Research Scientist in Polymer Materials Processing and Mechanical Behavior – Krakow, Poland

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Kraków; On-site; PLN 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical care

Life insurance

Fitness programs

Employee Capital Plans (PPK)

WFH equipment allowance

Spectacles allowance

Company events

Psychological support

Free parking

Job summary

Hitachi Energy Poland is seeking a Researcher in Krakow to advance polymer materials processing and mechanical performance for energy technologies.

You will lead projects focusing on processing effects, durability, and life-cycle performance, while collaborating with a global team to deliver manufacturing-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• Master’s or higher degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related fields.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with polymer processing technologies (e.g., molding, curing, extrusion, composite processing).
• Experience with mechanical characterization techniques (tensile, creep, fatigue, DMA).
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on polymer materials processing, mechanical behavior, and applications in energy technologies.
• Investigate how manufacturing processes influence material structure, quality, and performance.
• Develop manufacturing methods for polymer components to improve consistency and durability.
• Collaborate internationally with Hitachi Energy researchers to solve polymer mechanics challenges.

Skills

Polymer materials

Epoxy resins

Thermoplastics

Mechanical testing

CAD/CAE

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Materials Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE

DMA

DSC/TGA

Job description

Location: Krakow, Lesser Poland, Poland Job ID: R0120174 Date Posted: 2026-02-12 Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY POLAND SP. Z O.O.

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No

Job Description:

The opportunity For our research center in Krakow, Poland, we are seeking a Researcher with solid expertise in polymer materials – particularly epoxy resins, thermoplastics, and related composite systems – and their processing, mechanical behavior, and life-cycle performance. 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 the practical application and processing of modern polymer materials, ensuring their reliable and efficient use in existing and future products by developing manufacturing‑ready solutions that deliver consistent mechanical performance and meet durability and life‑cycle requirements. Your work will directly support the development of products and systems used in energy distribution and transmission, ensuring that polymer materials are selected, processed, and applied in ways that maximize mechanical integrity, safety, and long‑term reliability.

How you'll make an impact:

Propose, contribute to, and lead research and development projects focused on polymer materials processing, mechanical behavior, and their application in energy technologies. Investigate how manufacturing processes and parameters (e.g., molding, curing, extrusion, forming, joining) influence material structure, quality, and mechanical performance. Develop and optimize manufacturing methods for polymer components to improve product consistency, robustness, and efficiency. Evaluate durability, mechanical degradation mechanisms, fracture behavior, creep, fatigue, and long‑term aging of polymer materials used in demanding environments. Assess environmental impacts and life‑cycle performance of polymer materials, contributing to sustainability‑oriented material and design decisions. Collaborate globally with researchers and engineers at Hitachi Energy to solve material‑and mechanics‑related challenges and optimize product performance. Stay up to date on polymer technologies, mechanical testing methods, and sustainable solutions, identifying opportunities for industrial application. Engage with universities, research institutes, startups, and technology partners to advance knowledge in polymer mechanics and applications. Communicate research outcomes through technical reports, scientific papers, conferences, and patent applications.

Your background:

Master’s or higher degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related fields. Robust understanding of polymer mechanics, including stress–strain behavior, viscoelasticity, fracture mechanics, fatigue, and failure mechanisms of epoxy resins and thermoplastics. Minimum 2 years of experience with polymer processing technologies (e.g., molding, curing, extrusion, composite processing, additive manufacturing), with a clear understanding of how processing influences mechanical properties. Experience with mechanical characterization techniques, such as tensile testing, compression, impact, DMA, fracture toughness testing, creep, and fatigue testing. Experience with thermal and chemical characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, rheology) supporting the interpretation of mechanical behavior. Knowledge of material aging, environmental degradation, reliability, or life‑cycle assessment is highly valued. Experience with CAD/CAE, mechanical simulation, or modeling of polymer behavior is an advantage. Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams while continually learning new topics. Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

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

Knowledge of power network business, green energy, respective requirements, and industry standards. Understanding of energy system products, power network components, and relevant industry standards. Familiarity with sustainability concepts, circular materials, polymer recycling, or environmental compliance.

More about us:

At Hitachi Energy, we recognize that our people are at the heart of our success. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace, competitive rewards, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. Our benefits package is designed to help employees thrive both at work and in their personal lives.

Our benefits offering for this role generally includes:

• Private medical care and life insurance
• Access to fitness and wellness programs
• Access to benefits platform with discounts and perks
• Employee Capital Plans (PPK)
• Equipment for working from home or allowances for setting up a workplace at home
• Spectacles and contact lenses allowance
• Company events and team‑building activities
• Psychological support program
• Free parking available

Add if applicable: additional benefits may apply depending on the role, grade, and business requirements.

You will receive more specific information during the recruitment process.

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.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

E-mail us for data privacy inquiries or technical support.