Senior Research Scientist – Thermal Spray - Aerospace Research

Senior Research Scientist – Thermal Spray – Aerospace Research

GE Aerospace Research develops advanced materials and manufacturing technologies that enable future flight while promoting sustainable air travel.

• 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 the technical focal point 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 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, and publications to GE Aerospace Research, GE Aerospace, government agencies, and professional societies when appropriate.

• U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 7 years of 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 research areas and solve complex technical problems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• 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.
• Willingness to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.

• PhD in Materials 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 the 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 the base salary.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage;
Health Coach support;
Employee Assistance Program; 401(k) with company matching; tuition assistance; adoption assistance; paid parental leave; disability and life insurance; and paid time‑off for vacation or…