Lead Engineer - Tribology

Overview

Lead Engineer with expertise in tribology and fretting within the Mechanics and Design Organization, advancing understanding of surface interactions, wear mechanisms and material behavior under fretting conditions to improve product performance and reliability in aerospace applications.

What you'll do

• Conduct experimental studies on tribological systems, including wear, friction, lubrication and fretting fatigue.
• Develop and validate predictive models for tribological and fretting behavior in various materials and coatings.
• Analyze surface interactions using advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD, profilometry).
• Collaborate with design, materials and manufacturing teams to optimize components for improved durability and performance.
• Investigate failure mechanisms and propose solutions to mitigate wear and fretting issues in aerospace applications.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and documentation to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Stay updated on advancements in tribology and fretting research and apply innovative approaches to engineering challenges.
• Work collaboratively in the design, analysis and optimization of machinery components and systems under complex thermal, mechanical and/or aero loads.
• Provide leadership while working with technical team, support functions and/or external suppliers to meet project deliverables.
• Proactively identify technical challenges and help mitigate them through technical expertise to meet project timelines and objectives.
• Collaborate and develop internal and external project proposals and initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance and significantly contribute to growing overall technical capability and product knowledge in technical focus areas.
• Foster a multidisciplinary and inclusive team environment.

What you'll need

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with a focus on Tribology or Fretting.
• At least 5 years of experience in component/system design and/or analysis projects using tribology and fretting expertise in the power generation, propulsion, automotive or oil and gas sectors.
• Strong knowledge of tribological principles, surface engineering and material science.
• Experience with experimental setups and analytical tools for tribology and fretting studies.
• Proficiency in computational modeling tools (e.g., FEA) for simulating tribological systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Strong communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Execution mindset and sense of urgency.
• Ability to work across all functions and levels as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a global team environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with coatings and surface treatments to enhance wear resistance.
• Experience with the design, analysis and optimization of machinery components (e.g., shafts, bearings, dampers, couplings, seals, gears) including conceptual design, detailed design, testing, validation and product implementation.
• Experience with structural strength analysis and applications of structural mechanics in product design under complex loading.
• Proficiency in simulation software (e.g., ANSYS) and 3D modelling packages (e.g., NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo).
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and expand the state of the art in tribology and fretting.
• Humble: respectful, receptive, agile, eager to learn.
• Transparent: shares critical information, speaks with candor, contributes constructively.
• Focused: quick learner, strategically prioritizes work, committed.
• Leadership ability: strong communicator, decision-maker, collaborative.
• Problem solver: analytical-minded, challenges existing processes, critical thinker.

Details

• Location: Bengaluru (John F. Welch Technology Center).
• Relocation assistance provided.