About the Role
Aevum Zenth is expanding its materials science capabilities to support breakthrough projects in hypersonic propulsion, large-format wind turbine blades, and lightweight structural infrastructure. As a Composite Materials Specialist, you will bridge fundamental research and industrial manufacturing, working directly with cross-divisional engineering teams to translate lab-scale innovations into production-ready materials.
This role reports to the Head of Advanced Materials within Zenth Advanced Research and collaborates closely with our Aerospace & Infrastructure manufacturing leads. You will have access to state-of-the-art testing facilities, autoclave curing systems, and multi-axis non-destructive evaluation equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize thermoset/thermoplastic resin systems, fiber architectures, and hybrid matrix formulations for high-stress environments.
- Design and execute mechanical, thermal, and environmental testing protocols per ASTM, ISO, and aerospace qualification standards.
- Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and micromechanical modeling to predict composite behavior under complex loading conditions.
- Lead process development for automated fiber placement (AFP), resin transfer molding (RTM), and out-of-autoclave (OOA) curing cycles.
- Collaborate with quality assurance and supply chain teams to establish material specifications, inspection criteria, and vendor qualification processes.
- Author technical documentation, patent disclosures, and divisional knowledge-transfer briefs to accelerate cross-company material adoption.
Qualifications & Requirements
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with structural composites (carbon/aramid/glass fibers, epoxy/PEEK matrices, or ceramic matrix composites).
- Proficiency with materials testing equipment (DMA, TGA, DSC, SEM, XRD, ultrasonic C-scanning).
- Strong background in FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar) and micromechanical modeling (Mori-Tanaka, Halpin-Tsai, or custom Python/MATLAB scripts).
- Working knowledge of aerospace defense standards (AMS, MIL-SPEC, DO-160) or ISO 9001/IATF 16949 manufacturing frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to translate research outcomes into scalable industrial processes.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with nanomodified matrices, self-healing polymers, or conductive composite architectures.
- Familiarity with digital thread/materials informatics platforms and AI-driven formulation optimization.
- Published research or patented innovations in composite engineering.
- Fluency in German and English (written and spoken).
Benefits & Perks
- Competitive base salary + annual performance bonus + long-term equity incentive plan.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental wellness coverage for you and dependents.
- Global mobility program with sponsored transfers across 62 operational countries.
- Unrestricted access to Zenth Advanced Research labs and cross-divisional innovation sprints.
- Professional development stipend ($5,000/yr), conference sponsorship, and graduate degree tuition reimbursement.
- Flexible hybrid work model, 30 days PTO, and comprehensive parental leave.
How to Apply
Submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief summary of a composite material project you led or significantly contributed to. Include links to publications, patents, or technical portfolios where applicable.
Aevum Zenth is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applications are reviewed confidentially.