Research Engineer

**Job Description Summary****

As a Research Engineer with expertise on Tribology & Fretting in the Mechanics and Design Organization, you will focus on advancing the understanding of surface interactions, wear mechanisms, and material behavior under fretting conditions. This role involves conducting experimental research, developing predictive models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve product performance and reliability of aerospace applications.

Roles overview:

• Conduct experimental studies on tribological systems, including wear, friction, lubrication, and fretting fatigue.
• Develop and validate predictive models for tribological and fretting behavior in various materials and coatings.
• Analyze surface interactions using advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD, profilometry, etc.).
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing teams to optimize components for improved durability and performance.
• Investigate failure mechanisms and propose solutions to mitigate wear and fretting issues in aerospace applications.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Stay updated on advancements in tribology and fretting research, and apply innovative approaches to solve engineering challenges.
• Work collaboratively in the design, analysis, and optimization of machinery components and systems under complex thermal, mechanical, and/or aero loads
• Provide leadership while working with technical team, support functions and/or external suppliers to meet project deliverables.
• Proactively identify technical challenges and help mitigate same through technical expertise to help meet project timelines and objectives.
• Collaborate and develop internal and external project proposals and initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance and significantly contribute to grow overall technical capability and product knowledge in technical focus areas.
• Foster a multidisciplinary and inclusive team environment.

Ideal Candidate:

Should have experience in component/ system design and/or analysis using Tribology & fretting expertise

Required Qualifications:

• Masters or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with a focus on Tribology or Fretting.
• At least 5 years of experience in component/ system design and/or analysis projects using Tribology & fretting expertise in the power generation, propulsion, automotive or oil and gas sectors.
• Strong knowledge of tribological principles, surface engineering, and material science.
• Experience with experimental setups and analytical tools for tribology and fretting studies.
• Proficiency in computational modeling tools (e.g., FEA) for simulating tribological systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Strong communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Execution mindset and sense of urgency.
• Ability to work across all functions/levels as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a global team environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with coatings and surface treatments to enhance wear resistance.
• Experience with the design, analysis, and optimization of machinery components (e.g., shafts, bearings, dampers, couplings, seals, gears, etc.) including conceptual design, detailed design, testing, validation, and product implementation.
• Experience with structural strength analysis, applications of structural mechanics in product design under complex loading
• Proficiency in simulation software (e.g ANSYS) & 3D modelling packages (e.g NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo)
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and expand the state of art in areas of tribology & fretting area
• Humble: respectful, receptive, agile, eager to learn
• Transparent: shares critical information, speaks with candor, contributes constructively
• Focused: quick learner, strategically prioritizes work, committed
• Leadership ability: strong communicator, decision-maker, collaborative
• Problem solver: analytical-minded, challenges existing processes, critical thinker.