Senior Scientist - Ceramic Coatings

Job Description Summary

GE Aerospace Research has a long history of innovating materials and architectures that enable safer, more durable, and more sustainable flight. The Materials Protection and Durability team invents and matures thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), environmental barrier coatings (EBCs), and functional ceramics—and the repair and rejuvenation technologies that keep advanced hardware performing in extreme environments.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist to lead research and technology maturation in advanced ceramics and coating processes for a broad range of current and future GE Aerospace products. In this role, you will work with high autonomy, guide multi-disciplinary teams, and partner across engineering, manufacturing, and services to deliver coating solutions that move from concept to validation and, when appropriate, technology transition.

Job Description

Site Overview

Established in 2000, the John F. Welch Technology Center (JFWTC) in Bengaluru is our multidisciplinary research and engineering center. Engineers and scientists at JFWTC have contributed to hundreds of aviation patents, pioneering breakthroughs in engine technologies, advanced materials, and additive manufacturing.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead impactful research programs in aerospace materials and repair technologies, including ceramics, high-temperature materials, and coatings (TBC/EBC/corrosion and related protective or functional coatings), including planning, execution, and delivery of decision-quality results.
• Independently invent and develop advanced ceramic compositions and processes aligned to GE Aerospace product needs, balancing innovation with practical, scalable solutions.
• Generate new ideas and build technology roadmaps for coatings/ceramics sub-capabilities by conducting feasibility studies, understanding technical risk, and communicating trade-offs and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Manage project execution (budgeting, scheduling, reporting) and coordinate cross-functional workstreams (testing campaigns, validation, equipment/process readiness) to meet program commitments.
• Guide and mentor researchers and technicians; foster innovation by building on ideas, giving timely feedback, and creating strong team execution habits.
• Analyze experimental results using appropriate statistical and scientific methods; present results, risks, and mitigations clearly to technical and business leadership.
• Collaborate broadly across GE Aerospace product organizations, global R&D sites, suppliers, and universities to accelerate technical outcomes and ensure relevance to platform needs
• Create IP and external technical presence through invention disclosures/patents and presentations at internal reviews and external conferences as appropriate.
• Champion EHS and operational excellence, ensuring rigorous lab safety and participating in continuous improvement and standard work (including FLIGHT DECK-aligned practices where applicable).
• Drive innovation and growth of team in the domain of ceramic coatings, including proposing new research ideas and building research proposals.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Ceramics, Chemistry, or related field (Master’s with significant, demonstrated research impact and experience may be considered).
• 10+ years of R&D experience and demonstrated expertise in high-temperature ceramic materials and coatings, including TBC/EBC and/or high temperature corrosion resistant coatings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, system-level projects, combining deep technical expertise with knowledge of adjacent fields and adapting plans based on data and risk.
• Track record of generating technology impact through publications, patents/invention disclosures, technology maturation/transition, and/or externally funded research.
• Strong communication skills: ability to articulate value propositions, risks, and mitigations to stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and disciplined execution; ability to translate ambiguity into actionable work plans with clear risk mitigation.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

Desired Characteristics

• Deep expertise in EBCs and/or next-generation TBCs for aerospace applications; familiarity with repair/rejuvenation pathways is a plus.
• Experience with coating process development and scale considerations (robustness, repeatability, manufacturability).
• Strong internal/external technical network and comfort collaborating with academia/partners to accelerate development.
• Experience in driving TRL & MRL maturation of programs in the domain of ceramic coatings.

At GE Aerospace, we have a relentless dedication to the future of safe and more sustainable flight and believe in our talented people to make it happen. Here, you will have the opportunity to work on really cool things with really smart and collaborative people. Together, we will mobilize a new era of growth in aerospace and defense. Where others stop, we accelerate.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes