial or academic research experience in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization.
• Extensive hands-on experience with synthesis techniques (e.g., sol-gel, hydrothermal, CVD) and characterization tools (TEM, SEM, XRD, etc.).
• Proven ability to lead R&D projects from concept to prototype.
• Strong understanding of the structure-property relationships of nanomaterials.
• Demonstrated experience in scaling up material production processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a creative approach to innovation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities.
• Track record of publications and/or patents in the field of nanomaterials.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid research and development environment in North West.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment and research infrastructure.
• Chance to work on pioneering projects with global impact.
• Supportive and collaborative work culture in Rustenburg.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Opportunities to present research at international forums.