TLT: How long have you worked in a lubrication-related field, and how did you decide to pursue a career in the lubricants industry?
Mohseni: My tribology-related work started back in 2008 when I decided to pursue a doctorate degree at the University of North Texas and developed thin film solid lubricants to mitigate wear and reduce friction for several applications such as micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, carbon-carbon composites and steel bearings. I have always been amazed by developments and innovations in materials science and engineering. During my career, working as a materials corrosion engineer for Savcor in Sydney, Australia (2005-2007), part of my duties included leading failure analysis investigations of cathodic protection field parts and communication of the findings to customers. That opportunity helped me to realize and appreciate the importance and true potential of surface engineering and corrosion protection, and how a best coating practice can save significant cost, energy and time in many engineering applications. This experience motivated me to pursue a doctorate degree in materials tribology and to make an impact to the society.



TLT: What has been your most rewarding accomplishment throughout your career in the lubricants industry?
Mohseni: The most rewarding accomplishment is when an engineering solution finds its way from concept to industrialization and production. In my role at Bosch as an innovation lead and tribology SME, I led a team of engineers to develop a reinforcing structure that enhanced the wear life for automotive brake pads practicing different aspect of solution development, such as material selection, detailed characterization and property and performance testing, and solution incorporation methods. It was a multi-year development program that included numerous iterations, ensuring the manufacturability and the risk of incorporation. In my current role at P&W, I have been leading similar opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology development to address engineering challenges relevant to materials and tribology for gas turbine engines. For me, making a solution work and seeing it flying in an engine is the ultimate reward and achievement, which feed my excitement.

TLT: What is the No. 1 piece of advice you would give to a person who might be interested in starting a career in the lubricants industry?
Mohseni: Tribology is an interdisciplinary field with many opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills. Finding a mentor and volunteering in professional societies would be good ways to start your journey.

TLT: Throughout the different segments within your career, which one has been the most interesting, challenging and/or rewarding?
Mohseni: My current role at P&W has been the most interesting and rewarding role. The collaborative and teamwork culture promotes innovation and expands your perspective, and there are endless opportunities for growth and development.

TLT: What are some of the most technical lubrication-based concepts or topics that you have encountered throughout your career?
Mohseni: Proper materials selection or materials design for friction and wear applications is the main technical challenge. Each tribo-system is different and unique in terms of the underlying dynamics that are responsible for friction and wear as system-level properties. Any potential material combinations must check off many boxes to meet the design space requirement of a subject tribo-system. It is all about the materials and environment (operational conditions); they both matter.

TLT: What is the one thing you wish you would have learned earlier in your career?
Mohseni: I would encourage any students or emerging engineers to get involved by joining a professional society, develop your professional network, learn from others and keep enjoying the work you do.

You can reach Hamid Mohseni at Hamid.Mohseni@prattwhitney.com.