Senior Ceramic Technology Expert - Automotive Business

SKF has been around for more than a century and today we are one of the world’s largest global suppliers of bearings and supporting solutions for rotating equipment. Our products can be found literally everywhere in society. This means that we are an important part of the everyday lives of people and companies around the world.

In September of 2024, SKF announced the separation of its Automotive business, with the objective to build two world-leading businesses. The role you are applying for will be part of the automotive business. This means you will have the opportunity to be a part of shaping a new company aimed at meeting the needs of the transforming global automotive market.

Would you like to join us in shaping the future of motion? We are now looking for a …

Senior Ceramic Technology Expert – Automotive Business

Automotive is all about bold innovation, execution with speed and outstanding quality. Bring your passion for new technologies and experience in ceramic material and you will be part of the core technical team, the Technology Office, for our new automotive ventures.

In this highly technical role, you will be a key team member, overcoming complex technical challenges to enhance the value of customized automotive products. You will be the reference and owner of ceramic material knowledge, interacting globally with colleagues, customers, and industry experts from universities to suppliers. This pivotal role will require handling of ceramic material specification, contributing to boost innovation momentum and securing cutting-edge technologies. The Technology Office will be composed of a pool of experts skilled in multiple technology areas essential for a leading automotive bearing supplier: material science (steel and non-metallic materials), tribology, manufacturing processes (such as heat treatment, machining and forming), life prediction, NVH & diagnostics.

Key responsibilities

• Chair the Ceramic Specification Group;
• Define and maintain ceramic material (focus on Silicon Nitride, Zirconium, Alumina) and components specifications
• Lead one or multiple critical R&D projects, ensuring timely advancement of project milestones and actively sharing specialized knowledge within the organization.
• Stay current with technology and market megatrends, overseeing new research, intellectual property (IP), publications, and technology roadmaps, while securing IP positions in your area of development.
• Qualification and validation processes, characterization processes and facilities
• Participate in new materials selections
• Guide external collaboration for ceramic technologies
• Owner of the ceramic technology roadmap

Requirements

• PhD or Master in Material Science or related field, or in Materials Engineering;
• Experience in ceramic material for tribological use (bearing, gears, plain bearings)
• Demonstrated expertise in the production and testing of ceramic compositions and sintered compositions using all recognized material science and analytical tools
• Proficiency in various ceramic processing methods, including sintering, casting, and additive manufacturing
• Demonstrated proficiency in the technical nuances of raw material testing
• Knowledge in ceramic components supply chain and manufacturing
• Highly developed analytical skills to identify and solve complex problems related to ceramic materials.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals or patents related to material science
• Ability to lead and mentor junior colleagues
• Proven experience in defining ceramic quality standard
• Ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop new ceramic materials or processes
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken
• Availability to travel

What you can expect:

• Technical lead position with opportunity to build a deep knowledge foundation.
• Cross functional engagement with collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing.
• Train and mentor, a large technical audience from product development colleagues to quality team through application engineering
• Enjoy a global collaboration and opportunity for technical networking by working with experts from around the world.
• With a global footprint and customers, you will enjoy leading and inspire across diverse cultures.

SKF is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we firmly believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our continued success. Therefore, we only focus on your experience, skills, and potential. Come as you are – just be yourself. #weareSKF

Some additional information

This position will be located in Gothenburg (Sweden), on local contract.

One of the other major SKF Automotive sites in EMEA, such as Airasca (Italy), Schweinfurt (Germany) or Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire (France) could also be considered.

You will report to the Technology Office Manager. For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Simona Collino, Recruitment Expert EMEA, at simona.collino@skf.com.

At SKF, we are committed to promoting fairness and inclusivity throughout our recruitment process. To achieve this, we may include assessments and verify the information in your application in compliance with country-specific laws and regulations. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the recruiter.

Is this you?

If the answer is yes, submit your application with your CV in English no later than May 7th, 2025.

Please note that we can't accept applications via email. We will screen candidates continuously throughout the application period, so make sure to submit your application as soon as possible