Senior R&D Engineer (NDE)

Edison Welding Institute Inc; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Edison Welding Institute (EWI) in Columbus, OH, is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to lead the application and deployment of advanced nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies within automated and in-line production environments.

You will work directly with client companies to define inspection problems, select NDE methods, and implement solutions in robotic cells and production hardware, balancing application focus with deployment success.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing inspection or measurement systems within automated equipment, robotic cells, or production lines.
• Programming ability to build data acquisition, processing, and analysis tools (Python or equivalent).
• Experience designing and executing test programs and analyzing results statistically.

Responsibilities

• Lead client projects on inspection and NDE, coordinating internal and external teams.
• Visit client facilities to assess needs and propose automated/in-process inspection solutions.
• Develop data pipelines and apply signal and image processing, ML where valuable.
• Integrate inspection systems into robotic cells and production equipment.
• Mentor junior engineers and document technical results for customers.

Skills

Python programming

Statistical analysis

NDE methods knowledge

Customer relationship management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in engineering, physics, or materials science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Python

Job description

EWI is a world leader in developing and deploying innovative technologies that enable companies to bridge the gap between R&D and manufacturing implementation. EWI Associates are passionate about identifying out-of-the-box solutions that provide a long-term competitive advantage for our clients. Our clients tell us we are a valuable extension and a complement to their innovation, engineering and manufacturing teams. If you enjoy working with customers and solving difficult, technical problems, EWI is the place for you.EWI is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to lead the application of advanced nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology to client manufacturing challenges, with particular emphasis on integrating inspection into automated and in-process production systems. This is a customer-facing technical role. The successful candidate will work directly with client companies to define inspection problems, select and adapt leading-edge NDE methods, and implement those methods within robotic, automated, and in-line manufacturing environments. The position emphasizes application, integration, and deployment rather than fundamental research. EWI’s value to its clients lies in identifying what is possible at the leading edge of NDE science and making it work reliably on production hardware.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Customer engagement and business developmentServe as the primary technical point of contact for client companies on inspection and NDE projects; lead collaborative internal and external teams to implement solutionsVisit client facilities to assess inspection needs, evaluate production environments, and identify opportunities for automated and in-process inspectionTranslate client requirements into project scopes, technical approaches, cost and schedule estimatesPresent findings, recommendations, and results to audiences ranging from shop floor operators to executive leadershipSupport business development through proposal preparation, technical presentations, client council participation, and industry conference activityBuild long-term client relationships that lead to repeated and expanded workTrain client personnel on delivered systems and transfer capability so solutions remain in use after a project closesTechnology implementation and automationEvaluate and select advanced NDE methods, including phased array and full matrix capture ultrasonics, eddy current array, computed tomography, thermography, guided wave, and optical techniques, and determine which are viable for production deploymentDesign and implement in-process and in-line inspection solutions that operate during manufacturing rather than after it, with emphasis on welding, additive manufacturing, and composite processesIntegrate inspection hardware into robotic cells, gantries, motion systems, and production equipment, including sensor selection and placement, fixturing, scan planning, and instrument controlDevelop data acquisition, processing, and analysis pipelines, applying signal processing, image processing, and machine learning methods where they add valueInterface inspection systems with plant control and quality data systems, and support feedback to the manufacturing process where feasibleValidate system performance through designed experiments, probability of detection studies, and reliability analysisDevelop procedures, work instructions, and qualification evidence to support customer, prime contractor, and regulatory acceptanceProject execution and technical leadershipManage project scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables, and produce clear technical reports and documentationMaintain current awareness of the commercial and academic NDE landscape, including instrument suppliers, research institutions, and standards development activityContribute to EWI internal capability, tooling, and laboratory infrastructureMentor junior engineers and techniciansREQURIED QUALIFICATIONS:Demonstrated experience implementing inspection or measurement systems within automated equipment, robotic cells, or production linesWorking knowledge of at least one NDE modality, with practical familiarity across severalProgramming ability sufficient to build data acquisition, processing, and analysis tools, typically in Python or an equivalent languageExperience designing and executing test programs and analyzing results statisticallyProficiency in executing scientific research and performing experimental analysisExisting understanding of technical challenges in key markets including, but not limited to, oil and gas, power generation, heavy manufacturing, and automotive industriesUtilizes judgment in communication styles and behaviors; recognizes impact on other team membersExhibits proficient written and verbal communication with customers both internal and external; including direct experience presenting technical work to customersProven adaptability and flexibility as a part of teamAbility to maintain excellent customer relationships both internal and externalProven success in a team-oriented environmentStrong ability to plan and organize tasksProficiency in Microsoft Office softwareWillingness to travel (10%) to customers and conferencesPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Experience with in-process or in-line inspection in welding, additive manufacturing, or composite manufacturingExperience with industrial controls, robot programming, machine vision, or edge computingFamiliarity with inspection data standards and interoperability, such as DICONDEApplication of machine learning to inspection data, particularly where flaws are rare and labeled data is limitedASNT or NAS 410 certification at Level II or III is preferred but not requiredAdvanced degree in a relevant technical disciplineExperience preparing proposals for industry or government sponsorsAbility to obtain a US security clearancePHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Office environment and laboratory/light production floor with ventilation, climate-control system, moderate lighting, and moderate noise level;Use finger and hand dexterity to type, adjust, move, handle, perform, operate, install, attach, remove, apply, grasp, grip, manipulate, and measure;Use vision to see, analyze, and adjust;Frequently move, transport, rotate, reach, pull, twist, adjust position, push, stand, stoop, bend and crouch; andLift ten to 20 pounds on a frequent basis and 40 to 80 pounds occasionallyEDUCATION:Master’s degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or a related technical disciplineEXPERIENCE:Five (5) or more years applying inspection, measurement, or sensing technology in a manufacturing, laboratory, or applied research environmentEXPORT CONTROLS - This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government.EOE/M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran StatusAccommodationsIndividuals who need reasonable accommodations under the ADA in order to participate in the search and/or application process should contact Human Resources at [phone].