Lead Scientist - Ceramic Coatings

Job Description Summary

As a Lead Scientist specializing in advanced ceramic materials and coating systems, the successful candidate will lead research and development efforts focused on the design, optimization, and qualification of next-generation ceramic coatings with emphasis on thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems.

This role requires deep expertise in ceramic chemistry, coating architecture design, and high-temperature degradation mechanisms, with demonstrated experience developing advanced coating and an understanding in coating process.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Work with teams to lead early-stage research and applied initiatives in advanced ceramic coating systems, with emphasis on thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and related protective abradable, low-friction, wear, anti-corrosion, and environmental barrier coatings
  
  
• Design and optimize coating chemistries, including dopant selection, phase stabilization strategies, and compositional tailoring to enhance thermal stability, sintering resistance, toughness, and resistance to extreme environment
  
  
• Develop novel coating compositions for topcoats and bond coat-compatible systems suitable for extreme turbine operating temperatures
  
  
• Establish microstructure–property–performance relationships for coating systems under cyclic thermal and mechanical loading
  
  
• Evaluate coating degradation mechanisms, including phase transformation, thermally grown oxide (TGO) evolution, sintering behavior, and environmental attack
  
  
• Collaborate with process engineers to translate coating chemistry into scalable deposition methods (e.g., APS, SPS, EB-PVD, HVOF, VPS)
  
  
• Coordinate disruptive technology efforts in close collaboration with our GE Vernova businesses and ensure that such efforts are incorporated into long-term multi-generational technology and product road maps and plans
  
  
• Lead high-temperature testing programs (thermal cycling, burner rig testing, oxidation testing) to validate coating durability
  
  
• Drive innovation through publications, patents, and proposal development for internally and externally funded programs
  
  
• Identify and form collaborative relationships with academic, national laboratory, industry, government agencies and GE Vernova experts to leverage internal capability and increase impact
  
  
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams (materials, mechanical design, manufacturing, and quality)
  
  

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or related discipline with at least 5 years of experience or Masters in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or related discipline with at least 7 years of experience
  
  

Eligibility Requirements

• Due to the nature of the duties of this position, this role requires the individual to be able to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance, a pre-requisite for a security clearance is US. Citizenship
  
  
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in:
• Designing and modifying ceramic coating chemistries
  
  
• Phase equilibria, thermodynamics, and high-temperature kinetics of ceramic materials
  
  
• High-temperature oxidation, corrosion, and environmental degradation mechanisms
• Strong background in microstructural characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, EBSD, EDS) and thermal/mechanical property evaluation
  
  
• Practical knowledge of safety practices as it relates to experimental design and lab practices
  
  
• Experience working with coating deposition technologies relevant to turbine components
  
  
• Proven record of technical leadership, publications, patents, or successful program execution
  
  
• Experience developing next-generation TBC chemistries beyond conventional systems. Very good understanding of thermodynamics, degradation kinetics, phase stability and diffusion in high temperature coating material systems
  
  
• Industry or applied research experience in ceramic coatings for gas turbine applications
  
  
• Familiarity with computational thermodynamics (CALPHAD) or materials modeling tools for coating design.
  
  
• Experience with writing winning proposals with U.S. government agencies such as DOE, ARPA-e, DOD, DARPA, etc.
  
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
  
  
• Strong interpersonal skills
  

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Additional Information

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.

Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.

This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on March 13, 2026.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.

GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.