NIAR Research Engineer- High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials

Wichita State University; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University, NIAR, Wichita, KS, seeks a Research Engineer for High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials to support applied research projects, analyze data, and develop processing/testing procedures. On-site work is required on the WSU Main Campus.

The candidate should hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and have two years of related experience. Strong collaboration with principal investigators and ability to present technical findings are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field by hire date.
• Two years of related experience preferred.
• Knowledge of high temperature composites and advanced materials is desirable.
• Familiarity with material and process specification documentation.

Responsibilities

• Interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate engineering research assignments.
• Develop model concepts and approaches as an individual researcher.
• Collaborate with investigators on design, analysis, and reporting of research projects.
• Prepare analyses, reports, and grant proposal materials.

Skills

Material properties knowledge

ASTM test methods

Data analysis

Technical writing

Ply nesting, drawings

Project coordination

Report preparation

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelors degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Job Title

NIAR Research Engineer - High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials

Location

Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Position Number

new

Position Status

Full-Time

Regular Work Hours

Typically 40 hours per week; typically Monday-Friday, additional nights and weekends may be required; work is completed onsite and in-person.

Position Specific Responsibilities

Work within the NIAR High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials Group is rapidly expanding. We are looking for someone who thrives while working on applied research projects with a wide range of tasks, including researching and managing projects; analyzing data; writing documents and reports; overseeing material processing and testing activities; and development and implementation of new material processing and testing procedures. Our dynamic, collaborative work environment allows for work to be tailored to fit team members skill-set and experience. Consider joining our team!

Summary of Responsibilities

Independently interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates research assignments in a field or specialization of an engineering discipline. Formulates and conducts research on problems of considerable scope and complexity. Explores subject area and defines scope and selection of problems for investigation through conceptually related studies or series of projects of lesser scope.

Essential Functions

• Interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates engineering research assignments concerned with unique or controversial problems. Applies diversified knowledge of engineering research principles, practices, and protocols in research projects; makes recommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis for decision making in a specialty area. Formulates and conducts systematic problem analysis and resolution in an area of considerable scope and complexity through series of complete and conceptually related studies, or through a variety of projects of lesser scope.
• Receives administrative supervision, with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.
• Develops model concepts and approaches as an individual researcher and acts independently on technical matters.
• Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; provides technical leadership and technique consultation.
• Prepares analyses, reports, and assists with the preparation of materials for grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.
• Serves as investigator on single or multiple projects of complexity and scope consistent with above criteria, and/or manages a research unit.
• Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.

Minimum Education

Bachelors degree in engineering or related field by hire date

Preferred Experience

Two (2) years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good understanding of material properties of high temperature composites and advance materials commonly used within the aerospace and defense industry.
• Knowledge of ASTM test methods for composites and advanced materials.
• General understanding of how composite and advanced materials are processed, including autoclave curing and sintering of oxide/oxide CMCs and CVI and PIP processing of non-oxide CMCs.
• General understanding how composite and advanced materials are machined, including equipment and tools for PMCs and CMCs.
• General understanding of how composite and advanced materials are tested, including physical, thermal, and mechanical testing of PMCs and CMCs.
• Experience writing and using material and process specification documentation.
• Ability to write and present technical reports for research studies.
• Understanding of material process qualification.
• Ability to generate ply nesting, part, and specimen drawings.
• Ability to analyze and manage data.
• Ability to write and review reports.
• Ability to present technical findings and project updates to customers and sponsors.

Sponsorship

No, due to export control requirements, the University cannot sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position.

User Export Compliance

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."

Department Information

Department – 102156-NIAR - Composites & Structures

Salary Information

Pay Information: Commensurate with experience