Senior Materials Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Hybrid work

Transport aid

Annual leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Materials Engineer for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on material integrity, performance, and durability across industrial applications, with a mix of lab work, site inspections, and material management.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Materials Science (or related field) and 8+ years in industrial materials engineering, with corrosion expertise and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in materials engineering, with focus on industrial applications.

Responsibilities

• Advise on material selection, performance, and failure analysis for industrial equipment in aggressive environments.
• Perform and interpret material testing including mechanical, corrosion, and microstructural analyses.
• Investigate material failures and root causes, and propose corrective actions.
• Develop and implement material specifications, QC procedures, and corrosion prevention.
• Collaborate with design, maintenance, and operations to extend equipment life.
• Stay updated on new materials, technologies, and industry best practices.
• Manage material testing programs and vendor qualifications.
• Contribute to R&D initiatives to improve material performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry codes and safety regulations.

Skills

Material science

Metallurgy

Corrosion engineering

Materials testing

Failure analysis

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Materials Science

PhD in Materials Science / Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the petrochemical and industrial sector, is seeking a distinguished Senior Materials Engineer to join their innovative team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is integral to ensuring the integrity, performance, and longevity of materials used across a wide range of industrial applications. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of material science, metallurgy, and corrosion engineering, with a proven ability to troubleshoot material failures and develop solutions for challenging environments. You will collaborate with various engineering disciplines and operations teams to select, test, and implement appropriate materials, contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of our client's operations. This role offers a blend of laboratory work, site inspections, and strategic material management, operating on a hybrid model.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on material selection, performance, and failure analysis for industrial equipment and infrastructure in aggressive environments.
• Conduct and interpret material testing, including mechanical testing, corrosion testing, and microstructural analysis.
• Investigate material failures and degradation mechanisms, determining root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and implement material specifications, quality control procedures, and corrosion prevention strategies.
• Collaborate with design, maintenance, and operations teams to address material-related challenges and optimize equipment lifespan.
• Stay updated on new materials, technologies, and industry best practices relevant to the petrochemical and heavy industry sectors.
• Manage material testing programs and vendor qualifications.
• Contribute to R&D initiatives focused on enhancing material performance and durability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in materials engineering, with a strong focus on industrial applications, particularly in the petrochemical or heavy manufacturing sectors.
• Comprehensive understanding of metals, alloys, polymers, and composite materials, including their properties and failure modes.
• Proficiency in corrosion engineering principles and techniques.
• Experience with material characterization techniques and failure analysis methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience working in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region or similar industrial area is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., API, ASTM, NACE).

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance-based bonuses.
• This position offers excellent career advancement opportunities within a growing organization and access to continuous professional development resources.
• Employees benefit from a supportive and collaborative work environment focused on innovation and safety.
• The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Additional perks include subsidized transport or accommodation assistance, generous annual leave, and participation in company-wide wellness programs.

This role is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .