Senior Materials Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Hybrid work environment

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Materials Engineer in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role focuses on material selection, development, and characterization for next-generation products in a hybrid work setting with in-office collaboration and remote work.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of material behavior, failure analysis, and processing across metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, with access to state-of-the-art labs and computational tools for R&D

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in materials engineering with product development focus.
• Strong knowledge of material properties, processing, and failure analysis.
• Experience with characterization techniques and standards (ASTM/ISO).
• Ability to work in hybrid teams and communicate complex concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead material selection, development, and qualification for new products.
• Conduct comprehensive material characterization and testing to determine properties.
• Perform failure analysis and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing on novel materials and processing techniques.
• Develop material specifications, standards, and testing protocols.
• Manage material databases and provide technical support to cross-functional teams.
• Stay updated on advancements in materials science and industry trends.

Skills

Materials engineering

Failure analysis

Material characterization

Analytical thinking

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Microscopy

Spectroscopy

Mechanical testing

Thermal analysis

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent player in advanced manufacturing and material science, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Materials Engineer to join their innovative team based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA . This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be at the forefront of material selection, development, and characterization for next-generation products. Your expertise will be crucial in evaluating material properties, identifying potential issues, and driving material-based innovations that enhance product performance and reliability. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of material behavior, failure analysis, and processing techniques across a range of materials, including metals, polymers, and composites. You will collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and R&D teams to translate complex material challenges into practical engineering solutions. This position provides an excellent platform for professional growth within a company renowned for its commitment to technological advancement and employee development. You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and computational tools to support your research and development activities. Our client values a proactive approach to problem-solving and encourages initiative in exploring new material frontiers. The hybrid model allows for dedicated time in our Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA office for team synergy and strategic discussions, alongside productive remote work periods for focused analysis and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead material selection, development, and qualification for new product designs.
• Conduct comprehensive material characterization, testing, and analysis to determine properties and performance limits.
• Perform failure analysis on materials and components to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on the development of novel materials and processing techniques.
• Develop and implement material specifications, standards, and testing protocols.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineers to optimize material utilization and processing parameters.
• Provide technical support and guidance on material-related issues to cross-functional teams.
• Stay current with advancements in materials science, engineering, and relevant industry trends.
• Manage material databases and ensure accurate documentation of material properties and test results.
• Engage in project planning and contribute to technical roadmaps for material innovation.
• Present findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders and potentially external partners.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant quality, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in materials engineering, with a strong focus on product development.
• In-depth knowledge of material properties, behavior, and processing for metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
• Proficiency in material characterization techniques (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical testing, thermal analysis).
• Experience with failure analysis methodologies and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a hybrid team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO) and quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Experience with simulation or modeling tools for materials is advantageous.
• Commitment to a hybrid work model, balancing remote and in-office responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, including conference attendance.
• A dynamic and collaborative hybrid work environment.
• Access to advanced laboratory equipment and research facilities.
• Contribution to innovative projects that shape future technologies.
• Company-provided resources to support remote work effectiveness.