Senior Automotive Materials Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Career development

On-site work in Bloemfontein

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Materials Engineer for a forward-thinking automotive manufacturer in Bloemfontein. You will lead evaluation and development of advanced materials across vehicle platforms, focusing on performance, weight reduction, and sustainability.

You will collaborate with design, manufacturing, R&D and supply chain, develop material specifications, oversee testing, and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive materials engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of material properties, processing, and performance for metals, polymers, and composites.
• Experience with material characterization techniques and failure analysis methodologies.
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and specifications (e.g., SAE, ASTM, internal company standards).
• Proficiency in using analytical and simulation tools for material modeling is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation and selection of advanced materials (metals, polymers, composites) for automotive applications.
• Develop and maintain material specifications, standards, and testing procedures.
• Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations for material-related issues.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to identify and implement novel materials and processes.
• Work closely with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure material quality and consistency.
• Provide technical expertise on material properties, performance, and processing to design and manufacturing engineers.
• Stay informed about new material developments, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee material testing and characterization, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives through material selection and lifecycle assessment.
• Mentor junior materials engineers and contribute to team knowledge development.

Skills

Materials science

Automotive materials

Material characterization

Failure analysis

SAE/ASTM standards

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Material modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking automotive manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Materials Engineer to join their advanced engineering department in **Bloemfontein**. This role is crucial for the selection, development, and application of innovative materials across vehicle platforms, focusing on enhancing performance, reducing weight, and improving sustainability. You will play a key role in evaluating new materials, defining material specifications, and working closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure material suitability and process compatibility. This is an exceptional opportunity for a materials science expert to contribute to the cutting edge of automotive technology. The **Bloemfontein** location offers a unique setting to drive material innovation in the automotive sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation and selection of advanced materials (metals, polymers, composites) for automotive applications.
• Develop and maintain material specifications, standards, and testing procedures.
• Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations for material-related issues.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to identify and implement novel materials and processes.
• Work closely with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure material quality and consistency.
• Provide technical expertise on material properties, performance, and processing to design and manufacturing engineers.
• Stay informed about new material developments, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee material testing and characterization, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives through material selection and lifecycle assessment.
• Mentor junior materials engineers and contribute to team knowledge development.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive materials engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of material properties, processing, and performance for metals, polymers, and composites.
• Experience with material characterization techniques and failure analysis methodologies.
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and specifications (e.g., SAE, ASTM, internal company standards).
• Proficiency in using analytical and simulation tools for material modeling is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and manage projects.
• Experience with lightweight materials and sustainable material solutions is highly desirable.
• Ability to interpret technical data and present findings clearly.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package tailored to your expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and attending industry conferences.
• Work with innovative materials and technologies at our **Bloemfontein** facility.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking engineering culture.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading automotive organization.