Senior Research Scientist - Thermal Spray - Aerospace Research

Job Description Summary

At GE Aerospace Research, we develop advanced materials and manufacturing technology for the future of flight. Our technological innovation drives sustainable air travel and enables next-generation systems for use in commercial and military applications.

As a Senior Research Scientist - Thermal Spray, you will lead and conduct basic and applied research in the area of thermal spray, with a focus on coatings processing. You will help drive innovation, strategy, and technology transfer for a range of current and future GE Aerospace products. As a recognized technical expert, you will lead technology programs, tackle complex technical challenges, and drive technical execution across multiple projects and stakeholders.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and lead basic and applied research in thermal spray to enable current and future GE coating technologies
• Understand and control key components of thermal spray processing (powder, nozzle dynamics, robotics and automation, dimensional monitoring, etc) to optimize microstructure and performance of resulting coatings.
• Partner closely with GE Aerospace's internal product departments, global R&D sites, external and internal material developers, strategic suppliers, and universities.
• Serve as technical focal for thermal spray processes/related methodologies and guide technical vision and strategy.
• Identify long-term technical challenges and specific growth opportunities in thermal spray technologies for current and future GE Aerospace products. Develop research objectives and action plans to address these opportunities.
• Identify and capture funding for innovative ideas through the preparation and submission of proposals to external agencies (AFRL, ARL, NRL, ONR, AFOSR, DOE, ARPA-E, and others).
• Capture intellectual property through patent filings or trade secret documents.
• Lead technical reviews of key programs to ensure the right technical approach and quality are being delivered to our customers.
• Develop strong networks across GE Aerospace and external customers (including academia, government agencies/labs, and other partners) to build teams focused on maximizing outcomes and accelerating innovation.
• Serve as a mentor for less experienced researchers.
• Deliver effective presentations, reports, publications to GE Aerospace Research, GE Aerospace, government agencies, and professional societies when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• This position requires U.S. Citizenship
• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 7 years' experience
• Deep expertise in thermal spray technologies to develop coatings for aerospace applications and demonstrated understanding of process-structure-property relationships for coatings
• Demonstrated ability to learn new areas of research and solve complex technical problems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to understand customer needs and industry trends to guide strategy, make decisions, and communicate priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programs with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in Material Science and Engineering with 7+ years of relevant professional experience in applying thermal spray technologies to develop coatings and solutions for industrial applications.
• Demonstrated experience at identifying and capturing funding for innovative ideas across a broad network of external agencies.
• Track record of peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations.
• Experience in leading cross-disciplinary research teams.
• Experience in transferring technology from the laboratory to commercialization.
• Strong technical acumen paired with an ability to understand a wide range of technology domains.
• Demonstrated thought leadership and ability to lead through influence and collaboration.
• Passion for hands on development and laboratory work.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels of an organization.

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 March 31st, 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 a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition 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., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

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Compensation Grade

SPB3

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 Opportunities 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.

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes