Senior Research Engineer

University of Dayton Research Institute; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a Research Engineer to join the Rapid Characterization Team in the Materials Technology and Transition division. You will support microstructural characterization, performance evaluation, and the integration of high-temperature metals for aerospace applications.

The role focuses on developing advanced characterization techniques, automating data collection, executing testing modes, and preparing technical reports in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Eight years of directly related experience for R3 level.
• Experience in a research or laboratory environment with materials characterization.
• Proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis and/or process automation.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience with data interpretation and analysis from materials testing or characterization.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills.
• U.S. Citizen due to research contracts with the U.S. federal government.

Responsibilities

• Support microstructural characterization, performance evaluation, and integration of high-temperature metals for aerospace applications.
• Develop state-of-the-art characterization techniques and automate characterization and data collection methodologies.
• Execute advanced testing modes, perform rigorous data analysis, and contribute to technical reports.
• Collaborate with team members across disciplines and manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Written and oral communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Laboratory experience

Materials characterization

Education

Bachelor of Science in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred

Tools

SEM

EBSD

Robotic systems

APIs / scripting

GitLab

Job description

Position Summary

Are you interested in a career opportunity that offers tuition assistance for yourself and dependents, great benefits package, and more? Take the next step in your career and help shape the future of metals research at the renowned University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). As a Research Engineer within the Materials Technology and Transition division, you'll work alongside a talented group of researchers to develop cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of materials science. Join our cutting-edge team and apply today!

Position Summary

Are you interested in a career opportunity that offers tuition assistance for yourself and dependents, great benefits package, and more? Take the next step in your career and help shape the future of metals research at the renowned University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). As a Research Engineer within the Materials Technology and Transition division, you'll work alongside a talented group of researchers to develop cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of materials science. Join our cutting-edge team and apply today! This individual will serve as a key member of the Rapid Characterization Team of metal researchers, supporting microstructural characterization, performance evaluation, and the integration of high-temperature metals for aerospace applications. The Research Engineer will focus on the development of state-of-the-art characterization techniques and the automation of characterization and data collection methodologies. Daily operations will include executing advanced testing modes, performing rigorous analysis of test data, and contributing to technical reports. Additional attributes sought include strong interpersonal and communication skills, detail oriented and capable of completing multiple time-sensitive tasks, able to prioritize workloads, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• For R3 level eight years of directly related experience is required.
• Experience in a research or laboratory environment with a focus on materials characterization.
• Proficiency with a high-level programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and/or process automation.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience with data interpretation and analysis from materials testing or characterization.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Expertise in automating laboratory hardware and integrating characterization tools (e.g., SEM, EBSD, robotic systems) using manufacturer APIs or custom scripts.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and relevant scientific libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, OpenCV, Scikit-Image).
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput data pipelines, including data acquisition, processing, and routing.
• Experience with 3D microstructural reconstruction and analysis using tools like DREAM.3D.
• Familiarity with version control systems, such as GitLab.
• Hands-on experience with system building and developing custom fixtures for rapid testing and characterization.

Special Instructions To Applicants

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Closing Statement

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.