Research Associate (Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science and Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering)

About This Role

Seeking a Research Associate to develop and optimize LPBF process parameters for Mg-alloy thermal management components, including cold plates, focusing on high heat flux cooling and material characterization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize LPBF process parameters for Mg-alloys.
• Perform systematic design-of-experiments to investigate AM process parameter effects on microstructure and thermal performance.
• Fabricate and characterize coupon-scale samples for mechanical, thermal, and microstructural analysis.
• Design and fabricate prototype Mg-alloy cold plates for high heat flux cooling applications.
• Investigate the manufacturability, repeatability, and reliability of LPBF-processed Mg-alloy components.
• Assist in the preparation of research reports, publications, and technical documentation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Basic knowledge of heat transfer, materials engineering, and additive manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) or other metal additive manufacturing technologies.
• Understanding of process parameter optimization, including laser power and scan strategies.
• Experience or interest in experimental work involving materials fabrication and thermal characterization.
• Exposure to materials characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, tensile testing, or thermal conductivity measurements.
• Basic knowledge of Mg-alloys and lightweight metals.