📌 OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEWBoardroom Appointments is actively recruiting for a Principal Materials Scientist position in Gauteng. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the Engineering / Technical sector looking to advance their careers.
🎯 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILEWe are seeking talented individuals with the following profile• Experience Level: 5 years • Educational Background: Master or equivalent • Industry Focus: Engineering / Technical • Location Preference: in Gauteng
💼 WHY THIS ROLE MATTERSThis Principal Materials Scientist role is critical in driving technological innovation and infrastructure development. Technical professionals are essential for South Africa's economic growth and digital transformation.
📈 CAREER DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTSThis role in Engineering / Technical offers valuable career progression opportunities aligned with your experience level and professional aspirations.
📋 APPLICATION GUIDANCEWhen applying for this Principal Materials Scientist position, ensure your CV highlights: • Relevant experience matching the 5 years requirement • Educational qualifications in line with Master • Specific achievements in the Engineering / Technical field • Any certifications or specialized training
🌍 SOUTH AFRICA JOB MARKET CONTEXTThe Engineering / Technical sector in South Africa continues to show strong demand for skilled professionals. This position represents a valuable opportunity in the current job market.
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Are you an experienced Materials Scientist or Engineer with a strong background in advanced manufacturing, process optimisation, and materials processing? Our client, a global leader in synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide solutions, is seeking an experienced Principal Materials Scientist to act as the senior technical authority across HPHT manufacturing processes and supporting operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong professional who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, driving process excellence, and applying data-driven methodologies to improve safety, quality, yield, productivity, and cost performance.
Key ResponsibilitiesOwn and optimise the full process lifecycle across HPHT manufacturing processes and supporting operations. Drive improvements in yield, throughput, process stability, process capability, and cost efficiency. Define, implement, and govern process standards, SOPs, engineering controls, operating limits, and control plans. Lead structured problem-solving for complex technical issues using methodologies such as DMAIC, RCA, 8D, FMEA, and SPC. Champion World Class Manufacturing, Lean, and Six Sigma practices through cross-functional improvement initiatives and workshops. Act as a site-wide subject matter expert, coaching engineers, scientists, and operations teams on best practice and process optimisation. Lead process industrialisation, commissioning, scale-up, and process transfer activities aligned with global standards. Collaborate with Production, Quality, Safety, Supply Chain, and Engineering Services to support stable and optimised volume manufacturing. Leverage data analytics, digital manufacturing tools, automation, and process control strategies to improve process insight and control. Lead process safety improvement initiatives, support risk assessments, and promote strong engineering discipline and compliance. Support technology transfer, operational best practice, and continuous improvement across functions and sites. Develop and support data-driven decision-making to improve manufacturing performance.
Minimum Requirements
Master's Degree or PhD in: Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering Minimum 5 years' experience in advanced manufacturing or materials processing environments. Strong experience in process optimisation, scale-up, statistical process control, and industrialisation. Expert knowledge of process engineering, statistical tools, manufacturing science, and materials behaviour. Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with a systematic, data-driven approach.
Technical Expertise
Advanced Manufacturing Materials Processing HPHT Manufacturing Processes Process Optimisation Process Industrialisation Statistical Process Control Process Capability Scale-Up & Commissioning Lean Manufacturing Six Sigma DMAIC, RCA, 8D & FMEA SPC & Process Control Digital Manufacturing Automation Data Analytics Manufacturing Monitoring Systems Process Safety
Key Competencies
Technical Leadership Advanced Problem Solving Analytical & Data-Driven Thinking Process Excellence
Continuous ImprovementManufacturing Science Materials Behaviour Cross-Functional Collaboration Stakeholder Influence Business Case Development Financial & Commercial Acumen Coaching & Mentoring Programme Leadership Ownership & Accountability Innovation Engineering Discipline
What's on Offer
Opportunity to act as a senior technical authority within an advanced manufacturing environment. Work on complex HPHT manufacturing processes and materials technology. Drive improvements across safety, quality, yield, productivity, and cost performance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary technical and operational teams across functions and sites. Lead technology transfer, industrialisation, process optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives. Opportunity to influence manufacturing best practice within a global technology-driven organisation.
How To Apply
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Click the Apply Now button above.
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Attach your Application letter, updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and any supporting documents required.
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Use a professional subject line such as Application for "Indicate Positions"
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Send your application before the closing date.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
