Senior Research Engineer - Materials Science

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

State-of-the-art labs

Professional development

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Engineer in Materials Science to join its advanced research division in Sandton. This hybrid role focuses on developing and characterizing novel materials for cutting-edge applications.

The ideal candidate will combine strong theoretical understanding with extensive hands-on experience in material synthesis, characterization, and data analysis, supporting experimental design and collaborative projects within a flexible hybrid framework.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials-related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on materials R&D experience.
• Strong expertise in synthesis and characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize new materials with specific properties.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols for material fabrication and testing.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (SEM/TEM/XRD/Spectroscopy) for material characterization.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate findings into applications.

Skills

Materials Science

Characterization

Synthesis

Data analysis

Report writing

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Engineer specializing in Materials Science to join their advanced research division in Sandton . This role focuses on developing and characterizing novel materials for cutting-edge applications. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will contribute significantly to experimental design, material synthesis, and performance evaluation, with opportunities for remote data analysis and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical understanding of materials science principles coupled with extensive practical experience. This position offers a stimulating environment to drive innovation, collaborate with a talented team, and make significant contributions to the field of materials engineering within a flexible hybrid framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize new materials with specific properties.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols for material fabrication and testing.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) for material characterization.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate research findings into practical applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in materials research and development.
• Expertise in materials characterization techniques and data interpretation.
• Strong understanding of materials synthesis and processing methods.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and communication skills, crucial for a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Access to state-of-the‑art research laboratories and equipment.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
• Flexible working schedule supporting a hybrid model.