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NIAR Research Engineer, Senior - High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials

at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas, United States

Job Description

NIAR Research Engineer, Senior -High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials

  • Position Number   New
  • Position Status    Full-Time
  • Regular Work Hours    Typically 40 hours per week; typically Monday-Friday, additional nights and weekends may be required; work is completed onsite and in-person
  • Location    Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Position Specific Responsibilities  Work within the NIAR High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials Group is rapidly expanding. We are looking for someone who thrives while working on applied research projects with a wide range of tasks, including researching and managing projects; analyzing data; writing documents and reports; overseeing material processing and testing activities; and development and implementation of new material processing and testing procedures. Our dynamic, collaborative work environment allows for work to be tailored to fit team members’ skill-set and experience. Consider joining our team! 

Summary of Responsibilities  Independently interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates research assignments in a field or specialization of an engineering discipline. Formulates and conducts research on problems of considerable scope and complexity. Explores subject area and defines scope and selection of problems for investigation through conceptually related studies or series of projects of lesser scope.

Essential Functions  

  • Interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates engineering research assignments concerned with unique or controversial problems. Applies diversified knowledge of engineering research principles, practices, and protocols in research projects; makes recommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis for decision making in a specialty area. Formulates and conducts systematic problem analysis and resolution in an area of considerable scope and complexity through series of complete and conceptually related studies, or through a variety of projects of lesser scope.
  • Receives administrative supervision, with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.
  • Develops model concepts and approaches as an individual researcher and acts independently on technical matters.
  • Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; provides technical leadership and technique consultation.
  • Prepares analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication; presents findings at local, national, and/or international meetings. Prepares, or assists with the preparation of, materials for grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.
  • Serves as principal investigator on single or multiple projects of complexity and scope consistent with above criteria, and/or manages a research unit.
  • Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.

Minimum Education  Bachelor’s degree in related field by hire date or combination of education and experience 

Preferred Education  Master's degree in related field by hire date

Minimum Experience  Seven (7) years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Experience 

  • Good understanding of material properties of high temperature composites and advance materials commonly used within the aerospace and defense industry.
  • Knowledge of ASTM test methods for composites and advanced materials.
  • Good understanding of how composite and advanced materials are processed, including autoclave curing and sintering of oxide/oxide CMCs and CVI and PIP processing of non-oxide CMCs.
  • Good understanding of how composite and advanced materials are machined, including equipment and tools used for PMCs and CMCs.
  • Good understanding of how composite and advanced materials are tested, including physical, thermal, and mechanical testing of PMCs and CMCs.
  • Experience writing and using material and process specification documentation.
  • Ability to write and present technical reports for research studies.
  • Understanding of material and process qualification.

Department Information:  Department  102156-NIAR - Composites & Structures

Salary Information:  Pay Information - Commensurate with experience.
Overtime Eligibility?    No
Eligible for Shift Differential?    No
Benefits Eligible?    Yes

Requisition Details:

  • Posting Date   05/01/2023
  • Closing Date
  • Proposed Start Date

Physical Demands/Physical Requirements  

  • Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs 
  • Ability to inspect and/or surveil materials, equipment, reports, and/or incidents and identify any errors, needs and/or determining factors. 
  • Ability to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively.
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position. 
  • Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. 
  • Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. 
  • Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrument manipulation. 
  • Ability to move or traverse across campus, within buildings and offices, and/or across external environments.

Physical Weight Category:  Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves remaining stationary most of the time.

Supplemental Questions - Required fields are indicated with an asterisk(*).

  1. * Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * Can you meet all educational, experiential and knowledge, skills and ability requirements for this position?
    • Yes
    • No

Documents Needed to Apply:  

Required Documents

  1. Resume

Optional Documents

  1.  Cover Letter/Letter of Application
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Job Posting: 13385387

Posted On: Oct 01, 2025

Updated On: Oct 01, 2025

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