Scientist (f/m/d) Research Lead for Wire-Based Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)

As Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we are dedicated to make substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitalisation. To achieve our goals, we rely on our specific research, development and technology competencies, which are the basis of our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria's leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.

Our subsidiary, the LKR Light Metals Technologies Ranshofen, draws on many years of experience in the production and processing of aluminum, magnesium, and titanium components and is a leader in the further development of additive manufacturing processes, particularly wire-based additive manufacturing — a key technology of the future for industry. We are the primary point of contact for industrial partners from the automotive, aerospace, space, and rail vehicle sectors across the EU.

To further expand our expertise and adapt innovative welding processes to ensure that the materials used perform optimally and are suitable for specialised applications, we are looking for a new team member at our location in Ranshofen. A core focus of this role is the investigation of innovative welding wire types in combination with adapted and sensor-supported process variants. As a Scientist, you will:

• Conduct research and process investigations in the field of wire-based additive manufacturing of light metal components using arc or plasma-based welding processes (Directed Energy Deposition arc wire, DED-arc-wire) for novel and improved applications.
• Design and acquire new research projects (national / international) in the area of wire-based additive manufacturing and related or corresponding technological topics across various industrial sectors.
• Manage national and international cooperation projects (both technical and commercial) and collaborate with project partners from small, medium, and large-scale industries.
• Independently plan, carry out, and evaluate experiments, prepare scientific analyses of results, and compile them for documentation and presentation purposes.
• Support the acquisition of additional projects with your expertise and know-how.
• Publish your research results, either as part of a team or as first author, in scientific journals and participate in conferences.
• Supervise interns, master’s, and PhD students.
• Leverage your network and offer your perspectives on key challenges to ongoing projects.
• Develop into a national and international expert and help position your field at the forefront of international research.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• You hold a PhD in mechanical engineering, joining technology, welding technology, materials science, or a related field
• Experience in the management (technical and commercial), acquisition, and submission of research and development projects
• Expertise in developing test plans for process and material investigations using DoE or similar methods
• Expereince in welding technology (IWE, IWT) for light metals (e.g. aluminum, magnesium, titanium) and/or higher-density metals (e.g. steel, nickel-based alloys)
• Experience in robot operation and programming (ABB, KUKA, etc.) as well as in the use of CAD or CAM systems for path planning in wire arc additive manufacturing (WAM) is an advantage
• Programming skills (C++, Python, PLC, or similar) are a plus
• Self-reliant and structured approach to work, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills
• You have a passion for research and enthusiasm for unconventional solutions, creativity, and possess visionary thinking
• Excellent spoken and written English skills are required; good German skills (spoken and written) are a strong advantage

What to expect:

The minimum gross annual salary according to the collective agreement is EUR 59.934,--. The actual salary will be determined individually, based on your qualifications and experience. In addition, we offer company benefits, flexible working conditions, individual training and career opportunities.

At AIT diversity and inclusion are of great importance. This is why we strive to inspire women to join our teams in the field of technology. We welcome applications from women, who will be given preference in case of equal qualifications after taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances of all applications.

Please make sure to submit your complete application documents consisting of your CV, cover letter and certificates online.