Principal Materials Engineer

Davis Center for Portfolio Management - University of Dayton; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a prestigious research institution as a Principal Materials Engineer, where you'll tackle advanced manufacturing challenges in aerospace and defense. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies, including additive manufacturing and repair processes, while contributing to impactful research initiatives. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to drive innovation and enhance material properties for real-world applications. If you're passionate about making a difference in engineering and eager to advance your career in a dynamic environment, this position is for you.

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience in materials development for product design engineering.
• 5 years of experience with material testing and microstructure analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct material/process risk assessments and troubleshoot issues.
• Develop test plans and validate part performance.

Skills

Materials Development

Microstructure Analysis

Additive Manufacturing

Technical Writing

Statistical Analysis

Collaboration

Education

BS in Engineering

Master's or Doctoral Degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Apply now Job No: 502572

Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)

Location: Dayton, OH

Category: Research Institute Staff

Department: Sustainment Materials Engineering - 250427

Pay Grade: R4 - Exempt

Advertised: May 01, 2025

Applications close: Open until filled

Position Summary

Are you a seasoned Materials Engineer looking to make a lasting impact in the field of aerospace and defense? The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking an exceptional Principal Materials Engineer to join our team. This is your chance to be part of a world-renowned research institution dedicated to advancing the frontiers of science and technology, performing more than $3 billion in cumulative sponsored research, with sponsored research for 2024 alone exceeding $250 million. Apply today!

This position will focus on understanding the material science issues of advanced manufacturing including additive manufacturing and repair processes, applied corrosion technologies, and connecting material properties to part end-use needs. Responsibilities include material/process risk assessments, troubleshooting, process improvements, providing subject matter expertise, test plan development, data interpretation, validation of part performance, and evaluating new technologies. The initial focus will be on metal powder bed fusion additive manufacturing and cold spray and directed energy deposition repair technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in relevant engineering field (such as chemical, materials, metallurgy, aerospace)
• 12 years of related experience in materials development for product design engineering of metals, plastics, or ceramics
• 5 years of experience with material testing and microstructure analysis techniques
• Experience with heat treatment or post-processing techniques
• 5 years of experience developing and implementing operating procedures and process control plans
• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis
• Experience with additive manufacturing, cold spray repair, or advanced manufacturing processes
• Strong technical writing and communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team
• Self-motivation with minimal supervision
• U.S. citizenship required due to research contract requirements

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the ideal candidate will have:

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in relevant engineering fields
• Experience with additive manufacturing parameter development and structure-property relationships
• Process optimization, troubleshooting, root cause analysis experience
• Experience with CAD software like SolidWorks
• Finite element analysis and modeling experience
• Experience qualifying aerospace products and knowledge of US Air Force policies
• Ability to promote inclusive excellence in the workplace

Application Instructions

To apply, submit a cover letter addressing each minimum and applicable preferred qualification.

Additional Information

The University is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.