Materials Engineer

Company Description

ThinkMetal is an innovative deep-tech startup reimagining manufacturing with advanced 3D printing technologies. Our compact metal 3D printer allows users to create high-quality metal parts quickly and effortlessly, right at their desk. We specialize in printing with metals and functionally graded materials, while building a comprehensive 'Ecosystem' for end-to-end 3D printing solutions. At ThinkMetal, we are committed to revolutionizing the 3D printing industry and paving the way for a better, more efficient future in manufacturing.

Experience: 2-3  years (Freshers with relevant project experience can also apply)

Location: Chennai/ On‑site Lab 

Stream:  Materials Science/ Metallurgy/ Mechanical Engineering

Position Overview-

We are seeking a Materials Engineer with strong understanding of metal behavior, alloy applications, and sintering processes for MFAM process (metal filament-based additive manufacturing). The role focuses on process optimization, densification control, microstructure evaluation and performance validation of sintered metal components.

Key Responsibilities-

1. Develop and optimize metal-based filaments for Metal FAM applications.
2. Control and evaluate powder characteristics including particle size distribution (PSD), morphology, flowability, and packing density to ensure process consistency.
3. Ensure filament dimensional stability, homogeneity, and repeatability for reliable Metal FAM.
4. Analyze shrinkage behavior, densification mechanisms, and dimensional compensation strategies during sintering.
5. Design and optimize thermal processing cycles.
6. Develop and refine sintering profiles, including temperature ramp rates, soak times, and cooling strategies.
7. Optimize furnace operations under controlled atmospheres such as argon, hydrogen or vacuum conditions.
8. Achieve target density, microstructural uniformity, and controlled grain growth while minimizing porosity and oxidation.
9. Interpret metallurgical characterization, including optical microscopy, SEM analysis, density measurement, porosity evaluation, and shrinkage assessment.
10. Review and infer mechanical characterization data (tensile, hardness, fatigue where applicable) and correlate results with microstructure and processing parameters.
11. Apply Design of Experiments (DoE), regression analysis, and statistical tools for systematic process optimization.
12. Utilize AI/ML tools (Python/MATLAB) to develop predictive models.

Preferred Skills-

• Basic understanding of polymer binders used in metal filament systems.
• Knowledge of filament extrusion processes and parameter control.
• Experience with 3D printing systems and process optimization.
• Familiarity with extrusion troubleshooting (diameter control, surface defects, flow issues).

What We Offer-

• Exposure to real-world scalable projects.
• Collaborative and growth-driven work environment.
• Market-standard compensation with performance-based incentives.
• Long-term career growth opportunities.

Please send your resume, portfolio, and relevant project links to:

📩 [email protected]