Senior Scientist - Ceramic Coatings

Overview

Lead research and technology maturation in advanced ceramics and coating processes for GE Aerospace products, working with high autonomy and guiding multi-disciplinary teams from concept to validation and, where appropriate, technology transition.

What you'll do

• 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.

What you'll need

• 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.

Nice to have

• 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.

Details

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