Research Engineer - Experimental & Computational Mechanics

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute, in San Antonio, Texas, seeks a Research Engineer focused on Experimental and Computational Mechanics to advance material models under extreme conditions. The role combines lab testing with high-fidelity simulations and requires strong communication and collaboration with clients.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field and have experience with impact testing, high strain-rate analysis, and laser diagnostics.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Mechanical, Materials, Nuclear, Aerospace or Civil Eng.
• 0–3 years: experience with codes for impact or fluids or radiation.
• Experience with testing materials using universal testing machines.
• Experience with lasers or radiation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Test materials with MTS, Hopkinson Bar, Plate Impact, ballistic impact and diagnostics.
• Develop algorithms in MATLAB, Python, FORTRAN for data analysis of high strain-rate/ballistic data.
• Run computer simulations of materials under shock and high strain rates and fluid flow.
• Use lasers for Doppler velocimetry and related measurements.
• Prepare technical reports and present results to clients; contribute to journal submissions.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Business skills

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Materials Engineering

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

FORTRAN

Job description

Southwest Research Institute, in San Antonio, Texas, seeks a Research Engineer focused on Experimental and Computational Mechanics to advance material models under extreme conditions. The role combines lab testing with high-fidelity simulations and requires strong communication and collaboration with clients.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field and have experience with impact testing, high strain-rate analysis, and laser diagnostics.