NIAR Research Engineer - High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University is seeking an engineer to independently interpret, organize, and execute research assignments in aerospace materials. This role focuses on high temperature composites and advanced materials with a broad scope of projects.

You will analyze data, write technical reports, and help develop processing and testing procedures. The environment is collaborative, with opportunities to support grant proposals and present

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field.
• Two years of related experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Independently interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates research assignments in a field of engineering.
• Formulates and conducts research on problems of considerable scope and complexity.
• Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, and reporting of research projects.
• Prepares analyses, reports, and materials for grant proposals to obtain funding.

Skills

Ply nesting drawings

Data analysis

Report writing

Technical presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field

Two years of related experience

Job description

Department: NIAR - Composites & Structures

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically 40 hours per week; typicallyMonday-Friday, additional nights and weekends may be required; workis completed onsite and in-person.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires accessto EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required tobe eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and mustmeet the requirement of being a "U.S. Person".

The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is afast-growing area within WSU, known globally for our expertise inthe most critical areas of aerospace research anddevelopment.

Work within the NIAR High Temperature Composites and AdvancedMaterials Group is rapidly expanding. We are looking for someonewho thrives while working on applied research projects with a widerange of tasks, including researching and managing projects;analyzing data; writing documents and reports; overseeing materialprocessing and testing activities; and development andimplementation of new material processing and testing procedures. Our dynamic, collaborative work environment allows for work to betailored to fit team members’ skill set and experience. Considerjoining our team!

Job Summary

Independently interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinatesresearch assignments in a field or specialization of an engineeringdiscipline. Formulates and conducts research on problems ofconsiderable scope and complexity. Explores subject area anddefines scope and selection of problems for investigation throughconceptually related studies or series of projects of lesserscope.

Essential Functions

Interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates engineeringresearch assignments concerned with unique or controversialproblems. Applies diversified knowledge of engineering researchprinciples, practices, and protocols in research projects; makesrecommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis fordecision making in a specialty area. Formulates and conductssystematic problem analysis and resolution in an area ofconsiderable scope and complexity through series of complete andconceptually related studies, or through a variety of projects oflesser scope. Receives administrative supervision, with assignmentsgiven in terms of broad general objectives and limits. Developsmodel concepts and approaches as an individual researcher and actsindependently on technical matters. Collaborates with users andprincipal investigators on design, analysis, application, andreporting of research projects; provides technical leadership andtechnique consultation. Prepares analyses, reports, and assistswith the preparation of, materials for grant proposals to obtainfunding in support of research activities. Serves as investigatoron single or multiple projects of complexity and scope consistentwith above criteria, and/or manages a research unit. Maintainscurrency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-arttechnology, equipment, and/or systems.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field

Two (2) years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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 tocustomers and sponsors.

Preferred Qualifications

Good understanding of material properties of high temperaturecomposites and advance materials commonly used within the aerospaceand defense industry.

Knowledge of ASTM test methods for composites and advancedmaterials.

General understanding of how composite and advanced materials areprocessed, including autoclave curing and sintering of oxide/oxideCMCs and CVI and PIP processing of non-oxide CMCs.

General understanding of how composite and advanced materials aremachined, including equipment and tools used for PMCs andCMCs.

General understanding of how composite and advanced materials aretested, including physical, thermal, and mechanical testing of PMCsand CMCs.

Experience writing and using material and process specificationdocumentation.

Ability to write and present technical reports for researchstudies.

Understanding of material and process qualification.

Physical Requirements

Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs. Ability toposition self for inspection, construction or maintenance ofequipment and/or buildings including confined, elevated and loudnoise spaces. Ability to position self to move and/or transfermaterials, mail, equipment and/or supplies. Ability to move ortraverse across campus, within buildings and offices, and/or acrossexternal environments. Ability to use tools, equipment, andtechnology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity ininstrument manipulation. Ability to communicate with others andaccurately exchange information. Ability to interpret effectively,accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment includingbut not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.