Senior Research Engineer - Materials Science

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging seeks a Senior Research Engineer in Materials Science to lead experimental programs, analyze material properties, and drive development of next-generation materials for diverse applications.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master's in a related field with 7+ years of hands-on R&D experience in synthesis, processing, and characterization (SEM/TEM, XPS/EDS). Excellent communication and leadership abilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Materials Science or related engineering field.
• 7+ years of experience in materials R&D with strong experimental focus.
• Expertise in materials synthesis, processing, and characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments related to synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Utilize microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing to evaluate material performance (SEM, TEM, XPS, EDS).
• Develop new material formulations and processing methods to meet performance requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to integrate new materials into product designs.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to IP development through patent filings and publications.

Skills

Lead technical projects

Research expertise

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science

Master's degree in Materials Science

Tools

SEM

TEM

XPS

EDS

Additive manufacturing

Thin film deposition

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Engineer with expertise in Materials Science to join their dedicated R&D team in Vereeniging . This role is crucial for driving innovation in the development and characterization of novel materials. You will lead experimental programs, analyze material properties, and contribute to the design and synthesis of next-generation materials for various applications. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineer with a strong theoretical understanding and a passion for pushing the boundaries of material innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments related to the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Utilize a range of characterization techniques, including microscopy (SEM, TEM), spectroscopy (XPS, EDS), and mechanical testing, to evaluate material performance.
• Develop new material formulations and processing methods to meet specific performance requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists across different disciplines to integrate new materials into product designs.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, document experimental procedures, and present findings to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through patent filings and publications in the field of Materials Science.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in materials research and development, with a strong focus on experimental work.
• Proven expertise in materials synthesis, processing (e.g., additive manufacturing, thin film deposition), and characterization techniques.
• Strong understanding of material properties (mechanical, electrical, thermal) and structure-property relationships.
• Experience with computational materials modeling or simulation software is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, and the capacity to lead technical projects in Vereeniging.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including workshops and conference attendance.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• A collaborative and innovative research environment dedicated to advancing Materials Science.