Principal Nanotechnology Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Retirement plan with company matching

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Nanotechnology Engineer to lead R&D initiatives at our Rustenburg facility. You will design, fabricate, and characterize nanomaterials and devices across electronics, medicine, and energy, translating theory into scalable solutions.

This senior role offers leadership opportunities, mentoring of scientists and engineers, collaboration with cross‑functional teams, and the chance to shape the future of nanotechnology in a globally recognised organisation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 8+ years of progressive experience in nanotechnology R&D
• Experience leading research projects and mentoring junior staff
• Strong communication skills and ability to publish findings

Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and scale‑up of advanced nanomaterials and nanotech devices.
• Oversee nanoscale synthesis, characterization, and fabrication experiments.
• Develop and implement characterization techniques (TEM/SEM/AFM) and spectroscopy.
• Analyze data, draw conclusions, and define next steps for research.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Prepare technical reports, papers, and conference presentations.
• Stay abreast of nanotech advances and contribute to IP strategy.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in advanced materials science, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Nanotechnology Engineer to lead critical research and development initiatives from our state-of-the‑art facility in Rustenburg . This role demands an individual with a profound understanding of nanoscale phenomena and a proven ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical, scalable applications. You will be instrumental in designing, fabricating, and characterizing novel nanomaterials and devices for a variety of cutting‑edge industries, including electronics, medicine, and energy. This is a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment with leading experts, driving innovation at the forefront of nanotechnology. The position offers significant leadership opportunities, allowing you to shape research direction and mentor a talented team of scientists and engineers. We are looking for a visionary leader passionate about unlocking the potential of materials at the atomic and molecular level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and scale‑up of advanced nanomaterials and nanotechnology-based devices.
• Oversee the design and execution of experiments involving nanoscale synthesis, characterization, and fabrication.
• Develop and implement advanced characterization techniques, such as electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), AFM, and spectroscopy.
• Analyze complex experimental data, drawing conclusions and formulating next steps for research.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including material scientists, chemists, and product development engineers.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, research papers for publication, and presentations for conferences and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in nanotechnology, identifying new opportunities and challenges.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the nanotechnology R&D department and intellectual property development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in nanotechnology research and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials (e.g., nanoparticles, nanotubes, thin films).
• Proficiency with advanced microscopy techniques (TEM, SEM, AFM) and other nanoscale characterization methods.
• Strong understanding of the physical and chemical principles governing nanoscale phenomena.
• Proven track record of leading successful research projects and mentoring junior staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in publishing research and presenting findings.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Experience with computational modeling of nanomaterials is a significant plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of this role.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a robust retirement savings plan with company matching, and generous paid time off.
• Professional development is highly encouraged, with support for attending leading industry conferences and specialized training programs.
• Employees have access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and advanced equipment located in Rustenburg .
• The company fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives.
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership within a globally recognized organization are substantial.

Join us and make a tangible impact on the future of technology.