Department: NIAR - Composites and Structures

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8-hour shift between the hours of 7am and 6pm.

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 Details

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 Composites and Structures group is looking for an Engineer to join their team. 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 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.

Job Duties

Follow sample conditioning instructions according to NIAR internal test plans and/or customer test instructions.
Read and understand the ASTM/ SACMA test standards for specific test criteria and follow the preparation requirements.
Program and maintain temperature/humidity chambers and furnaces according manufacture instructions. Perform routine maintenance on chambers. Maintain records needed for NADCAP and internal audits.
Plan conditioning schedules for specimen storage and removal. Maintain detailed records of specimen information.
Handle chemicals and aviation fuels used in test specimen preparation and conditioning. Use chemical, solvents and bonding material according to the instructions specified by the vendors and customers.
Design and modify test setups, fixtures, tools and standards according to customer requests while maintaining industry requirements.
Finalize data, find outliers, highlight repetitive testing, and submit results to respective departments.
Compare data to material specifications, test specifications or department requirements and identifying test data that fail to meet specific criteria. Report and organize data according to customer instructions.
Composites and metal specimen preparation for mechanical testing, including tabbing, primary and secondary bonding, installing fasteners for metal-composites joints.
Operate machines such as wet blaster, sand blasters, table saw and drilling equipment. Maintain this equipment according to manufacturer requirements.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field

Two (2) years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience with composites manufacturing processes and handling composites material.
Experience in identifying electric or plumbing failures in machines or equipment.
Experience in handling machining tools and basic machine shop skills and operations.
Ability to read and understand technical drawings on test specimens or parts.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Must be proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook and CATIA.
Ability to effectively prioritize and manage workflow based on expectations.
Ability to work efficiently both independently and along with other colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering is preferred.

Physical Requirements

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