ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Fire Technology

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in San Antonio is seeking an Engineer in the Fire Technology Department. The successful candidate will handle fire test programs, analyze results, and interact with clients. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field is required, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills. This role demands creativity and the ability to work both independently and in teams. Competitive compensation offered.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience relevant to fire testing or engineering.
• Must have coursework in heat & mass transfer, fluids, and thermodynamics.
• Self-motivated and able to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Perform fire test programs from start to finish.
• Analyze and report test results.
• Provide work instructions to technical support staff.

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Technical writing

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

LabVIEW

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

The Fire Technology Department conducts small-scale and large-scale fire testing of items and assemblies for a wide range of industries including commercial construction, marine and automotive. Products are built, instrumented, and evaluated for their fire performance.

Objectives of this Role:

• As an Engineer in the Fire Technology Department, you will perform standard and non-standard fire test programs from start to finish.
• Perform all aspects of fire test programs including pricing, proposal writing, scheduling, construction, testing and reporting.
• Provide support for business development and market SwRI services to current and prospective customers.
• Be a problem-solver that exercises creativity in developing premier solutions for clients in government and industry.
• Work individually and in a team to ensure client goals are met.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Perform routine engineering and/or scientific investigations requiring application of standard fire testing techniques and procedures.
• Analyze, interpret and report test results using standardized formats.
• Provide work instructions to technical support staff.
• Write proposals for assigned areas of responsibilities and interact with clients, fire and code officials, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Maintain and expand volume of work.
• Build new program areas consistent with or related to fire research and testing industry.
• Make suggestions for process improvement.
• Prioritize workload to meet project deadlines.
• Demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal communication and in the use of computer software and hardware typically used in the field of fire research and testing.
• Troubleshoot and make minor repairs on test equipment.
• Must be able to wear a respirator or PAPR.
• Occasional assignments in moderate to high temperatures and smoky environment.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering or equivalent engineering degree.
• 0-2 years: Must have coursework in heat & mass transfer, fluids and thermodynamics. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with LabVIEW, AutoCAD and SolidWorks a plus. Experience in project management and fire testing or engineering a plus.
• Self-motivated, ability to multi-task, pay attention to detail, be diligent, exercise good judgment, work independently and as a team member. Able to interact with Clients and provide a high level of customer service.
• Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills, good organizational and time management skills.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.