About this role
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: »Numerical Simulation of Gas Dynamics for the Clean Laser Cutting of Lithium-Metal Electrodes«. Solid-state batteries are increasingly becoming a focus of technological research as innovative energy storage systems. In their production, lithium-metal electrodes are preferably separated using laser radiation, a process that is subject to particularly stringent quality requirements. A key concern is surface contamination caused by particles emitted during the cutting process. Contact-based cleaning methods, such as brushing, are unsuitable due to lithium’s low hardness. Therefore, a research project at Fraunhofer ILT is developing an innovative gas nozzle to enable in-process, material-friendly particle removal and to effectively protect the electrodes from contamination. Be part of change In ANSYS Fluent, you will create a CFD simulation of the gas flow, taking project-specific requirements into account You will validate the simulation results by comparing them with with Schlieren-image diagnostics You will perform parameter variations to investigate and optimize the force distribution on the workpiece What you contribute You are studying engineering, natural sciences, computational engineering, or a similar field You have prior knowledge in the field of fluid mechanics and numerical simulation Ideally, you have already gained some experience with Ansys Fluent You are interested in conducting experimental validation of fluid simulations What we offer 👥 Team Spirit: A creative, interdisciplinary environment with a motivated team, flat hierarchies, and a casual, informal atmosphere. 🖥 Workplace: Excellent machinery and equipment, as well as first-class office facilities. 💪 Active involvement: A practice-oriented thesis project in an innovative applied research environment. 🧘 Work-life balance: Benefit from flexible working hours based on trust. 🚐 Commute: Good public transportation access, parking spaces right in front of the institute, an electric vehicle 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: Dipl. Phys. Stoyan Stoyanov Phone +49 241 8906-8080 Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT www.ilt.fraunhofer.de Requisition Number: 85369 Application Deadline: 09/30/2026