Fusion Materials Scientist

Gauss Fusion GmbH; München; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gauss Fusion GmbH seeks a Fusion Materials Scientist to drive materials research across metals, ceramics, composites, coatings and joining technologies for fusion applications. You will connect design, materials properties, and manufacturing with partners and labs to advance qualification strategies and lifecycle planning.

The role emphasizes planning extensive material characterization, testing under irradiation-relevant conditions, and coordinating with neutronics, safety, and supply-chain

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in materials science, metallurgy, materials engineering, solid-state physics, nuclear engineering or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in materials R&D, development or qualification, preferably in fusion, nuclear, aerospace, energy or a safety-critical industry.
• Strong expertise in at least two material classes or technologies (e.g., steels, ceramics, composites, coatings)
• Hands-on experience with materials characterization and testing (microscopy, chemistry/phase analysis, mechanical testing)

Responsibilities

• Translate plant and component functions, load cases, interfaces, safety requirements and lifetime targets into materials requirements and acceptance criteria
• Lead materials activities across metals, ceramics, composites, coatings, joints, breeder materials and shielding materials
• Define qualification strategies and phased test programmes from screening to mock-ups and components
• Plan and review chemical, microstructural, mechanical and thermophysical characterization, including irradiation-relevant testing
• Assess degradation and failure mechanisms and translate test evidence into design decisions and lifetime assessments
• Provide materials input to mechanical design, manufacturing routes, and licensing-readiness roadmaps
• Define specimen matrices, test protocols, data-quality requirements, uncertainty treatment, traceability
• Develop materials specifications, databases and qualification evidence
• Review supplier and partner deliverables, facilities and quality records
• Coordinate interfaces across research projects and support proposals and technical reports
• Evaluate industrial scale-up, supply-chain resilience, recycling and end-of-life implications
• Work with Quality, Nuclear Safety and Export Control experts on controlled handling and partner premises

Skills

Materials science

Materials testing

Data analysis

Technical writing

Cross-functional teamwork

Project coordination

Experimental planning

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Microscopy

XRD

SEM

Thermophysical testing

Job description

Materials’ performance and qualification are central to the design of a fusion power plant. In-vessel and blanket systems must combine low activation, thermal and mechanical performance, resistance to irradiation and corrosion, tritium control, manufacturability and a credible industrial supply chain. These requirements involve metals, ceramics, composites, coatings, joints and breeder or shielding materials.

GFG is looking for a Fusion Materials Scientist to work across various aspects of material science. The role connects design, Materials properties, Materials Concepts, manufacturing, and supply-chain work, in collaboration with industrial partners, universities and national and international laboratories.

The successful candidate will support Gauss Fusion’s current and planned materials portfolio, including low-activation steels, first-wall and blanket interfaces, SiC-based materials, shielding materials, breeder-material lifecycles and irradiation-relevant qualification. Assignments may include activities along a broad range of Projects, according to active priorities and approved project scopes.

• Translate plant and component functions, load cases, interfaces, safety requirements and lifetime targets into materials requirements and acceptance criteria
• Lead materials activities across metals, ceramics, composites, coatings, joints, breeder materials and shielding materials
• Define qualification strategies and phased test programmes from material screening and coupons to representative mock-ups and components
• Plan and review chemical, microstructural, mechanical and thermophysical characterization, including corrosion and compatibility, permeation, fatigue, thermal cycling, high-heat-flux and irradiation-relevant testing as applicable
• Assess degradation and failure mechanisms and translate test evidence into design decisions, operating limits and lifetime assessments
• Provide materials input to mechanical design, manufacturing routes, joining and coating development, neutronics and activation, tritium management and nuclear-safety activities
• Define specimen matrices, test protocols, data-quality requirements, uncertainty treatment, traceability and technical acceptance criteria
• Develop materials specifications, databases and qualification evidence, and support code-entry and licensing-readiness roadmaps
• Review supplier and partner deliverables, facilities, process genealogy, quality records and non‑destructive examination plans
• Coordinate technical interfaces, deliverables, risks and decisions across research projects and support the preparation of work packages, proposals and technical reports
• Evaluate industrial scale‑up, supply‑chain resilience, recycling and end‑of‑life implications for fusion‑relevant materials
• Work with Quality, Nuclear Safety and Export Control experts where materials, data or technologies require controlled handling, and attend activities at partner and supplier premises.

• A master's degree or PhD in materials science, metallurgy, materials engineering, solid‑state physics, nuclear engineering or a closely related field
• Technical experience:
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in materials research, development or qualification, preferably in fusion, nuclear, aerospace, energy or another safety‑relevant industry
  • Strong expertise in at least two relevant material classes or technologies, such as reduced‑activation or 9Cr steels, stainless steels, tungsten and refractory metals, ceramics or composites, coatings, diffusion barriers, joints, breeder materials or shielding materials
  • Hands‑on experience with materials characterization and testing, such as microscopy, chemical and phase analysis, mechanical testing, fracture or fatigue, thermophysical measurements, corrosion or environmental exposure
  • Experience defining test matrices and qualification evidence under a quality‑management system, with controlled data, specimen and process traceability
  • Sound understanding of material degradation under high temperature, cyclic loads, irradiation, transmutation, corrosion or hydrogen‑isotope exposure; direct fusion experience is preferred but not mandatory
  • Ability to interpret and apply relevant material, pressure‑equipment or nuclear design and qualification standards, for example EN standards, ASTM, ASME BPVC or RCC‑MRx
  • Experience coordinating technical work with research institutes, testing facilities, manufacturers or suppliers and producing reviewable technical documentation
• Strong understanding of process‑structure‑property‑performance relationships and how they affect component design and qualification
• Ability to analyse incomplete or conflicting materials data, quantify uncertainty and make clear, evidence‑based recommendations
• Familiarity with materials databases, statistical analysis or computational materials and lifetime‑modelling tools is an advantage
• Experience working with industrial suppliers and research partners on technical scope, test plans and deliverables
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a practical approach to experimental planning
• Clear technical writing, documentation and presentation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams spanning design, neutronics, manufacturing, quality, safety and commercial functions
• Familiarity with magnetic fusion, fission or other nuclear systems is preferred but not mandatory
• Proficiency in English; the ability to communicate in German and/or French is preferred