Senior Research Scientist - Composites

GE Aerospace; Elgin Township (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance provided

Great benefits and compensation

Job summary

GE Aerospace is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead fundamental and applied research in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) at the GE Aerospace Research Center. You will advance fiber-reinforced CMCs for commercial and military aerospace applications, developing material systems and manufacturing processes for existing and new GE products.

The role involves mentoring junior researchers, securing external funding, and contributing to IP, with on-site work in Niskayuna, NY.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related discipline with minimum 7 years experience, or MS with minimum 10 years relevant experience.
• Experience developing and processing continuous fiber reinforced CMC material systems; understanding architecture, interfaces, matrix, and processing impact on mechanical performance.
• Hands-on experience with material processing and optimization; using process–structure–property relationships to improve performance and manufacturability.
• Proficiency with materials characterization methods and ability to relate results to material behavior, processing history, and performance.
• Working knowledge of degradation and failure mechanisms in high-temperature ceramic or composite systems; apply to guide material and process design.
• Ability to solve complex, multi-disciplinary technical problems by applying fundamental scientific principles and data-driven analysis.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new research areas as priorities and technologies evolve.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; experience documenting and presenting technical results.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct fundamental and applied research to advance processes and technologies for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) relevant to GE Aerospace and external funding agencies.
• Develop innovative CMC material systems tailored to GE Aerospace products, including commercial and military applications.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new and existing CMCs in a laboratory setting.
• Identify technology trends in advanced CMCs and develop technical roadmaps to address them.
• Investigate material degradation mechanisms and develop strategies to enhance durability and performance of CMCs in extreme environments.
• Support existing CMC product lines by partnering with supply chain and manufacturing teams to perform root cause analysis on emergent issues and deploy robust technical solutions.
• Collaborate with GE Aerospace’s internal product teams, global R&D sites, and external material developers to accelerate advancements in CMC technology.
• Mentor less experienced researchers; Prepare and submit research proposals for external funding; Contribute to IP development through invention disclosures and patents.

Skills

CMC research

Material processing

Characterization methods

Degradation & failure analysis

Cross-disciplinary problem solving

Adaptability

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Materials Science & Engineering

MS with 10+ years relevant experience

Tools

Statistical analysis

Data analytics

Job description

Job Description Summary

GE Aerospace is pioneering the use of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) in commercial and military aerospace applications. As a Senior Research Scientist in the Composites organization at the GE Aerospace Research Center, you will play a key role in advancing these materials and processes for cutting-edge GE Aerospace products. Your work will focus on developing fiber-reinforced CMCs engineered to excel in extreme environments, helping shape the future of aerospace technology.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead and conduct fundamental and applied research to advance processes and technologies for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) relevant to GE Aerospace and external funding agencies.

• Develop innovative CMC material systems tailored to a wide range of GE Aerospace products, including commercial and military applications.

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for both new and existing CMCs in a laboratory setting.

• Identify technology trends in advanced CMCs and develop technical roadmaps to address them.

• Investigate material degradation mechanisms and develop strategies to enhance the durability and performance of CMCs in extreme environments.

• Support existing CMC product lines by partnering with supply chain and manufacturing teams to perform root cause analysis on emergent issues and deploy robust technical solutions.

• Collaborate with GE Aerospace’s internal product teams, global R&D sites, and external material developers to accelerate advancements in CMC technology.

• Mentor less experienced researchers

• Prepare and submit research proposals for external funding.

• Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures and patents.

• Communicate research findings effectively through presentations, technical reports, and publications.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 7 years of experience, or MS with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

• Experience developing and processing continuous fiber reinforced CMC material systems, including understanding how architecture, interfaces, matrix, and processing impact mechanical performance.

• Hands-on experience with material processing and optimization, and use of process–structure–property relationships to improve performance and/or manufacturability.

• Proficiency with materials characterization methods and ability to relate results to material behavior, processing history, and performance.

• Working knowledge of degradation and failure mechanisms in high-temperature ceramic or composite systems and ability to use this understanding to guide material and process design.

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex, multi-disciplinary technical problems by applying fundamental scientific principles and data-driven analysis.

• Ability to learn and adapt to new research areas as priorities and technologies evolve.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience documenting and presenting technical results.

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.

• Willingness to work on-site at GE Aerospace’s Niskayuna, NY location.

• Willingness to work on government-funded programs.

Desired Characteristics

• Direct experience with continuous fiber reinforced CMCs, including processing, characterization, and tailoring architecture for specific mechanical and environmental requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and leverage process–structure–property–performance relationships to design and optimize CMC materials and processes.
• Experience analyzing CMC failure modes and linking them to material design, architecture, and processing decisions.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary research projects or workstreams and coordinating across design, manufacturing, and testing to deliver innovative technical outcomes.
• Track record of contributions to intellectual property and/or external publications in CMCs or advanced ceramic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, learning-focused team environment.
• Expertise with statistical analysis, data analytics, and statistical process control.
• Experience in a non-academic research environment, with a focus on applied innovation.
• Experience developing long-term strategic roadmaps for advanced technologies.
• Experience transferring technology from the laboratory to commercialization.

The base pay range for this position is $100,000 - $205,000 USD Annually. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan.This posting is expected to close on December 30th, 2026.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical,emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to aHealth Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling andreferral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matchingcontributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits includetuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., isa "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time andfor any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. Thisdocument does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

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This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes