Research Scientist - Ceramist

GE Vernova•Elgin Township, IL

2d•$89,300 - $148,700•Onsite

About The Position

As a Scientist specializing in advanced ceramic materials and coating systems, the successful candidate will contribute to research and development efforts focused on the design, optimization, and qualification of next-generation ceramic coatings, with emphasis on thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems. This role requires strong knowledge of ceramic materials, ceramic chemistry, coating architectures, high-temperature alloy systems, and degradation mechanisms in extreme environments. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of computational and experimental materials science to accelerate coating and alloy development through a combination of modeling, characterization, and laboratory-scale validation.

Requirements

PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with 0 years of experience.
3+ years of experience in advanced ceramics, coatings, high-temperature alloys, computational materials science, or related materials technologies through doctoral research, publications, internships, or other relevant research experience.
Eligibility for a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
U.S. Citizenship.
Willingness to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.

Nice To Haves

Designing and modifying ceramic coating chemistries.
Phase equilibria, thermodynamics, and high-temperature kinetics of ceramic materials.
High-temperature alloy design and behavior, including phase stability, oxidation resistance, creep, diffusion, and environmental degradation.
High-temperature oxidation, corrosion, and environmental degradation mechanisms.
Integrated computational and experimental approaches for advanced materials development, including CALPHAD, computational thermodynamics, materials informatics, machine learning, finite element modeling, or related tools.
Bridging computational predictions with experimental validation to establish composition-process-microstructure-property-performance relationships in advanced materials systems.
Strong background in microstructural characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, EBSD, EDS) and thermal/mechanical property evaluation.
Practical knowledge of safety practices related to experimental design and laboratory operations.
Experience working with coating deposition technologies relevant to turbine components.
Research experience in ceramic coatings, high-temperature materials, thermal barrier coatings, environmental barrier coatings, or related advanced materials systems.
Experience developing next-generation TBC chemistries beyond conventional systems, including strong understanding of thermodynamics, degradation kinetics, phase stability, and diffusion in high-temperature material systems.
Familiarity with computational thermodynamics (CALPHAD), ICME methodologies, materials modeling, or materials informatics tools for materials design and optimization.
Demonstrated research accomplishments through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, patents, collaborative research projects, or other scholarly achievements.
Experience contributing to research proposals, fellowship applications, or externally funded research programs.
Demonstrated ability to independently conduct research and communicate technical findings through publications, presentations, and technical reports.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

Contribute to early-stage research and applied initiatives in advanced ceramic coating systems, including thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and related protective coatings such as abradable, low-friction, wear-resistant, anti-corrosion, and environmental barrier coatings.
Design and optimize coating chemistries, including dopant selection, phase stabilization strategies, and compositional tailoring to enhance thermal stability, sintering resistance, toughness, and resistance to extreme environments.
Develop novel coating compositions for topcoats and bond coat-compatible systems suitable for extreme turbine operating temperatures.
Establish microstructure-property-performance relationships for coating systems under cyclic thermal and mechanical loading.
Evaluate coating degradation mechanisms, including phase transformation, thermally grown oxide (TGO) evolution, sintering behavior, and environmental attack.
Collaborate with process engineers to translate coating chemistry into scalable deposition methods (e.g., APS, SPS, EB-PVD, HVOF, VPS).
Support technology development efforts in collaboration with GE Vernova businesses and research teams to advance future coating technologies and product roadmaps.
Lead high-temperature testing programs, including thermal cycling, burner rig testing, oxidation testing, and environmental durability assessments.
Drive innovation through publications, patents, and proposal development for internally and externally funded programs.
Identify and develop collaborative relationships with academic institutions, national laboratories, industry partners, government agencies, and GE Vernova experts to maximize technical impact.
Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including materials scientists, mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, modelers, and quality specialists.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource
Access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions
Access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants
Tuition assistance
Adoption assistance
Paid parental leave
Disability benefits
Life insurance
12 paid holidays
Permissive time off
Relocation Assistance Provided