Coating Materials and Process Engineer

GE Vernova • Greenville, NC

11h • $80,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Materials and Processes Engineering (MPE) team develops and evaluates the alloys and material processing for components used in gas turbines, steam turbines, and generators. There are four subsections within MPE: Coatings, Material Behaviors & Informatics, Hot Gas Path & Combustion, Forgings & Structures. The role will focus on coating materials and various deposition techniques as they apply to different gas turbine components for protection from harsh thermal environments, oxidation, corrosion and wear. The MPE Coatings Engineer will lead and support material and process development, product qualifications, cost reduction initiatives, and material analysis requests to further gas turbine materials technology and quality. The role will present opportunities to support projects on coating materials and deposition process development, coating properties and performance testing, coating fielded hardware analysis and coating component qualifications at the GE Vernova Greenville Shop and GE Vernova vendors. Coatings materials supported such as thermal barrier coatings (TBC), metallic bond coats for TBC applications, hard-face and dry film lubricant (DFL) wear coatings, chromate and silicate air cured corrosion coatings, electrolytic and electroless plating. Further related processes such as vacuum and air heat treatments, chemical/acid coating removal, water-jet coating removal and drill-through-coating for applications in advanced gas turbines.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering Materials, Metallurgical, Mechanical, or related discipline with a minimum of 1 year of experience or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Materials, Metallurgical, Mechanical, or related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of experience
• Knowledge of coating deposition processes such as: diffusion coatings, high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF), air plasma spray (APS), vacuum plasma spray (VPS), dry film lubricants (DFLs), and plating processes.
• Ability to access and handle US Export Controlled information

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of materials fundamentals (thermodynamics, phase diagrams, kinetics, mechanical behavior)
• Familiarity with characterization techniques (SEM, optical microscopy, XRD, mechanical testing)
• Understanding of metallography and microstructural analysis
• Knowledge of nickel or steel alloys and their strengthening / deformation mechanisms
• Knowledge of thermal barrier coatings, oxidation coatings, and wear coatings
• Familiarity with mechanical testing such as tensile, fatigue, and creep
• Data analysis capabilities (Excel, statistical software, potentially Python/MATLAB
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion
• Effective at working independently on complex tasks and managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a high performance, cross-functional team to drive impactful results
• Strong people skills to work with team members and support tasks

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze manufacturing processes (casting, forging, welding, heat treatment, coatings)
• Perform quality control inspections and non-destructive testing evaluations
• Assist with root cause analysis of material-related failures or defects
• Document test results, prepare technical reports, and maintain test records
• Support new materials qualification programs
• Participate in process development and optimization projects
• Help implement cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality standards
• Conduct materials testing and characterization (mechanical properties, microstructure analysis, failure analysis)
• Support materials selection for power generation components (blades, vanes, combustors, casings)
• Research and evaluate new materials, coatings, or processing techniques
• Work with design engineers on material specifications and requirements
• Interface with suppliers on material certifications and quality issues
• Support manufacturing teams with troubleshooting and process improvements

Benefits

• GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services.
• Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants.
• Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
• GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs
• GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion.
• No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees