Laser Application Researcher

Aperam is a global leader in stainless, electrical, and specialty steels, as well as recycling and renewables, serving customers in over 40 countries. Our business is structured into four segments: Stainless & Electrical Steel, Services & Solutions, Alloys & Specialties, and Recycling & Renewables. We have a flat stainless and electrical steel production capacity of 2.5 million tonnes in Brazil and Europe, and we lead in alloys and high‑value specialty products. Our industrial network includes 16 production facilities across Brazil, Belgium, France, the United States, India, and China. Aperam operates an integrated distribution, processing, and services network, with a unique ability to produce low‑carbon stainless and specialty steels using biomass, stainless steel scrap, and high‑performance alloys scrap. Through BioEnergia, we produce charcoal from our own FSC-certified forests, and with ELG — Aperam Recycling, a global leader in stainless steel and high‑performance alloys recycling, we place sustainability at the core of our business, enabling our customers to thrive in the circular economy.

Missions

Aperam, a global player in stainless steel, is looking for a Laser Application Engineer to drive the development of new applications for laser technologies in the steel industry. The Laser Application Engineer will be accountable for managing R&D projects and providing technical support for industrialisation and business development. The Engineer will report to the Head of R&D laser programme.

Responsibilities

• Identification of business needs that can be addressed and optimised by laser technologies
• Management and execution of R&D projects in a transversal environment including:
  • Project deliverables and time‑schedule
  • Determination and/or validation of technical specifications and results
  • Resources management (internal and outsourced)
• Enhance internal technical knowledge in the field of laser and photonics
• Develop new laser‑based surfaces and organise their internal validation with the R&D team and external validation with potential customers
• Define and optimise process parameters aiming for profitability of the solution
• Define or support the technical specifications of the investment plan expected in the frame of the programme strategy

Profile

• Master or Doctorate in Laser Application or Materials Science (surface)
• 3 years of experience or more in the laser industry or research
• Knowledge of materials science, preferably in metallurgy, desirable
• Strong safety mindset (behavioural and technical)
• Manage small projects with excellent team spirit and accountability
• Solution‑oriented with strong innovation, analytical and diagnostic skills
• Excellent communication skills to convey technical messages to non‑technical stakeholders
• Motivation and capability to work in a cross‑cultural, transversal and agile organisation
• Fluent in English, French (German and Dutch desirable)