Research Scientist in Polymer Materials Processing and Mechanical Behavior – Krakow, Poland

At Hitachi Energy, we aim to advance a sustainable energy future for all. We bring power to homes, schools, hospitals, and factories. Join us and work with fantastic people while learning and developing yourself on projects that impact our communities and society. Bring your passion and energy, and be part of a global team that appreciates a simple truth: Diversity + Collaboration = Great Innovation.

Innovation is at the heart of Hitachi Energy. Join us at Hitachi Energy Research if you have outstanding scientific or technical expertise, drive, and passion. Through your research projects, you will become part of the company-wide community that will shape and help you develop your career as a technical or managerial leader. Prior knowledge about power systems is welcome, but it is not a requirement.

Research Scientist in Polymer Materials Processing and Mechanical Behavior – Krakow, Poland

For our research center in Krakow, Poland, we are seeking a Researcher with solid expertise in polymer materials – particularly epoxy resins, thermoplastics, and related composite systems – and their processing, mechanical behavior, and life-cycle performance.

You will join a dynamic, motivated, and interdisciplinary team with broad experience across materials science, mechanics, and energy technologies.

As part of our team, you will focus on the practical application and processing of modern polymer materials, ensuring their reliable and efficient use in existing and future products by developing manufacturing‑ready solutions that deliver consistent mechanical performance and meet durability and life‑cycle requirements.

Your work will directly support the development of products and systems used in energy distribution and transmission, ensuring that polymer materials are selected, processed, and applied in ways that maximize mechanical integrity, safety, and long‑term reliability.

Your Responsibilities

• Propose, contribute to, and lead research and development projects focused on polymer materials processing, mechanical behavior, and their application in energy technologies.
• Investigate how manufacturing processes and parameters (e.g., molding, curing, extrusion, forming, joining) influence material structure, quality, and mechanical performance.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing methods for polymer components to improve product consistency, robustness, and efficiency.
• Evaluate durability, mechanical degradation mechanisms, fracture behavior, creep, fatigue, and long‑term aging of polymer materials used in demanding environments.
• Assess environmental impacts and life‑cycle performance of polymer materials, contributing to sustainability‑oriented material and design decisions.
• Collaborate globally with researchers and engineers at Hitachi Energy to solve material‑ and mechanics‑related challenges and optimize product performance.
• Stay up to date on polymer technologies, mechanical testing methods, and sustainable solutions, identifying opportunities for industrial application.
• Engage with universities, research institutes, startups, and technology partners to advance knowledge in polymer mechanics and applications.
• Communicate research outcomes through technical reports, scientific papers, conferences, and patent applications.

Requirements

• Master’s or higher degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related fields.
• Robust understanding of polymer mechanics, including stress–strain behavior, viscoelasticity, fracture mechanics, fatigue, and failure mechanisms of epoxy resins and thermoplastics.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with polymer processing technologies (e.g., molding, curing, extrusion, composite processing, additive manufacturing), with a clear understanding of how processing influences mechanical properties.
• Experience with mechanical characterization techniques, such as tensile testing, compression, impact, DMA, fracture toughness testing, creep, and fatigue testing.
• Experience with thermal and chemical characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, rheology) supporting the interpretation of mechanical behavior.
• Knowledge of material aging, environmental degradation, reliability, or life‑cycle assessment is highly valued.
• Experience with CAD/CAE, mechanical simulation, or modeling of polymer behavior is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams while continually learning new topics.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

In addition, the following skills would be beneficial for the role:

• Knowledge of power network business, green energy, respective requirements, and industry standards.
• Understanding of energy system products, power network components, and relevant industry standards.
• Familiarity with sustainability concepts, circular materials, polymer recycling, or environmental compliance.

We encourage you to apply for this position. You will work with a team of scientists to develop new products and technologies for Hitachi Energy. Every day, we search for next-generation solutions and work on their implementation to make energy distribution and transmission more sustainable, flexible, and secure. With our work, we want to contribute to solving global inequalities and climate change challenges.

Our people have different educational backgrounds, come from various countries, and have different ages and experiences. We value creativity and support self-development and knowledge sharing. Diversity, equality, and inclusion are our principles, and they are essential ingredients to foster an open and collaborative working environment.

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve utility, industry, and infrastructure customers with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible, and secure while balancing social, environmental, and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and an unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately 10 billion USD. www.hitachienergy.com