Student Internship / Thesis - Development of Rare-Earth-Free Permanent Magnetic Materials (gn) 
 

For the location in Balzers/Liechtenstein we are looking for an intern 100% (gender neutral) for 6 months to start upon agreement.

The goal of this project is to screen, synthesize, and validate high-performance permanent magnet materials that do not rely on rare-earth elements. The project aims to reduce supply-chain risks by focusing on more readily available materials and translating promising theoretical concepts into practical results. You will deliver a proof of concept (POC) for two or three selected material systems (e.g., MnAl, MnBi, Fe16N2, L10-FeNi).

Your tasks

• Conduct structured literature and patent research on rare-earth-free magnet materials (synthesis routes, key parameters, reasons for literature discrepancies).
• Perform a thermodynamic / phase stability review (phase diagrams, processing windows, oxidation and nitrogen-loss risks).
• Plan and execute rapid synthesis trials using internal and external lab capabilities (e.g., sputtering, melt-spinning, ball milling plus annealing).
• Identify phases and quantify phase purity using XRD.
• Build a weighted decision matrix (synthesizability, magnetic potential, scalability) and down-select two materials for deep-dive optimization.
• Optimize processing parameters (temperature, time, atmosphere, doping) to maximize magnetic performance.
• Perform magnetic characterization (hysteresis measurements: Hc, Br, BHmax) and microstructural analysis (SEM/EDS).
• Run a first stability assessment (thermal and environmental; oxidation resistance).
• Summarize results in a final report and propose an industrial scale-up roadmap.

Your profile

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering (materials/metallurgy focus preferred).
• Solid fundamentals in materials processing and characterization (XRD; SEM/EDS is a plus).
• Interest and experience in magnetism and functional materials, with a hands-on experimental mindset.
• Strong work ethic; detail-oriented, creative, and proactive.
• Fluent in English

What we offer

• International work environment in a very supportive-learning culture
• Exciting and varied tasks within a very professional team
• Opportunity to bring your own perspective and to learn from the experts
• Staff restaurant, free parking and good public transport connections

Do you feel addressed and are you looking for new challenges? Then we are curious to get to know you! Please apply online.

Contact

Hortensia Urquijo Morales

Telefon: +423 388 6134

About Oerlikon

Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, medical, luxury and semiconductors. Headquartered in Pfaeffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon together with its subsidiary Barmag operates in 38 countries with  more than 12,000 employees across 199 locations, achieving sales of CHF 2.4 billion in 2024.

We offer a wide variety of job profiles in a dynamic, supportive environment where people are empowered to grow and reach their full potential — guided by our core values of integrity, team spirit, excellence and innovation.

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