NIAR Composites and Structures Student Assistant

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 13,776 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

Wichita State University is seeking a part-time Student Assistant in the NIAR Composites & Structures Lab. The role involves performing various technical and administrative tasks, including physical and chemical testing on composites, operating lab equipment, and maintaining records. Candidates must be enrolled in the STEM program and have strong organizational and communication skills. A GPA above 3.0 and proficiency in MS Office are essential, along with the ability to work at least 20 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Must be an undergraduate student with a GPA above 3.0.
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs.
• Available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical and chemical testing on cured/uncured composites.
• Operate optical microscopes and impact towers.
• Maintain records of all testing equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in MS Excel

Proficiency in MS Word

Proficiency in MS Outlook

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Enrolled in Wichita State University STEM Program

Major in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Job description

Department

NIAR Composites & Structures

Campus Location

Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type

Part Time

Pay

$10 - $15 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. Person".

Job Story

The NIAR Composites & Structures Lab is looking for a student assistant to do a variety of different tasks within their lab.

Job Summary

A student assistant will carry out administrative and technical tasks requested by a supervisor. Depending on the area the student assistant is employed in, they may assist and mentor other students or provide support throughout the campus in various forms.

Job Duties

• Perform physical and chemical testing on cured/uncured composites, foam, core, film adhesive, and metal-composite bonding material.
• Cured physical testing compromise of acid digestion methods, ignition loss methods, tests for core or laminate density, and specific gravity.
• Uncured physical testing compromise of resin flow, volatile content, resin/insoluble content, fiber areal weight, gel time, tac,k, and drape.
• Analyze chemicals using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to check specimen contamination and process quality.
• Operate digester units, and program temperature/humidity chambers and furnaces.
• Operate optical microscopes and impact towers.
• Program temperature/humidity chambers and furnaces with the guidance of supervisors.
• Read and understand the test standards for specific test criteria.
• Maintain records of all the equipment in the lab used for testing/calibrating according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Finalize data, find outliers, highlight repetitive testing, and submit results to respective departments.
• Compare data to material specifications, test specifications, or department requirements and identify test data that fail to meet specific criteria with the guidance of supervisors.

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Additional Requirements

• Enrolled in Wichita State University STEM Program
• Major in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
• Must be an undergraduate student with a GPA above 3.0
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Must be proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage workflow based on expectations
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and along with other colleagues
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs
• Available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week

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.