Research Engineer

HarbisonWalker International; Oberhausen; Vor Ort; EUR 90.000 - 120.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

HarbisonWalker International seeks a Research Engineer to drive R&D initiatives in steel casting fluxes and related raw materials, bridging laboratory research and plant operations in a global industrial setting.

You will lead lab-scale projects, manage data, collaborate with international teams, and contribute to sustainable solutions and process improvements through advanced analysis and reporting.

Qualifikationen

• PhD or master's in materials/metallurgy with casting flux focus.
• Strong background in steel casting processes and minerals.
• Experience with high-temperature analysis and data interpretation.

Aufgaben

• Define research programs aligned with product objectives.
• Organize and execute laboratory-scale R&D projects.
• Ensure quality, cost effectiveness & timeliness for projects.
• Develop materials and processes for related projects.
• Maintain regular reporting on project progress and outcomes.
• Supervise sample preparation and optimize products based on feedback.
• Monitor patents and scientific publications in the field.
• Consolidate knowledge on steel casting fluxes and raw materials.
• Plan experiments, characterization and analytics.
• Manage, process, and document lab data.
• Prepare technical memos and presentations for stakeholders.
• Use project management tools (e.g., Vantage).
• Organize stage-gate meetings and prioritize projects.
• Collaborate with international R&D and plant teams.
• Prepare papers and conference materials.

Kenntnisse

Materials science

Metallurgy

R&D management

Thermodynamics

Data analysis

Technical writing

German-English communication

Ausbildung

Master's or PhD in Materials Science/Metallurgy

Tools

FactSage

XRD

TG/DTA

High-temperature viscometry

Rietveld refinement

Jobbeschreibung

The Research Engineer will contribute to driving R&D initiatives within a dynamic industrial setting, focusing on the development of new products, services, and basic knowledge of steel casting fluxes (mold powder for continuous casting of steel) and raw materials. The role encompasses applications in continuous casting of steel. This position bridges laboratory research and plant operations, emphasizing sustainable solutions, process efficiencies, and delivering high-quality results for industrial clients worldwide.

1. Project Management

• Define research programs aligned with new product and service objectives.
• Organize and execute laboratory-scale R&D projects.
• Performs tasks/projects and takes the responsibility for assuring quality, cost effectiveness & timeliness for those projects
• Develop materials and processes while supporting related projects.
• Maintain regular reporting on project progress and outcomes.
• Supervise customer sample preparation and optimize products based on feedback.
• Monitor technical advancements in the market, including patents and scientific publications.
• Consolidate fundamental knowledge on steel casting fluxes and associated raw materials.

2. Laboratory Research and Data Management

• Plan research activities, including experiments, characterization, and analytics
• Manage, process, analyze, and document data from lab activities.
• Maximize data collection value from R&D, production, and quality assurance.
• Develop project reviews, technical reports, and presentations with clarity and precision.
• Document knowledge and findings in technical memos and share them with stakeholders.
• Utilize project management tools (e.g., Vantage) for deliverables and resource planning.
• Organize stage-gate meetings and prioritize multiple projects.

3. External Collaboration and Scientific Contributions

• Prepare papers, proposals, and presentations for conferences, congresses, and seminars.
• Build external collaborations and networks to share and extend expertise.
• Address intellectual property topics, support evaluations, and assist in patent filings.

Requirements

• PhD or master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mineralogy, or a related engineering discipline, preferably with a focus on casting fluxes (mold powders), glass chemistry, and/or interactions between slag and liquid steel.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in R&D, project management, or product development, ideally within or for a steel plant environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of continuous steel casting processes, mineralogy, and ceramic raw materials for casting fluxes, including their melting and solidification mechanisms under high-temperature conditions.
• Strong expertise in thermodynamics and reaction kinetics, with proficiency in thermodynamic calculation tools (e.g., FactSage®).
• Hands-on experience with advanced analytical techniques, such as high-temperature viscometry, hot-stage microscopy, TG/DTA, XRD, and Rietveld refinement.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with demonstrated experience in data analysis and interpretation.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, including the ability to clearly summarize research outcomes and present results during stage-gate or project review meetings.
• Motivated, adaptable, and innovative, with a proactive approach to challenges and a strong drive for continuous improvement.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively in an international environment and partner across R&D and plant operations.
• Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken.