Research Engineer (m/f/d)

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.

Responsibilities:

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.