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Principal Researcher in Materials (Shape Memory Alloys)

On-site in San Cristóbal de La Laguna·Added 1 month ago (last checked 21 Oct)

ARQUIMEA

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Our summary

Work mode: On-site, San Cristóbal de La Laguna
English: Required
Education: Doctorate

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

· Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline.

· Postdoctoral research experience, or equivalent evidence of independent research capability after the Ph.D.

· Early- to mid-career postdoctoral profile with demonstrated independent research in SMAs and experimental materials science.

· Direct research or industrial experience with Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), such as NiTi, Cu-based, Fe-based or emerging SMA systems.

· Understanding of martensitic/austenitic transformations, the shape-memory effect and superelasticity.

· Hands-on experience with SMA processing, heat treatment, mechanical testing, thermal analysis, microscopy, diffraction or related techniques.

· Strong experience in experimental design, materials characterisation and scientific data analysis.

· Ability to connect material behaviour with component-level performance and application requirements.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Nice to have

· Application of SMAs or smart materials to space systems, spacecraft, launch systems, mechanisms, thermal control or deployable structures.

· Experience with vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, radiation-related constraints, outgassing or long-duration reliability.

· Additive manufacturing, joining, coatings, thin films, miniaturised actuators or functional composites involving SMAs.

· Prototypes or demonstrators beyond laboratory-scale material samples.

· Finite-element modelling, multiphysics simulation or digital image correlation.

· European/international R&D funding, proposal writing or technology transfer.

· Supervision of junior researchers and scientific leadership.

The role

ARQUIMEA, we are a technology company operating globally and providing innovate solutions and products in highly demanding sectors.

Our areas of activity are Aerospace, Defense & Security, Big Science, Biotechnology and Fintech.

What you'll do

· Launch and lead ARC's research line in Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) in Tenerife.

· This is a hands-on postdoctoral position for an independent, energetic and adaptable researcher who connects advanced materials science with engineering applications and future space technologies.

· Define the SMA research roadmap, priorities, hypotheses and experimental plans.

· Design, process and characterise SMA specimens, components and prototypes.

· Investigate composition, processing, microstructure and functional performance relationships.

· Study transformation behaviour, shape-memory effect, superelasticity, fatigue, hysteresis and environmental stability.

· Establish experimental methods, test benches, instrumentation and data-analysis workflows.

· Develop and validate application-oriented demonstrators.

· Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, systems and manufacturing teams.

· Identify funding opportunities, academic collaborations, industrial partnerships and technology-transfer opportunities.

· Prepare technical reports, research proposals, scientific publications, presentations and IP disclosures where appropriate.

· Contribute to laboratory organisation, documentation, configuration control and good laboratory and safety practices.

· Mentor junior researchers and support the future growth of the research line.

· Other reasonable duties as required.

How you'll work

This position will be based at the Nanotec Building in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife.

About ARQUIMEA

ARQUIMEA is a Spanish deep tech company specializing in aerospace, defense, and advanced engineering. Founded in 2011, it operates across multiple sectors including space systems, UAVs, robotics, and quantum technologies, with a strong focus on research and development. The company designs and manufactures high-tech products for both civilian and military applications, positioning itself as a key player in the European aerospace industry.

With its headquarters in Madrid, ARQUIMEA has a significant presence in Spain, including offices in the Canary Islands (Tenerife), which serve as a hub for space-related activities. The company is known for fostering a multidisciplinary, innovation-driven work culture, often collaborating with universities and research centers. For international professionals, ARQUIMEA offers opportunities in cutting-edge fields like robotics, aerospace engineering, and quantum technologies, but its visibility outside Spain is still relatively niche, making it a good choice for those seeking specialized roles in a growing tech ecosystem.

Industry: Deep Tech and Aerospace
Founded: 2011
Employees: 1,000–5,000
Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
In Spain: Madrid, Tenerife

Good to know if you are moving

Headquartered in Madrid, with offices in Tenerife, offering opportunities in diverse engineering fields.
Strong focus on R&D with a culture that supports continuous innovation, attracting engineers and researchers.
Compensation includes competitive salary levels for engineering and STEM fields, though below those in larger tech hubs.
The company is involved in international projects, providing a global perspective while maintaining a Spanish base.
Engages in professional development and collaborations with universities, offering a stable work environment for specialists.

In their own words

Additional information

We're looking for curious, creative, tenacious and collaborative people, eager to do things and unafraid to tackle challenges in order to contribute to improving the society in wich we live.

At ARQUIMEA, we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected factors by law. All candidates will be considered equally based on their skills and experience

All open roles at ARQUIMEA