Senior R&D Engineer - Advanced Materials

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Life insurance

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, South Africa, seeks a Senior R&D Engineer to drive the development of advanced materials, focusing on polymers, composites, and coatings from lab to pilot scale.

You will lead experiments, collaborate with product development and manufacturing, and mentor junior staff. A PhD or MSc in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering with ≥5 years’ R&D experience is required; a hybrid work model is offered.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience in materials R&D.
• Proven experience in synthesis and characterization of polymers, composites, or coatings.
• Proficiency with a range of materials characterization techniques.
• Strong understanding of structure–property relationships in materials.
• Experience with scale-up processes and technology transfer is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new advanced materials, including polymers, composites, and functional coatings.
• Design and execute experimental plans for material synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, TGA) to characterize material structure and properties.
• Optimize material formulations and processing parameters for improved performance and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with product design and manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in the R&D team.

Skills

Materials synthesis

Experiment design

Characterization methods

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical reporting

Education

PhD or MSc in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative materials science company located in East London , is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to drive the development of novel advanced materials for industrial applications. This role will involve conceptualizing, synthesizing, and testing new materials, focusing on polymers, composites, and coatings with enhanced properties. You will lead research projects from the laboratory bench through to pilot scale, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including product development and manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, extensive hands-on laboratory experience, and a passion for innovation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the creation of next-generation materials and work within a dynamic, forward-thinking organization. The role offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new advanced materials, including polymers, composites, and functional coatings.
• Design and execute experimental plans for material synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, TGA) to characterize material structure and properties.
• Optimize material formulations and processing parameters for improved performance and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with product design and manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in the R&D team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience in materials R&D.
• Proven experience in the synthesis and characterization of polymers, composites, or coatings.
• Proficiency with a range of materials characterization techniques.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in materials.
• Experience with scale-up processes and technology transfer is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement savings, and life insurance. We provide excellent opportunities for professional growth, ongoing training, and attendance at relevant industry conferences. The hybrid work model allows for a balance between on-site laboratory work in East London and remote flexibility. Join a leading materials innovation company and shape the future of advanced materials.