Research assistant for intelligent process control in additive manufacturing

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 centre for contract research and development.

We are currently looking for support in the field of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing, which was invented at Fraunhofer ILT in 1996. Today, 27 employees and students work together with renowned industry partners in the department of the same name to further develop LPBF for a wide range of industrial applications – from new machine concepts and innovative process strategies to the processing of sophisticated materials.

Additive manufacturing processes have long been an integral part of modern production. However, their full potential is far from being exhausted – and that is exactly what we are working on. Would you like to help develop new processing strategies control and find solutions for process monitoring and intelligent process control in order to open up new applications? Then become part of our #OneTeam at Fraunhofer ILT

What you will do

• You will take charge of and work on projects related to geometry-adapted processing strategies control and process control 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 industry
• You will present your results at project meetings, to industrial customers and at national and international conferences and trade fairs
• You will supervise student work and assistants, thereby actively shaping the knowledge transfer of tomorrow

What you bring to the table

• You have a master's degree (technical college, technical university, university) in mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, electrical engineering, materials engineering, materials science or a comparable field
• Initial experience in additive manufacturing or laser technology is an advantage – but what is more important to us is your interest in familiarising yourself with new topics
• You work independently and in a structured manner and enjoy taking on responsibility in projects
• Commitment, team spirit and clear communication are your hallmarks – you contribute ideas and enjoy working with others
• You have very good German and English skills for our international research work

What you can expect

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.

Remuneration is in accordance with TVöD EG 13 (depending on qualifications).
The weekly working time is 39 hours.
The position can also be filled on a part-time basis.
The position is initially limited to two years.

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 with equal qualifications will be given preference.

Our tasks are varied and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that optimally promote their abilities. The same applies if they do not meet all profile requirements due to a disability.

Interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you Did you know? We provide even more insights on our LinkedIn profile

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

Niklas Prätzsch M. Sc.
Telephone: /

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT 

Requisition Number: Application Deadline: 12/15/2025