Department
NIAR Engineering Design and Modification Team

Campus Location
Wichita, KS-WSU McConnell

Job Summary:

Since its inception in 1985, National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University has made a name for itself as the most capable university-based aviation research center in the United States by providing research, design, testing, certification and training to the aviation manufacturing industry, government agencies, educational entities and other clients that can benefit from our services.

Responsibilities include:

• Specify, design, and integrate architecture and system functions from clean sheet or via modifying existing systems
• Define System/Integration architectures in accordance with engineering operation requirements during offer phases to meet customer, airworthiness, general engineering standards and company requirements
• Support trade studies and new business proposals for systems upgrades/modifications
• Author, develop, and review technical design documents and engineering schematics for mechanical systems and their associated interfaces
• Review and approve mechanical product details, assembly, and installation designs (e.g., equipment racks, supplier components, system routing, system operation)
• Develop and manage system requirements from concept through certification
• Develop system specifications and work with systems suppliers to realize those specifications
• Draft Certification Plans and work with Designees to determine Means of Compliance
• Support Systems Safety specialists in analyzing and optimizing system design
• Support Design and Electrical specialists in optimizing system installation and interfaces
• Provide liaison support to operations in modifying, maintaining, and troubleshooting test or modification assets
• Produce engineering documentation (schematics, drawings, test plans and procedures, test reports, compliance reports) in support of system certification
• Support flight test activities, including test aircraft preparation and test data analysis
• Develop and maintain effective two-way communication both internally and with outside customers/suppliers to ensure adequate dissemination of information
• Provide periodic reviews and update presentations to management and customers

Qualifications/Minimum Requirements:

• Ability to work on-site 80% of the time
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with 10 years’ experience
• 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”.
• Ability to obtain a DOD secret security clearance
• Self-motivated and driven to produce high quality designs on schedule
• High proficiency in mechanical systems such as hydraulics, ECS, fuel, flight controls, water/waste, oxygen, doors, landing gear
• Proficient in mechanical system motion, fluid flow, thermal, [HK2] and operational design and analysis
• Working knowledge of 14CFR Part 23/25 regulations and application of Advisory Circulars
• Experience with application of ARP4754, ARP4761, ARP4752, ARP1897, ARP994, ARP5770 AS5440, MIL-STD-810, and RTCA/DO-160 standards
• Experience with Military, FAA, EASA, and other foreign certification authorities
• Experience writing and managing systems requirements
• Experience with system descriptions, reliability data, and hazard levels impacting system safety
• Experience in integrating complex systems and managing systems supplier
• Interrogation and review level of CAD software and processes
• Proficient in use of Visio and Microsoft Office programs
• Professional and diplomatic demeanor
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity[HK3]
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Time management skills to support multiple concurrent projects
• Experience of technical leadership and mentoring of interns and junior engineers

Desired Skills/Experience:

• Experience leading small teams and/or as technical specialist
• Proficient with 3D design using CAD tools (3DExperience, CATIA V5, Siemens NX, Solidworks)
• Proficient at electrical control and function with respect to mechanical system architecture
• Experience designing/installing new aircraft and modification definition of mechanical systems
• Experience creating mechanical layout schematics and concept mechanical architecture
• Experience authoring/approving mechanical system safety analysis and mechanical system hazard assessments
• Familiarity with aircraft mechanical systems and associated repairs
• Experience with customer-facing role
• Experience with 3DExperience, TeamCenter or similar CAD-PLM system

All services will be provided as an independent contractor, pursuant to a Professional Services Agreement, which must be executed prior to being assigned any work.