Metallurgist (Physical) - 3 year fixed term contract

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The metallurgist works within the eNtsa Testing Laboratory and provides metallurgical consultation, product testing and technical instigation support to internal and external clients.

eNtsa is an engagement and research entity of Nelson Mandela University, supporting over 150 industry partners per annum from sectors such as Automotive, Petrochemical, power generation and the wider manufacturing field. eNtsa hosts funded programmes to enhance the effectiveness, innovation and localisation of engineering and manufacturing within South Africa. eNtsa is actively involved in both industrial R&D and academic post-graduate research. The metallurgist position is required to support all of the functions above. The scope of work frequently changes and requires an appetite to work in varied fields and problem areas. The metallurgist will work within a multi-disciplinary team of group specialists for materials, engineers, analytical chemists and metallurgical technicians.

The incumbent will advise the group concerning the material behaviour of metals and alloys. The job's core purpose is to test, investigate, analyse and interpret results from which professional technical reports are compiled explaining the behaviour/performance of materials, components or assemblies.

Responsibilities include project and team management. The metallurgist is responsible for scoping, scheduling, performing, directing and monitoring work according to international standards, industry standards or bespoke requests. The incumbent is also responsible for maintaining systems and procedures to ensure compliance with ISO 17025 for the SANAS accreditation of the laboratory.

The metallurgist interacts with clients on a daily basis, generating quotations and technical reports. Strong professional communication is required, and there is a need to express professional opinions with regard to observations and results or present formal/informal training, e.g. behaviour of materials, components/weldments under stress, temperature, corrosion and/or environmental conditions. Other forms of work relate to research and development, manufacturing processes, quality assurance

/ material conformance and management of lab inventory, equipment and staff. Occasional site evaluations, events and domestic travel may be required.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Project management and professional communication:
  • Consult with customers on enquiries in the metallurgical and component testing fields
    • Communicate with prospective and existing customers on the technical capabilities and eNtsa support programme requirements (when applicable)
• Develop proposals and project budgets/quotations
• Plan and co-ordinate projects using sound project management principles
• Business development through new and existing industry contacts
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (English)
• Strong technical report writing skills (English)
• Diligently record evidence for programme auditing according to standard requirements.
• Physical Metallurgy:
  • Conduct in-depth studies on mechanical properties and behaviours of metals and alloy components.
    • Collaborate with internal and external engineering teams to apply physical metallurgy principles in product development and manufacturing. e.g. heat treatment, welding procedures, etc.
    • Failure Investigations:
      • Lead comprehensive failure analysis investigations to determine root causes of material and engineering failures.
      • Prepare detailed reports with findings and recommendations for corrective actions.
        • Consult on preventive measures and improvements based on investigation outcomes to enhance product reliability.
        • Material and Process Analysis:
          • Perform advanced material characterisation and analysis using microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing techniques.