Senior Materials Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Materials Engineer to drive R&D and application of advanced materials. You will lead development, testing, and analysis across polymers, composites, and metals, mentoring a team of engineers.

The role emphasizes collaboration with design and manufacturing to optimize processing, ensure quality, and advance material performance in next-generation products.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in materials engineering with advanced materials development and characterization.
• Extensive knowledge of material properties, failure analysis, and processing techniques.
• Proficiency with materials characterization equipment (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, mechanical testers).
• Experience with statistical analysis and DOE for material optimization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on material performance.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills; ability to interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and characterization of advanced materials (polymers, composites, metals).
• Analyze material properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical) using various tests.
• Oversee material selection for new product development and environments.
• Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing to optimize processing and ensure quality.
• Investigate material failures and develop solutions to improve reliability.
• Manage material testing laboratories, equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Develop and maintain material databases and specifications.
• Stay abreast of advancements in materials science and engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in material science principles and testing.

Skills

Materials Science

Metallurgy

Chemical Engineering

SEM

TEM

XRD

DSC

DOE

Manufacturing processes

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science

in Metallurgy

in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

DSC

Mechanical testers

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the advanced materials sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Materials Engineer to join their innovative team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role is crucial for driving research, development, and application of novel materials in next-generation products. You will leverage your deep expertise in material science, processing, and characterization to solve complex engineering challenges and enhance product performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proven ability to lead material development projects. You will collaborate closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure material compatibility and optimal performance across various applications. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge material solutions and shape the future of product innovation within a supportive and forward-thinking organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and characterization of advanced materials, including polymers, composites, and metals.
• Analyze material properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical) using a variety of testing techniques and instrumentation.
• Oversee material selection processes for new product development, ensuring suitability for intended applications and operating environments.
• Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams to optimize material processing techniques and ensure quality control.
• Investigate material failures and develop solutions to improve reliability and performance.
• Manage material testing laboratories, including equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive material databases and specifications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and engineering, and their potential applications.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in material science principles and testing methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in materials engineering, with a focus on advanced materials development and characterization.
• Extensive knowledge of material properties, failure analysis, and processing techniques.
• Proficiency with materials characterization equipment (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, mechanical testers).
• Experience with statistical analysis and design of experiments (DOE) for material optimization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on material performance.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor team members.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental benefits, retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. Employees have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and opportunities for continuous professional development, including attending industry conferences and workshops. This role provides a chance to make a significant impact in material innovation and advance your career in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. Join a company committed to excellence, sustainability, and fostering a rewarding work environment for its employees.