Senior Automotive Materials Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Hybrid work arrangement

Continuous learning opportunities

Access to material testing labs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Materials Engineer for our client in Benoni, Gauteng. The role focuses on selecting, developing, and applying advanced materials across vehicle components to improve performance, safety, durability, and sustainability.

You will work with steels, aluminum alloys, composites, and polymers, collaborating with design, manufacturing, and quality teams in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in materials engineering, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.
• In-depth knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics.
• Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., tensile testing, microscopy, spectroscopy) and failure analysis.
• Familiarity with CAE tools for material simulation and performance prediction.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as stamping, casting, injection molding, and composite layup.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards and quality management systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities in Benoni, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and select appropriate materials for automotive components considering properties, corrosion resistance, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
• Develop and implement testing protocols to assess material performance under various conditions.
• Analyze material failures and perform root cause investigations with corrective actions and design improvements.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source high-quality materials and ensure consistency in supply.
• Work with design and manufacturing teams to optimize material usage and processing techniques for new vehicle platforms.
• Stay current with emerging materials technologies, industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct research into lightweight materials, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Prepare technical reports, material specifications, and presentations for project reviews.
• Provide technical guidance and support regarding material selection and application.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

CAE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive research and development firm, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Materials Engineer for their facility in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is integral to the selection, development, and application of advanced materials across vehicle components to enhance performance, safety, durability, and sustainability. You will work with a diverse range of materials, including advanced steels, aluminum alloys, composites, and polymers. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure materials meet rigorous automotive standards. Located in Benoni, Gauteng , this position offers a compelling opportunity to influence the future of automotive design and engineering. Our client is committed to innovation and provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and development in a hybrid work environment. We are looking for a knowledgeable and proactive engineer passionate about material science and its application in the automotive sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and select appropriate materials for various automotive components, considering mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
• Develop and implement testing protocols to assess material performance under various environmental and operational conditions.
• Analyze material failures and conduct root cause investigations to propose corrective actions and design improvements.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source high-quality materials and ensure consistency in supply.
• Work with design and manufacturing teams to optimize material usage and processing techniques for new vehicle platforms.
• Stay current with emerging materials technologies, industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949), and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct research into lightweight materials, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Prepare technical reports, material specifications, and presentations for project reviews.
• Provide technical guidance and support to internal teams and external partners regarding material selection and application.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in materials engineering, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.
• In-depth knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics.
• Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., tensile testing, microscopy, spectroscopy) and failure analysis.
• Familiarity with CAE tools for material simulation and performance prediction.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as stamping, casting, injection molding, and composite layup.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards and quality management systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities in Benoni, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement plan.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and advanced certifications.
• Access to well-equipped material testing laboratories.
• Be part of innovative projects shaping the future of automotive technology.
• Potential for career advancement within a globally recognized organization.
• Collaborative and stimulating work environment in Benoni, Gauteng .