R&D Senior Materials Expert

Location:

Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

Job ID:

R0123416

Date Posted:

2026-09-23

Company Name:

HITACHI ENERGY BULGARIA EOOD

Profession (Job Category):

Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: 

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

The opportunity

Join Hitachi Energy and play a key role in shaping the reliability, performance, and innovation of critical power infrastructure products. As a R&D Senior Materials Expert, you will serve as a subject matter expert in materials engineering, driving material selection, qualification, and lifecycle performance across On-Load Tap Changers (OLTCs), motor drives, and transformer accessories. Working closely with global engineering teams, suppliers, and laboratories, you will contribute to the development of advanced material solutions that enhance product quality, durability, sustainability, and cost competitiveness. You will help solve complex challenges related to wear, corrosion, insulation, and ageing while influencing technology roadmaps and future product innovations. This is a unique opportunity to combine deep materials science expertise with strategic impact and contribute to the next generation of power technologies.

How you’ll make an impact 

• Act as the internal subject matter expert for materials used in On-Load Tap Changers (OLTCs), motor drives, switching devices, and transformer accessories.

• Lead material selection and qualification activities for new product developments, product improvements, and cost optimization initiatives. Evaluate the suitability of metallic, non-metallic, composite, insulating, sealing, coating, and lubrication materials for OLTC applications.

• Assess material behavior under electrical, mechanical, thermal, environmental, and ageing stresses throughout the product lifecycle.
• Define material specifications, qualification requirements, validation plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Lead investigations related to material failures, root cause analyses, field issues, and reliability concerns.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external laboratories on testing, validation, and material development activities.
• Participate in FMEA, risk assessments, and technical reviews for new products and product modifications.
• Monitor emerging technologies and innovations in advanced materials, coatings, polymers, contact materials, lubricants, and insulation systems.
• Build and maintain internal competence in material science and ageing mechanisms relevant to tap changer applications.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and technology roadmaps.

Your background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Several years of experience in materials engineering, material selection, qualification, or reliability engineering within industrial, electromechanical, power systems, automotive, aerospace, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of metallic, non-metallic, polymeric, composite, insulating, sealing, coating, and lubrication materials used in demanding industrial applications. Demonstrated experience evaluating material performance under mechanical, thermal, electrical, environmental, and ageing stresses.
• Deep understanding of wear, friction, corrosion, oxidation, contamination mechanisms, and material degradation processes. Experience developing material specifications, qualification procedures, validation plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Proven experience conducting material failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation. Strong knowledge of reliability engineering principles and lifecycle performance of materials and components.
• Experience working with laboratory testing methods, material characterization techniques, and validation programs. Ability to interpret technical requirements and identify optimal material solutions balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and sustainability. Experience participating in risk assessments, FMEA activities, and technical design reviews.
• Fluent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with On-Load Tap Changers (OLTCs), transformer accessories, switching devices, high-voltage equipment, or power transmission and distribution products. Knowledge of dielectric materials, insulation systems, electrical contact materials, and their interaction within electrical equipment. Experience with tribology, lubrication systems, contact ageing, and wear mechanisms in electromechanical applications. Familiarity with international material standards, qualification requirements, and industry regulations applicable to power equipment. Knowledge of advanced coatings, surface treatments, engineered polymers, composites, and emerging material technologies. Demonstrated contribution to innovation initiatives, patents, research programs, or intellectual property generation. Experience supporting technology roadmaps and long-term product development strategies.

What we offer

• 13th salary;
• Monthly food vouchers;
• Supplementary health insurance;
• Additional bonuses.

More about us 

Join Hitachi Energy and work in a team that is dedicated to creating a future where innovative digital technologies allow greater access to cleaner energy!

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so don’t delay – apply today!

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Background Screening and Security Checks

As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws.

For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position.

The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.