Research assistant for ultrafast pulse processing in additive manufacturing

City:Aachen Date:Jun 3, 2026

Research assistant for ultrafast pulse processing in additive manufacturing

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 75 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 32 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, we have been shaping the future of laser technology for 40 years and are Europe’s leading center for contract research and development.

We are currently seeking support in the field of the additive manufacturing process Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), which was invented at Fraunhofer ILT in 1996. In the department of the same name, 27 employees and students are currently working together with renowned industry partners on the further development of LPBF for a wide range of industrial applications—from new machine concepts and innovative process strategies to the processing of challenging materials.

Additive manufacturing processes have long been an integral part of modern production. Yet their full potential is far from exhausted—and that is exactly what we are working on. Would you like to help develop new strategies for process control and find solutions for ultra-fast pulse processing to open up new application areas? Then join our #OneTeam at Fraunhofer ILT!

Be part of change

• You will be responsible for managing and carrying out projects focused on ultra-fast pulsed processing of highly conductive materials in additive manufacturing
• Through your active support in acquiring new research and development projects, we will open up new applications for LPBF, particularly in aerospace engineering and fusion research
• You will present your results at project meetings, to industry clients, and at national and international conferences and trade shows
• You will supervise student projects and research assistants, thereby actively shaping the knowledge transfer of tomorrow

What you contribute

• You hold a master’s degree (from a technical college, university of technology, or university) in mechanical engineering, physics, materials engineering, materials science, or a related field
• Initial experience in additive manufacturing or laser technology is a plus—but what matters most to us is your willingness to learn new topics
• You work independently and in a structured manner and enjoy taking on responsibility in projects
• You are characterized by dedication, team spirit, and clear communication—you contribute ideas and enjoy collaborating with others
• For our international research work, you have business-level proficiency in German and English (C1 or higher in both)

What we offer

• Team spirit:Creative, interdisciplinary environment with a motivated team that supports experts and young professionals. Flat hierarchies and informal culture.
• Workplace:A dynamic working atmosphere, a modern workplace and first-class office equipment.
• Responsibility:Varied, challenging work with a high degree of personal responsibility and freedom for your own ideas, as well as close cooperation with science and industry.
• Work-life balance:30 days of holiday, flexible working hours, mobile working and company closure between Christmas and New Year. Support for parents with childcare places nearby.
• Development opportunities:A wide range of training opportunities to help you shape your career.
• Benefits:Job ticket, corporate benefits, health services, employee participation and employer-financed pension scheme.
• Getting there:Good transport links, parking spaces directly in front of the institute, an e-charging station and a multi-storey car park.
• Prospects: With us, you have the opportunity to do a PhD at RWTH Aachen University with attractive remuneration.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. The position is initially a two-year fixed-term contract. Employment, compensation, and benefits are governed by the collective bargaining agreement for the public sector (TVöD).

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact:

Niklas Prätzsch M. Sc.

Telephone: +49 241/8906-8174

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

www.ilt.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 84365 Application Deadline: 06/30/2026

Job Segment:R&D Engineer, Research Assistant, R&D, Engineering, Research, Part Time