Research Associate Mechanical Engineering

Key Responsibilities: - Develop and optimize LPBF process parameters for Mg-alloys, including laser power, scan speed, hatch spacing, layer thickness, and scan strategies. - Perform systematic design-of-experiments (DoE) studies to investigate the relationships between AM process parameters, microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal performance of Mg-alloys. - Select and evaluate suitable Mg-alloy powders and feedstock materials for LPBF processing, including powder morphology, particle size distribution, and processability. - Fabricate and characterize coupon-scale samples for mechanical (e.g., tensile testing), thermal (e.g., thermal conductivity), and microstructural characterization. - Design and fabricate prototype thermal management components, including Mg-alloy cold plates and heat sinks, for high heat flux cooling applications. - Investigate the manufacturability, repeatability, reliability, and robustness of LPBF-processed Mg-alloy components and associated post-processing methods. - Support the integration of additively manufactured Mg-alloy thermal components into thermal management systems for performance evaluation and validation. - Work closely with project collaborators and researchers on the design, fabrication, and iterative improvement of AM thermal management solutions. - Assist in the preparation of research reports, journal publications, technical presentations, and project documentation. - Collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research projects and laboratory activities. Job Requirements: - Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. - Basic knowledge of heat transfer, materials engineering, and manufacturing processes, with exposure to additive manufacturing or metal processing being an advantage. - Familiarity with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) or other metal additive manufacturing technologies is preferred. - Understanding of process parameter optimization, including laser power, scan speed, hatch spacing, layer thickness, and scan strategies. - Experience or interest in experimental work involving materials fabrication, thermal characterization, mechanical testing, and microstructural analysis. - Exposure to materials characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, tensile testing, or thermal conductivity measurements is an advantage. - Basic knowledge of Mg-alloys, lightweight metals, or thermal management applications is preferred. - Familiarity with CAD software and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) concepts is an advantage. - Ability to assist in the fabrication, post-processing, and evaluation of additively manufactured thermal management components. - Good analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment. - Good teamwork and communication skills, and Proficiency in written and spoken English for research work.