NIAR Research Engineer - Advanced Materials Research - Wichita State University Careers

The Advanced Materials Research group is looking for an Engineer with extensive knowledge in additive manufacturing (metallic and polymer) to join their team. This position will focus on all aspects of applied research involving these manufacturin...

Department: NIAR Composites & Structures

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required dependent upon business needs. The job is performed in person and on-site in Wichita, KS.

Export Compliance Requirement: 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. Citizen”.

Job Detail

The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is a fast-growing area within WSU. NIAR is known globally for our expertise in the most critical areas of aerospace research and development.

The Advanced Materials Research group is looking for an Engineer with extensive knowledge in additive manufacturing (metallic and polymer) to join their team. This position will focus on all aspects of applied research involving these manufacturing processes and materials for various government and industry customers. Projects are focused on characterization and qualification of these materials and processes, as well as integration into cutting-edge applications.
This position will be based in Wichita, KS and will see you work closely with both engineers at NIAR and directly with the government and industry customer base. If you are detail oriented, enjoy challenging and rewarding work, and like being part of a team, consider applying for this position.

Job Summary

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 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.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related STEM field

Two (2) years of related experience in a STEM field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience with Laser Powder Bed Fusion for Metallic AM.
Experience writing and using material and process specification documentation.
Great understanding of material properties of various commonly used metallic materials within the aviation industry.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
Familiarity with Directed Energy Deposition Metallic AM preferred.
Familiarity with Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing for Metallic AM preferred.
Familiarity with Laser Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing for Metallic AM preferred.
Familiarity with Fused Deposition Modeling for Polymer AM preferred.
Understanding of nondestructive inspection technologies for metallic components preferred.
General understanding of metallic additive post-processing including, but not limited to, Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), heat treatment, and machining.
Experience with Dassault Systèmes 3DExperience or CATIA V5
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to lead and train support staff, as needed.
Ability to generate technical reports and effectively deliver technical presentations.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in related field by hire date.

Three (3) years of related experience.

Physical Requirements

Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs.
Ability to position self for inspection, construction or maintenance of equipment including confined, elevated and loud noise spaces.
Ability to position self to move and/or transfer materials 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