NIAR CONSULTANT - Senior Loads Engineer

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University seeks a senior leader for an external loads engineering group. The role involves leading engineers in developing aircraft-level load cases, prioritizing tasks, and mentoring team members. Communication skills and accountability are essential.

Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and have at least ten years of relevant experience. Familiarity with civil and military requirements is preferred. Some domestic travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum of ten years of experience in External Loads.
• Experience leading engineering teams necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers in flight and ground loads development.
• Establish priorities and ensure alignment with program schedule.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality technical reports.

Skills

External Loads

Leadership

Technical Writing

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Matlab

Nastran

Femap

Python

Job description

Department NIAR Design, Analysis, Requirements & Certification (DARC)

Location Wichita, KS-WSU McConnell

Job Summary

The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University is a nationally known aviation research center, providing a wide range of services including research, design, testing, certification and training. This role provides senior‑level leadership for an external loads engineering group, functioning as an independent contractor responsible for guiding the team through the development of aircraft‑level load cases and documentation required for program milestones. This position emphasizes technical direction, coordination of team activities, and mentoring of engineers at varying experience levels. Some travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers responsible for aircraft‑level flight and ground loads development
• Establish team priorities, define technical approaches, organize work assignments, and ensure alignment with program schedule
• Proficient with static and dynamic external loads development
• Coordinate with Mass Properties, Flight Sciences, Stress, F&DT disciplines
• Prepare and deliver high‑quality technical reports and customer‑facing material
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers, fostering skill development and communication
• Provide proactive communication and status updates to leadership and customers
• Work independently with minimal oversight while ensuring team performance
• Domestic travel up to 10% may be required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Ten (10) years of experience in External Loads
• Leadership experience - leading an engineering team and acting as a technical focal
• Familiarity with civil and/or military requirements
• Demonstrated ability to meet schedule expectations
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Professional and diplomatic demeanor
• Strong accountability and integrity
• Experience mentoring of interns and junior engineers

Preferred Qualifications

• Software proficiency – Matlab, Nastran, Femap, Python, and similar tools