Senior Automotive Materials Engineer - WhatJobs Direct

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Advanced material testing labs

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking a Senior Automotive Materials Engineer to lead research, testing, and the application of advanced materials for vehicle components. You will drive improvements in performance, durability, safety, and sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.

The role requires expertise in polymers, metals, and coatings, with collaboration across design, engineering, and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering; PhD preferred.
• 5+ years in automotive materials engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of polymers, composites, metals, alloys and coatings.
• Experience with characterization techniques (spectroscopy, microscopy, mechanical testing).
• Familiarity with automotive material standards (SAE).
• Strong root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Research and select appropriate materials for automotive applications based on performance, cost, and sustainability.
• Develop and implement material specifications, testing procedures, and QC standards.
• Conduct material testing for strength, durability, corrosion resistance and thermal performance.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to integrate new materials into components.
• Investigate material failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay current with emerging material technologies and regulatory requirements.
• Work with suppliers to source materials and ensure quality and consistency.
• Contribute to lightweighting and use of recycled or bio-based materials.

Skills

Materials science

Automotive materials

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's in Materials Science

PhD preferred

Tools

SAE standards

Material selection software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in automotive innovation and manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automotive Materials Engineer to join their team in Upington, Northern Cape . This crucial role involves the research, development, testing, and application of advanced materials for vehicle components, focusing on enhancing performance, durability, safety, and sustainability. You will be instrumental in identifying and implementing novel materials that contribute to weight reduction, improved fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle quality. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of polymers, metals, composites, and coatings used in the automotive sector, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. You will work closely with design, engineering, and manufacturing departments to ensure material specifications are met throughout the product lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking automotive advancements within a well-established company. We are looking for a dedicated professional who is passionate about materials science and its application in creating the vehicles of tomorrow.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, evaluate, and select appropriate materials for various automotive applications, considering performance, cost, and environmental impact.
• Develop and implement material specifications, testing procedures, and quality control standards.
• Conduct material testing and analysis to assess properties such as strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and thermal performance.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to integrate new materials into vehicle components and systems.
• Investigate material failures and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Stay current with emerging material technologies, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Work with suppliers to source materials and ensure their quality and consistency.
• Contribute to projects focused on lightweighting, sustainability, and the use of recycled or bio-based materials.
• Provide technical support and guidance on material-related issues to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate records of material data, test results, and project progress.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in materials engineering, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.
• In-depth knowledge of polymers, composites, metals, alloys, and coatings commonly used in automotive applications.
• Experience with material characterization techniques and analytical methods (e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy, mechanical testing).
• Familiarity with automotive standards related to materials (e.g., SAE standards).
• Strong understanding of material failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Proficiency in material selection software and databases.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Knowledge of sustainability principles and their application in material selection is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a leading automotive innovator in Upington, Northern Cape .
• Access to advanced material testing and analysis laboratories.
• Collaborative and technically stimulating work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in materials science.
• Direct contribution to enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and sustainability.