Student Assistant (f/m/non-binary) – Coating Development for Brake Disc Coatings

Laser cladding is a joining process. In this process, a powder- or wire-shaped filler material is locally melted using an energy source, typically a laser beam. It forms a metallurgical bond with a thin layer of the component surface. This produces a metallurgically bonded, virtually pore-free coating with a high-strength connection to the base material.

Numerous process variants are available. These include conventional laser powder cladding as well as multi-material coating systems with the possibility of in-situ alloying. This enables both metallic materials and composite materials (metal-matrix composites) to be processed into functional coatings. Coating thicknesses range from approximately 0.2 mm to several millimeters.

The Laser Cladding Group (AS) develops high-performance, tailor-made coating systems for functional component surfaces in a wide range of application areas. One key focus is the targeted development of alloys and material modification, including the in-situ alloying of multiple powder components. In addition, established and state-of-the-art laser cladding process variants are investigated and optimized for demanding material systems.

Current research focuses of the Laser Cladding Group (AS) include:

• Cost-effective, wear- and corrosion-resistant coating systems for brake discs
• Reduction of brake-related fine particulate emissions through surface coatings
• Corrosion protection coatings for applications in electric mobility
• In-situ alloying concepts for Fe-based metal-matrix composite coatings
• Wear-resistant coatings for highly loaded components (e.g., valves and fittings)
• Material and process development for component repair

To support our research activities within the BREMIS project, we are looking for a student assistant to join us as soon as possible. You should be highly motivated and interested in a longer-term position at the institute. Ideally, you are studying an engineering-related degree and have an interest in one of the following areas:

• Material design of Fe-based coating systems
• Coating application using laser cladding (LMD)
• Corrosion and surface characterization using modern analytical techniques

Prior knowledge and experience in these areas are certainly advantageous. In addition, you should demonstrate:

• A strong enthusiasm for surface and coating technology
• A strong sense of responsibility, particularly regarding the proper execution of scientific work
• Experience working with Microsoft Office programs
• Very good German and English language skills
• A high degree of independence and motivatio

• Training in the operation of laser cladding (LMD) equipment for the production of brake disc coatings
• Development of a test plan for the coating and corrosion experiments
• Analysis and investigation of the produced coating systems, including their microstructure, porosity, wear and corrosion behavior
• Evaluation and documentation of the results

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 15.20 euros per hour.

RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university. As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports. Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual.
In keeping with RWTH’s commitment  to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application.
Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Contact regarding the application