Senior Nanotechnology Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health coverage

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Conference participation

Cleanroom access

Training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Nanotechnology Engineer for our R&D facility in Nelspruit. You will lead projects on novel nanomaterials and devices, applying fabrication, characterization, and modeling to advance electronics, medical, and energy applications.

The role demands a PhD and 6+ years of hands-on nanotech experience, with strong skills in nanofabrication, SEM/TEM/AFM, and cleanroom work. Mobility and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field is required.
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on nanotechnology R&D experience.
• Proven expertise in nanofabrication techniques and processes.
• Extensive experience with advanced microscopy and surface analysis techniques.
• Strong theoretical foundation in quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, or surface chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects in nanotechnology, focusing on material synthesis and device fabrication.
• Design and run experiments for creation and characterization of nanomaterials (nanoparticles, nanowires, 2D materials).
• Use lithography, etching and deposition methods for nanofabrication.
• Analyze nanoscale structures using SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, XPS.
• Develop models to understand nanoscale phenomena and guide experiments.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate nanomaterials into functional systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize fabrication processes and setups.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians; provide technical guidance.
• Stay updated with advancements in nanotechnology and related fields.
• Contribute to publications, patents, and technical reports.

Skills

Nanofabrication

Advanced microscopy

Theoretical modeling

Quantum mechanics

Education

PhD in Nanotechnology

Tools

COMSOL

Lumerical

Job description

About the Role Our client is a trailblazer in advanced materials and nanotechnology, developing groundbreaking solutions for the electronics, medical, and energy sectors. We are seeking a highly innovative Senior Nanotechnology Engineer to join our cutting‑edge R&D facility in Nelspruit . This role requires a deep understanding of nanoscale materials and their applications, with a focus on designing, fabricating, and characterizing novel nanomaterials and nanodevices. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what's possible at the nanoscale, translating laboratory discoveries into tangible products. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with nanofabrication techniques, advanced characterization methods (SEM, TEM, AFM), and a strong grasp of the physics and chemistry governing nanoscale phenomena. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, contributing to projects that have a significant societal impact. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead key initiatives in a rapidly evolving field and contribute to the development of next‑generation technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects in nanotechnology, focusing on new material synthesis and device fabrication.
• Design and execute experiments for the creation and characterization of nanomaterials (e.g., nanoparticles, nanowires, 2D materials).
• Utilize advanced nanofabrication techniques, including lithography, etching, and deposition methods.
• Employ a range of characterization tools (SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, XPS) to analyze nanoscale structures and properties.
• Develop theoretical models to understand and predict nanoscale phenomena.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate nanomaterials and devices into functional systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize fabrication processes and experimental setups.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and training.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in nanotechnology and related scientific fields.
• Contribute to publications, patent applications, and technical reports.

Requirements

• PhD in Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in nanotechnology research and development.
• Proven expertise in nanofabrication techniques and processes.
• Extensive experience with advanced microscopy and surface analysis techniques.
• Strong theoretical foundation in quantum mechanics, solid‑state physics, or surface chemistry.
• Proficiency in simulation software relevant to nanotechnology (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical) is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and presentations.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.
• Experience in cleanroom environments is essential.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and attending leading conferences.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art cleanroom facilities and advanced equipment.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Innovative and collaborative research environment.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Patenting and publication recognition.