Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Research Assistant

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Wichita State University’s NIAR Composites & Structures Lab in Huntsville, AL, invites a student in engineering or a related field to join as a year-round internship. The role supports advanced materials research, including additive manufacturing, high-temperature composites, and data management, under supervision.

Based on class schedules, the internship is on-site with a minimum of 15 hours per week during the semester and potential full-time in summers; strict adherence to export-control

Qualifications

• Open to engineering or related-field students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies.
• Interest in metallic and polymer additive manufacturing and composite materials.
• Willingness to support research for government and industry customers.

Responsibilities

• Assist administrative and technical tasks for a supervisor.
• Support investigation of novel materials and analysis techniques.
• Document findings clearly for reporting.

Skills

Additive manufacturing interest

High-temperature composite materials

Software development and databasing

Education

Engineering or related field student

Job description

Department
NIAR Composites & Structures Lab

Campus Location
Huntsville, AL

Hire Type
Part Time

Pay
$18 - $25 per hour

Work Schedule
Based on class schedule

Export Compliance Requirement
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR-controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Story

The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing group at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is seeking an engineering or related‑field student for a year‑round internship located in our downtown Huntsville, Alabama office. This role is designed to support an applied learning atmosphere while the student continues working toward their undergraduate or graduate degree.

We are looking for candidates with an interest in metallic and polymer additive manufacturing, high‑temperature composite materials, or software development and databasing. This position supports all aspects of applied research for a variety of government and industry customers.

Project work will typically involve the characterization, qualification, and integration of newly emerging materials and manufacturing processes into both current and next‑generation systems. The types of evaluation will involve a wide range of systems such as ground vehicles, aircraft, and missile. Evaluations may also include thermo-structural modeling and studies related to material decomposition in high-temperature environments.

This position will be based entirely in Huntsville, AL, and will see you work closely with engineers at NIAR to support our growing government and industry customer base. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy challenging and rewarding work, and like being part of a team, consider applying for this position.

Job Duties

A student assistant will carry out administrative and technical tasks requested by a supervisor. Additional duties and responsibilities will be the investigation of novel materials and analysis techniques with an understanding of the thermo-physical/mechanical properties. Various findings will be documented and reported in a clear and concise manner.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work a minimum of 15 hours a week during the school semesters that transition into full-time during the summers.


• Ability to work well in a team environment and effectively communicate ideas and solutions.


• Self-motivated and able to work effectively with minimal supervision.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Must be able to work on site in Huntsville, Alabama.

Additional Information

This position does not allow telework.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position.


• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phones, printers, copiers, and calculators.


• Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.