NIAR Research Engineer- High Temperature Composites and Advanced Materials

at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas, United States

Job Description

NIAR Research Engineer -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 assists with the preparation of, materials for grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.
• Serves as 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 engineering or related field by hire date

Preferred Education

Minimum Experience  Two (2) years of related 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.
• General 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. 
• General understanding how composite and advanced materials are machined, including equipment and tools for PMCs and CMCs
• General understanding of how composite and advanced materias 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 process qualification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to generate ply nesting, part, and specimen drawings.
• Ability to analyze and manage data.
• Ability to write and review reports.
• Ability to present technical findings and project updates to customers and sponsors

Sponsorship  No, due to export control requirements, the University cannot sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position.

User Export Compliance  This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a "U.S. Person”.

Department Information:  Department - 102156-NIAR - Composites & Structures

Salary Information:  Pay Information Commensurate with experience

• Overtime Eligibility?  Yes
• 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 position self for inspection including confined, elevated and loud noise spaces. 
• Ability to position self to move and/or transfer materials, equipment and/or supplies. 
• Ability to move or traverse across campus, within buildings and offices, and/or across external environments. 
• Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrument manipulation. 
• Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. 
• Ability to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively. 
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.

Physical Weight Category:  Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Light 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