Senior Research Scientist - Composites

GE Aerospace•Elgin Township, IL

8d•$100,000 - $205,000•Onsite

About The Position

GE Aerospace is pioneering the use of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) in commercial and military aerospace applications. As a Senior Research Scientist in the Composites organization at the GE Aerospace Research Center, you will advance CMC materials and processes for GE Aerospace products. The work focuses on developing fiber-reinforced CMCs designed to perform in extreme environments. The role includes fundamental and applied research, development and optimization of CMC material systems and manufacturing processes, investigation of degradation mechanisms, and technical support for existing product lines. The scientist collaborates with internal product teams, global R&D sites, supply chain and manufacturing teams, and external material developers. The role also includes mentoring researchers, preparing research proposals, contributing to intellectual property, and communicating research results. The position is based on-site at GE Aerospace’s Niskayuna, New York location and may involve government-funded programs. Access to U.S. export-controlled information requires the employee to meet the stated U.S. Person status criteria. The position offers a base pay range of $100,000–$205,000 annually and is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. Relocation assistance is provided. The posting is expected to close December 30, 2026.

Requirements

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or a related discipline with at least 7 years of experience, or an MS with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
Experience developing and processing continuous fiber-reinforced CMC material systems, including understanding the effects of architecture, interfaces, matrix, and processing on mechanical performance.
Hands-on experience with material processing and optimization, and applying process–structure–property relationships to improve performance or manufacturability.
Proficiency in materials characterization methods and ability to relate results to material behavior, processing history, and performance.
Working knowledge of degradation and failure mechanisms in high-temperature ceramic or composite systems, and ability to apply this knowledge to material and process design.
Ability to solve complex, multidisciplinary technical problems using fundamental scientific principles and data-driven analysis.
Ability to learn and adapt as research priorities and technologies evolve.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience documenting and presenting technical results.
Legal authorization to work in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is not available for this opening.
Willingness to work on-site at GE Aerospace’s Niskayuna, New York location.
Willingness to work on government-funded programs.
Must be able to prove eligibility as a U.S. Person for access to U.S. export-controlled information: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. citizen, or granted asylee or refugee status.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with continuous fiber-reinforced CMCs, including processing, characterization, and tailoring architecture to mechanical and environmental requirements.
Ability to establish and use process–structure–property–performance relationships to design and optimize CMC materials and processes.
Experience analyzing CMC failure modes and connecting them to material design, architecture, and processing decisions.
Experience leading multidisciplinary research projects or workstreams and coordinating design, manufacturing, and testing.
Track record of intellectual property contributions or external publications in CMCs or advanced ceramic systems.
Ability to mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, learning-focused team.
Expertise in statistical analysis, data analytics, and statistical process control.
Experience in a non-academic research environment focused on applied innovation.
Experience developing long-term strategic roadmaps for advanced technologies.
Experience transferring technology from laboratory to commercialization.

Responsibilities

Lead and conduct fundamental and applied research to advance CMC processes and technologies relevant to GE Aerospace and external funding agencies.
Develop innovative CMC material systems for commercial and military GE Aerospace products.
Develop and optimize laboratory manufacturing processes for new and existing CMCs.
Identify technology trends in advanced CMCs and develop technical roadmaps.
Investigate material degradation mechanisms and develop strategies to improve CMC durability and performance in extreme environments.
Support existing CMC product lines by working with supply chain and manufacturing teams on root cause analysis and robust technical solutions.
Collaborate with internal product teams, global R&D sites, and external material developers to advance CMC technology.
Mentor less experienced researchers.
Prepare and submit research proposals for external funding.
Contribute to intellectual property through invention disclosures and patents.
Communicate findings through presentations, technical reports, and publications.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
Access to a GE Aerospace Health Coach.
Employee Assistance Program with confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services.
GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, including a 401(k) savings plan with company matching and company retirement contributions.
Access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants.
Tuition assistance.
Adoption assistance.
Paid parental leave.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid time off for vacation or illness.
Annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of base salary.
Relocation assistance.