Senior Materials Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Projects in Nelspruit

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer to lead our materials testing team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will oversee laboratory operations, provide expert advice on construction materials, and mentor technicians while ensuring quality and standards across projects.

The role emphasizes laboratory management, field testing, and strong collaboration with project teams to deliver reliable material performance and compliance with SANS and international standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Materials or Civil Engineering required.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA desirable.
• 7+ years' experience in materials engineering and testing.
• In-depth knowledge of concrete, asphalt, soil, and steel.
• Experience leading labs and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise materials testing activities in laboratory and on-site.
• Develop and implement materials testing programs and QA plans.
• Analyze test results and prepare detailed reports.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Investigate material failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide expert guidance on construction materials (concrete, asphalt, soil, steel).
• Manage project timelines and resources for materials engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and project managers.
• Ensure compliance with SANS and international standards.

Skills

Materials testing

Leadership

Quality assurance

Civil engineering

Report writing

Client liaison

Education

Master's degree in Materials/Civil Engineering

Tools

Laboratory equipment management

SANS/ASTM testing standards

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the construction and materials testing sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Materials Engineer to join their esteemed laboratory and field services team in Nelspruit. This pivotal role involves overseeing materials testing, quality assurance, and providing expert advice on construction materials for a variety of projects. You will lead a team of technicians, manage laboratory operations, conduct investigations, and ensure compliance with industry standards and project specifications. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of construction materials, testing methodologies, and quality control procedures, coupled with strong leadership and analytical skills. Working within the Mpumalanga region, this position offers the opportunity to contribute to significant infrastructural developments and uphold the highest standards of material integrity. We are looking for a meticulous and experienced professional to guide our materials engineering efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise materials testing activities, both in the laboratory and on-site, for various construction projects.
• Develop and implement comprehensive materials testing programs and quality assurance plans.
• Analyze and interpret test results, providing detailed reports and recommendations on material suitability and performance.
• Oversee the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct investigations into material failures or non-conformance issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide expert technical guidance on the selection, use, and performance of construction materials (e.g., concrete, asphalt, steel, soil).
• Manage project timelines and resources related to materials engineering services.
• Mentor and train junior engineers and technicians in materials testing procedures and standards.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and project managers to address material-related queries and challenges.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African National Standards (SANS) and international standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in materials engineering, with a focus on construction materials and testing.
• In-depth knowledge of concrete technology, asphalt technology, soil mechanics, and steel structures.
• Proven experience in managing laboratory operations and leading technical teams.
• Proficiency in relevant materials testing standards and procedures.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients and project teams.
• Experience in the Mpumalanga region is advantageous.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and professional integrity.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead materials engineering for significant projects in Nelspruit.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Support for ongoing professional development and continuous learning.
• A collaborative and technologically advanced work environment.
• Chance to contribute to infrastructure development in the Mpumalanga province.