Department: NIAR Composites - Advanced Materials Research

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.

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 Wichita State University. 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 experience and knowledge in part manufacturing. This position will be focused on developing and executing part manufacturing plans utilizing NIAR’s extensive advanced manufacturing capabilities and ensuring adherence to customer requirements. They will participate in the development of an overall strategy to accelerate advanced manufacturing within the industrial base.

This position will be based in Wichita, KS and will 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 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.

Job Duties

Works directly with internal engineering teams during the execution of programs.
Establishes customer relationships across the advanced manufacturing industry.
Provides expert opinions to customers related to advanced manufacturing and other industrial processes.
Works with leadership to develop advanced manufacturing industrial base modernization strategies.
Develops technical specific customer programs.
Participates in proposal creation
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

Effectively interact with a wide range of customers including very technical, non-technical, working level, and senior leaders.
Excellent presentation skills to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience writing and using material and process specification documentation.
Extensive 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.
Competent in 3D CAD design, including modeling and basic assemblies.
Understanding of nondestructive inspection technologies for metallic components preferred.
Understanding of metallic additive post-processing including, but not limited to, Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), heat treatment, and machining.
Understanding of casting, forging and other traditional manufacturing methods.
Ability to generate technical reports.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Detail oriented
May require travel to establish customer relationships and to understand their challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

Ten (10) years of design and/or manufacturing experience within the industrial base.

Five (5) years of advanced manufacturing experience.

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.