Wheelabrator Group GmbH is a subsidiary of the internationally active Norican Group and offers a comprehensive range of products and services for surface treatment applications, such as wheel blasting and compressed-air blasting. With a team of consultants, engineers, and project managers, the company focuses on quality, innovation, reliability, and long-term partnerships. NoriLab serves as the central testing and analysis laboratory for metallic components and materials within Norican. Here, failure analyses, research and development projects, quality assurance tasks, and other activities are carried out for various departments and lines of business (LoB) within Norican.
As a Materials Engineer (m/f/d), you will be an active member of our three-person team and play an active role in materials characterization, laboratory operations, and applied research and development activities. The focus is on metallic materials, particularly castings and wear-resistant alloys.
You will be responsible for addressing materials science issues through the analysis, interpretation, and documentation of material behavior, conducting metallographic examinations, and supporting the lab staff with sample preparation and evaluation. In addition, you will participate in company-wide R&D projects and contribute to the sustainable preservation of knowledge and quality assessment within the Norican Group.
Conducting materials science and metallurgical examinations of cast and mechanical components, including microstructural characterization, damage, and wear analyses.
Independently performing metallographic sample preparation (cutting, embedding, grinding, polishing, etching).
Providing technical support and guidance to laboratory assistants, technicians, students, and interns during preparation and analysis processes.
Analyzing the relationships between microstructure and material properties, as well as their influence on mechanical and tribological performance.
Collaborating on the further development and optimization of laboratory processes, methods, and test procedures at NoriLab.
Participating in research and development projects on material selection, alloy development, heat treatment, and performance optimization.
Preparation of structured technical reports, evaluations, and summaries of results for internal and external stakeholders.
Conducting or assisting with supplementary material tests, e.g., microhardness measurements and chemical analyses (e.g., OES).
Application, interpretation, and adaptation of standardized test procedures (e.g., ASTM G65) to internal and application-specific requirements.
Close collaboration with on-site laboratory staff as well as with external partners such as universities and research institutions (e.g., Münster University of Applied Sciences).
Supporting knowledge transfer and the harmonization of best practices within the Norican brands (DISA, Simpson, Wheelabrator).
A completed degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Materials Engineering, or a comparable degree program (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
In-depth knowledge of metallic materials, particularly castings and wear-resistant alloys.
Practical, hands-on experience in metallography and materials characterization, including light microscopy.
Experience with microhardness testing and chemical analysis (e.g., OES).
Analytical mindset and the ability to work in a structured and independent manner.
Ability to handle multiple technical tasks simultaneously in a laboratory and development environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and collaboration.
Benefits
A full-time position with a 35-hour workweek.
An attractive salary based on the IG Metall collective bargaining agreement for North Rhine-Westphalia.
Vacation pay, a Christmas bonus, and attractive special payments.
Company-sponsored supplemental health insurance & an EGYM Wellpass.
Opportunities for continuing education, such as a company-sponsored English course.
Flexible work hours.
Up to 40% remote work.
A hands-on engineering position in a specialized and innovation-driven materials and testing laboratory.
Modern laboratory infrastructure with access to advanced analytical and testing methods.
Direct involvement in materials engineering development and R&D projects.
Close collaboration with academic partners and international development teams.
A motivated, technically skilled team and a work environment that promotes professional and personal development.