Job Description

In cooperation with the Chair of Laser Technology (LLT), the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT)—Europe’s leading center for contract research and development in the field of laser technology—is offering the opportunity to write a thesis on the topic: »Ultra-short pulsed laser polishing with beam shaping for a green process chain«.

The Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is the industrial standard for producing high-precision microstructures in hardened metals. However, it consumes hazardous chemicals, generates conta-minated waste streams, and demand extensive post-treatment. Ultrashort pulsed (USP) lasers have already demonstrated their capability to generate microstructures with outstanding precision. Extending this technology to laser polishing enables an entirely laser-based process chain—from structuring to surface finishing—that is chemical-free, sustainable, and industrially scalable. In laser polishing, a thin surface layer is remelted, allowing surface tension to smooth roughness peaks. Yet, excessive melt pool dynamics degrade the surface quality. This thesis tackles this challenge through advanced beam shaping. By tailoring the spatial intensity distribution the thermal gradients and resulting flows within the melt pool can be directly controlled. The goal is to suppress humping onset and extend the feasible polishing regime.

Be part of change

• Through experiments, you will systematically investigate the intensity distributions and their influence on melt pool dynamics
• You will characterize polished surfaces
• Finally, you will simulate the melt flow
• The objectives of the project will be tailored to your skills and preferences

What you contribute

• You are studying Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a comparable programme
• You are interested in application-oriented research at the intersection of photonics and sustainable manufacturing
• You work organised, structured, and independently

What we offer

👥 Team spirit: Creative, interdisciplinary environment with a motivated team, flat hierarchies, and an informal culture.
🖥 Workplace: Excellent range of machines and equipment, as well as first-class office facilities.
💪 Involvement: Practice-oriented thesis in an innovative applied research environment.
🧘 Work-life balance: Benefit from flexible working hours based on trust.
🚐 Getting there: Good transport connections, parking spaces directly in front of the institute, an e-charging station, and a parking garage.

The position is limited in duration until completion of the thesis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact:

Sönke Vogel, M.Sc.
Phone: +49 241 8906-180

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

www.ilt.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 84899 Application Deadline: 08/31/2026