Senior Engineer: Naval Corrosion

About the Job

Armscor is looking for a Senior Engineer: Naval Corrosion to provide specialist corrosion engineering expertise through the research, development, testing, and implementation of corrosion protection technologies, ensuring the reliability, availability, and lifecycle sustainability of naval platforms and maritime systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

CRITICAL PERFORMANCE AREA

The incumbent will be responsible to perform the following functions but not limited to;

Corrosion Engineering Research, Development and Innovation

• Lead research and development initiatives focused on naval corrosion prevention and control technologies.

• Develop next-generation corrosion-resistant materials, alloys, coatings, and surface treatment solutions for maritime applications.

• Investigate corrosion mechanisms affecting naval vessels, offshore structures, and marine systems.

• Advance innovative and environmentally sustainable corrosion mitigation technologies for operational deployment.

• Translate scientific research outcomes into practical engineering solutions that enhance fleet capability and operational readiness.

• Support the transition of laboratory-developed technologies into production and operational environments.

Corrosion Testing, Evaluation and Scientific Analysis

• Design and execute laboratory and field-based corrosion testing programmes.

• Simulate long-term marine exposure conditions through accelerated corrosion and environmental testing.

• Conduct electrochemical analysis and interpret degradation behaviour of materials and protective systems.

• Evaluate the impact of biofouling, microbiologically influenced corrosion, and marine environmental factors on naval assets.

• Analyse corrosion data and identify trends, risks, and performance improvement opportunities.

• Provide scientifically validated recommendations for material selection, coatings, and corrosion management strategies.

Naval Systems Support and Technical Advisory Services

• Educate the South African Navy (the client) personnel on corrosion prevention practises.

• Provide specialist corrosion engineering advice to clients, acquisition programmes, and naval projects.

• Translate client requirements into technically feasible and cost-effective corrosion protection solutions.

• Support the acquisition, maintenance, and sustainment of naval systems through specialist engineering input.

• Assess corrosion-related risks and provide mitigation strategies throughout the system lifecycle.

• Contribute specialist expertise to design reviews, engineering investigations, and technical evaluations.

• Support decision-making through evidence-based technical recommendations and risk assessments.

Predictive Modelling, Asset Integrity and Lifecycle Management

• Develop predictive models and analytical tools to forecast corrosion degradation and structural failure risks.

• Apply data-driven approaches to evaluate asset integrity and remaining useful life of naval structures.

• Support the development of predictive maintenance strategies that optimize operational availability and reduce lifecycle costs.

• Analyze environmental and operational factors affecting material performance and durability.

• Contribute to fleet sustainment strategies through advanced condition monitoring and performance assessment methodologies.

Stakeholder Engagement, Support and Capability Development

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with clients, industry partners, academia, and research institutions.

• Monitor emerging technologies, materials, and international best practices in corrosion engineering and maritime protection systems.

• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, test reports, and engineering recommendations.

• Present research findings and technical solutions to clients, stakeholders, and governance structures.

• Contribute to organisational knowledge development and engineering capability enhancement initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE & FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of corrosion science, electrochemistry, and material degradation mechanisms.

• Knowledge of corrosion prevention, monitoring, inspection, and mitigation technologies.

• Expertise in marine corrosion, biofouling, microbiologically influenced corrosion, and environmental degradation processes.

• Knowledge of metallic materials, coatings, polymers, composites, and corrosion-resistant alloys used in maritime environments.

• Proficiency in electrochemical testing techniques, corrosion modelling, and materials characterisation methods.

• Knowledge of naval platform structures, marine systems, and asset integrity management principles.

• Understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle management within complex engineering environments.

• Strong technical analysis, problem-solving, and scientific investigation capability.

• Knowledge of engineering standards, material specifications, and corrosion management frameworks.

• Ability to develop predictive maintenance models and data-driven engineering solutions.

• Competence in technical report writing, scientific communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Desired Experience & Qualification

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Grade 12

• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Engineering, Corrosion Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

Added Advantage

• Honours Degree or Master's Degree in Corrosion Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Marine Engineering, or related field.

• ECSA registration

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 7 years' relevant experience in corrosion engineering, materials engineering, marine engineering, or a related technical field.

• Proven experience in corrosion assessment, mitigation, and protection of marine or industrial systems.

• Demonstrated experience in laboratory testing, electrochemical analysis, and materials performance evaluation.

• Experience in the development and testing of coatings, corrosion-resistant materials, and protective technologies.

• Experience conducting technical investigations and root-cause analyses relating to material degradation and corrosion failures.

• Experience translating research outcomes into practical engineering applications and operational solutions.

• Experience interacting with clients and providing specialist engineering advisory services.

• Experience in project execution, technical reporting, and multidisciplinary engineering environments.

• Exposure to naval, maritime, defence, offshore, petrochemical, or heavy industrial environments will be highly advantageous.

Interested?

Short-listed candidates will be subjected to reference checking, verification of personal data and security clearance as part of the selection process.  In line with Armscor’s commitment to compliance with the Employment Equity Act, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.  People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.