NIAR CONSULTANT - Senior Design Engineer- Structures

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University in Wichita, KS seeks a Senior Systems Design Engineer - Structures to lead structural design for diverse programs. You will develop detailed concepts, create CAD models and documentation, and ensure producibility and compliance with standards. Collaboration with customers and teams is essential to deliver on time.

The role emphasizes leadership, strong communication, and hands-on design of metallic and composite structures, with domestic travel up to 10% as needed.

Qualifications

• On-site 80% of the time.
• U.S. Citizen; eligible for EAR/ITAR controlled tech.
• Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of experience in relevant discipline.
• Proficient in 3D CAD tools and GD&T concepts.
• Willing to travel up to 10% domestically.

Responsibilities

• Develop detail and modification design concepts meeting contractual and producibility requirements.
• Create CAD models, drawings and ICDs; support trade studies and customer coordination.
• Ensure technical excellence and schedule adherence for assignment areas.
• Design activities across primary structure, flight test and development structure.
• Discuss designs with customers focusing on materials, finishes, and processes.
• Lead and mentor interns and junior engineers where applicable.

Skills

Airframe design

Leadership

Technical communication

Domestic travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/structural/aerospace engineering

Tools

3DExperience

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Microsoft Office

Job description

Department
NIAR Engineering Design and Modification Team

Campus Location
Wichita, KS-WSU McConnell

Job Summary:

Since its inception in 1985, National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University has made a name for itself as the most capable university-based aviation research center in the United States by providing research, design, testing, certification and training to the aviation manufacturing industry, government agencies, educational entities and other clients that can benefit from our services.

NIAR is looking for a talented Senior Systems Design Engineer- Structures to support diverse customer programs.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing detail and modification design concepts through final design. Designs will meet contractual/producibility requirements for end item deliverables including structural modifications, mechanical components, and primary and secondary structural detail/installation design for development and production purposes. Tasks may also include airframe structural configuration layouts, final installations, preliminary sizing, joint layouts and detail part design utilizing metallic and composite materials within the CAD system.
• CAD models, drawings and other documents in support of the product, participating in trade studies, creating and maintaining ICDs (interface control documents), and coordination with customers.
• Technical excellence and adherence to schedule of assignment area.
• Design activity includes primary structure, flight test and development structure, special mission equipment, and prototype development.
• Ability to discuss designs and issues with customers, including metallic/composite part design, systems integration, materials, finishes, and processes.
• Candidate should be able to discuss designs and issues with customers, including metallic/composite part design, systems integration, materials, finishes, and processes.

Qualifications/Minimum Requirements:

• Ability to work on-site 80% of the time
• 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”.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, structural, aerospace or related discipline with 10 years of experience
• High proficiency with 3D CAD tools (3DExperience, CATIA V5, Siemens NX, Solidworks)
• Familiarity with NASA and/or FAA structural design standards
• Experience with airframe structure design, special mission modification design, and prototypes
• Experience developing and modifying 3D models & drawings as well as MBD designs
• Strong understanding of GD&T, design fundamentals, and ASME standards (Y14.5, Y14.31, Y14.37, Y14.41)
• Proficiency in GD&T tolerance application and experience with statistical stack-up analysis
• Experience with designing metallic and composite parts using the appropriate CAD workbenches
• Experience with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Professional and diplomatic demeanor
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Domestic travel up to 10 % may be required
• Experience in technical leadership and mentoring of interns and junior engineers
• Self-motivated and driven to produce high quality designs on schedule

Preferred Experience:

• Experience leading small teams and/or as technical specialist
• Experience creating structural/mechanical layouts and concept designs
• Aircraft support/MRB experience
• Experience with customer-facing role.

All services will be provided as an independent contractor, pursuant to a Professional Services Agreement, which must be executed prior to being assigned any work.