Student Assistant (f/m/non-binary) – For Hybrid Coating Processes (Laser Cladding & Thermal Spraying)

Laser Cladding (Laser Metal Deposition / LMD) is a precise, additive surface engineering process in which a powdered feedstock material is fed directly into a melt pool generated by a laser beam on the component surface. In contrast to mechanically bonded coatings, this creates a metallurgically bonded connection that can withstand extreme loads. By precisely controlling the energy input, high-quality functional layers can be produced with minimal thermal influence on the component and a low degree of dilution.

In the "NiCuClad" project, this technology is being further developed for a particularly demanding application: wear protection for high-conductivity copper components in continuous casting. Since copper strongly reflects laser radiation, we are researching an innovative hybrid strategy in which laser cladding is performed on a specific pre-coating. The goal is to produce dense, crack-free coating systems consisting of a ductile nickel matrix and hard carbides (e.g., chromium carbide) to serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to hard chrome plating.

Current research priorities in the field of Laser Cladding are:

• Process Development: Adaptation of laser parameters (power, feed rate, powder mass flow) to generate defect-free tracks on critical substrates.
• Material Optimization: Investigation of novel, cobalt-free, and carbide-reinforced alloy systems for high-temperature applications.
• Coating Characterization: Analysis of the metallurgical bonding, the dilution zone, and the microstructure using light and scanning electron microscopy.
• Wear Protection: Development of strategies to maximize service life under abrasive and thermal loads.
• Resource Efficiency: Substitution of critical raw materials and reduction of process steps through hybrid manufacturing chains.

To support this research project, we are looking for a student assistant to start immediately. You should bring high motivation and an interest in long-term employment at the institute. Ideally, you are studying an engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering) and have an interest in one of the following areas:

• Laser Technology / Laser Cladding
• Thermal Spraying (HVOF)
• Materials Science and Metallography
• Experimental Process Analysis

Prior knowledge is certainly an advantage, but not a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, you show:

• High enthusiasm for innovative surface technology and hybrid manufacturing processes
• Reliability, especially regarding the careful conduct of scientific experiments
• Experience in using Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Very good language skills in German and English
• A high degree of independence and manual dexterity in the laboratory

The following tasks will represent the focus of your employment:

• Support in carrying out coating experiments on the laser and thermal spraying systems
• Independent metallographic sample preparation (cutting, embedding, grinding, polishing) of the produced coating systems
• Characterization of the coatings using light microscopy and hardness testing (analysis of porosity, cracks, and bonding)
• Support with wear investigations
• Evaluation of process data and documentation of results for project reports

The successful candidate will be employed as a student assistant.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 1 year.
Continued employment for at least one year is planned.
This is a part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 12 hours.
The salary is based on the RWTH Guidelines for Student and Graduate Assistants.
The position corresponds to a pay grade of 14.50 euros per hour.

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.