R&D Senior Materials Expert

About the role

Hitachi Energy is looking for a R&D Senior Materials Expert in Sofia, Bulgaria. You will act as the internal subject matter expert for materials used in On-Load Tap Changers (OLTCs), motor drives, switching devices and transformer accessories, leading material selection, qualification and lifecycle performance. The role works closely with global engineering teams, suppliers and laboratories.

Key responsibilities

• Lead material selection and qualification for new products, improvements and cost optimisation
• Evaluate metallic, non-metallic, composite, insulating, sealing, coating and lubrication materials for OLTC applications
• Assess material behaviour under electrical, mechanical, thermal, environmental and ageing stresses
• Define material specifications, qualification requirements, validation plans and acceptance criteria
• Lead investigations into material failures, root cause analyses and field issues
• Collaborate with suppliers and external laboratories on testing and validation
• Take part in FMEA, risk assessments and technical reviews, and monitor emerging material technologies
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and technology roadmaps

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Several years of experience in materials engineering, material selection, qualification or reliability engineering
• Experience with material failure investigations, root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Preferred: experience with OLTCs, transformer accessories, high-voltage equipment, tribology, patents or technology roadmaps

Required skills

• Knowledge of metallic, polymeric, composite, insulating, sealing, coating and lubrication materials
• Understanding of wear, friction, corrosion, oxidation and material degradation
• Reliability engineering principles and lifecycle performance
• Laboratory testing methods, material characterisation and validation programmes
• Familiarity with international material standards and qualification requirements (preferred)

What we offer

• 13th salary
• Monthly food vouchers
• Supplementary health insurance
• Additional bonuses