Research Scientist in Advanced Material Characterization, Application and Modeling – Krakow, Poland

Hitachi; Kraków; On-site; PLN 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy Poland in Krakow, Poland is seeking a Research Scientist in Advanced Material Characterization, Application and Modeling to join a multidisciplinary team focused on high-voltage materials and energy technologies.

You will design and apply advanced experimental methods, develop data-driven models, and translate results into reliable material data for engineering applications. Fluency in English and a PhD or Master’s in a related field are preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a related field.
• Experience with material characterization and industrial/product development.
• Knowledge of characterization methods (mechanical/thermal/electrical).
• Experience with numerical modeling (FEM) and material behavior modeling.
• English fluency.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on advanced material characterization and modeling.
• Design novel experimental methods for real components.
• Identify key material properties for engineering applications.
• Translate results into numerical models (e.g., FEM) and parameter identification.
• Support simulation-driven product development with material data.
• Collaborate with product teams to apply materials in products.
• Drive knowledge transfer and internal expertise.
• Stay up to date on characterization techniques and AI/ML methods.
• Publish reports, attend conferences, and pursue patent activities.
• Engage with external partners and research institutes.

Skills

Material characterization

English fluency

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

FEM modeling

Multi-physics

Non-destructive testing

Research leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s or PhD in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics

Tools

FEM software

AI/ML tools

Job description

Location:

Krakow, Lesser Poland, Poland

Job ID:

R0138851

Date Posted:

2026-08-03

Company Name:

HITACHI ENERGY POLAND SP. Z O.O.

Profession (Job Category):

Engineering & Science

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description

At Hitachi Energy, we aim to advance a sustainable energy future for all. We bring power to homes, schools, hospitals, and factories. Join us and work with fantastic people while learning and developing yourself on projects that impact our communities and society. Bring your passion and energy, and be part of a global team that appreciates a simple truth: Diversity + Collaboration = Great Innovation.

Innovation is at the heart of Hitachi Energy. Join us at Hitachi Energy Research if you have outstanding scientific or technical expertise, drive, and passion. Through your research projects, you will become part of the company-wide community that will shape and help you develop your career as a technical or managerial leader. Prior knowledge about power systems is welcome, but it is not a requirement.

Research Scientist in Advanced Material Characterization, Application and Modeling - Krakow, Poland

For our research center in Krakow, Poland, we are looking for a Researcher with strong expertise in advanced material characterization, application, and data-driven modeling of complex material systems.

You will join a dynamic, motivated, and interdisciplinary team with broad experience across materials science, mechanics, and energy technologies.

As part of our team, you will focus on developing and applying advanced, often non-standard, experimental methods to characterize materials used in high-voltage and energy applications, and on translating these insights into predictive numerical models for real engineering applications.

Your work will directly support the development of more reliable and efficient products by enabling accurate material data generation, improving simulation capabilities, and strengthening our internal expertise in material behavior, qualification, and industrial application.

Your Responsibilities

• Propose, contribute to, and lead research and development projects focused on advanced material characterization, application, and modeling.
• Design and implement novel experimental methods, including non-destructive testing approaches, to assess material behavior in real components under realistic operating conditions.
• Identify and quantify key material properties required for engineering applications, including complex, multi-physics behavior.
• Translate experimental results into practical engineering input by integrating them into numerical modeling workflows (e.g., FEM-based material models, parameter identification, and model validation).
• Support simulation-driven product development by providing reliable, application-relevant material data and models.
• Collaborate closely with product development teams to ensure effective application of advanced materials in real products and industrial environments.
• Drive knowledge transfer and build internal expertise in material characterization, qualification, and application processes.
• Stay up to date on emerging characterization techniques, industrial testing approaches, digital tools, and AI/ML methods for material modeling and prediction.
• Promote your work through technical reports, publications, conferences, and patent activities.
• Engage with external partners, including universities, research institutes, and industry collaborators.

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in material characterization and its practical application in industrial or product development environments.
• Strong understanding of material characterization methods (mechanical, thermal, electrical, or multi-physics), including non-standard or customized testing approaches.
• Hands-on experience with experimental techniques and data analysis for complex material systems.
• Experience in extracting and applying material properties for engineering and product applications.
• Experience with numerical modeling (e.g., FEM) and material behavior modeling, including parameter identification and validation.
• Understanding of coupled multi-physics phenomena (e.g., thermo-mechanical, electro-mechanical, vibroacoustic behavior) is an advantage.
• Programming or data analysis skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and interest in AI/ML methods for material modeling are a plus.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary and international teams while continuously learning new topics.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

In addition, the following skills would be beneficial for the role:

• Experience with non-destructive testing (e.g., ultrasound, thermal imaging, acoustic methods).
• Experience in applying advanced materials in real products or industrial systems.
• Knowledge of high-voltage insulation systems, polymers, or complex material systems used in energy technologies.
• Familiarity with material qualification processes, supplier material evaluation, or introduction of new materials.
• Leadership potential and ambition to grow into managerial and leadership roles.
• Experience collaborating with industrial partners or academic institutions.

Our people have different educational backgrounds, come from various countries, and have different ages and experiences. We value creativity and support self-development and knowledge sharing. Diversity, equality, and inclusion are our principles, and they are essential ingredients to foster an open and collaborative working environment.

Hitachi Energy

is a global technology leader advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve utility, industry, and infrastructure customers with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world's energy system to become more sustainable, flexible, and secure while balancing social, environmental, and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and an unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately 10 billion USD.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Background Screening and Security Checks

As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws.

For certain roles - particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions, additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position.

The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.