Department: NIAR - Composites & Structures

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically 40 hours per week; typically Monday-Friday, additional nights and weekends may be required; work is completed onsite and in-person.

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, known globally for our expertise in the most critical areas of aerospace research and development.

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!

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 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.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Four (4) years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to manage research projects.
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.
Ability to quote, invoice, and communicate with external customers.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in related field by hire date.

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.

Physical Requirements

Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs.

Ability to position self to place, construct, and/or maintain equipment and items in designated spaces. This includes but is not limited to the ability to work in confined and elevated spaces.

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.