Research Scientist in Polymer Materials Processing and Mechanical Behavior – Krakow, Poland NEW

Job description

Research Scientist in Polymer Materials Processing and Mechanical Behavior – Krakow, Poland

For our research center in Krakow, Poland, we are seeking a Researcher with solid expertise in polymer materials – particularly epoxy resins, thermoplastics, and related composite systems – and their processing, mechanical behavior, and life-cycle performance.

You will join a dynamic, motivated, and interdisciplinary team with broad experience across materials science, mechanics, and energy technologies.

As part of our team, you will focus on the practical application and processing of modern polymer materials, ensuring their reliable and efficient use in existing and future products by developing manufacturing‑ready solutions that deliver consistent mechanical performance and meet durability and life‑cycle requirements.

Your work will directly support the development of products and systems used in energy distribution and transmission, ensuring that polymer materials are selected, processed, and applied in ways that maximize mechanical integrity, safety, and long‑term reliability.

Your Responsibilities

• Propose, contribute to, and lead research and development projects focused on polymer materials processing, mechanical behavior, and their application in energy technologies.
• Investigate how manufacturing processes and parameters (e.g., molding, curing, extrusion, forming, joining) influence material structure, quality, and mechanical performance.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing methods for polymer components to improve product consistency, robustness, and efficiency.
• Evaluate durability, mechanical degradation mechanisms, fracture behavior, creep, fatigue, and long‑term aging of polymer materials used in demanding environments.
• Assess environmental impacts and life‑cycle performance of polymer materials, contributing to sustainability‑oriented material and design decisions.
• Collaborate globally with researchers and engineers at Hitachi Energy to solve material‑ and mechanics‑related challenges and optimize product performance.
• Stay up to date on polymer technologies, mechanical testing methods, and sustainable solutions, identifying opportunities for industrial application.
• Engage with universities, research institutes, startups, and technology partners to advance knowledge in polymer mechanics and applications.
• Communicate research outcomes through technical reports, scientific papers, conferences, and patent applications.

Requirements

• Master’s or higher degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related fields.
• Robust understanding of polymer mechanics, including stress–strain behavior, viscoelasticity, fracture mechanics, fatigue, and failure mechanisms of epoxy resins and thermoplastics.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with polymer processing technologies (e.g., molding, curing, extrusion, composite processing, additive manufacturing), with a clear understanding of how processing influences mechanical properties.
• Experience with mechanical characterization techniques, such as tensile testing, compression, impact, DMA, fracture toughness testing, creep, and fatigue testing.
• Experience with thermal and chemical characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, rheology) supporting the interpretation of mechanical behavior.
• Knowledge of material aging, environmental degradation, reliability, or life‑cycle assessment is highly valued.
• Experience with CAD/CAE, mechanical simulation, or modeling of polymer behavior is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams while continually learning new topics.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

In addition, the following skills would be beneficial for the role:

• Knowledge of power network business, green energy, respective requirements, and industry standards.
• Understanding of energy system products, power network components, and relevant industry standards.
• Familiarity with sustainability concepts, circular materials, polymer recycling, or environmental compliance.