Wichita State University - Research Engineers, Senior - Job ID #121092 in Wichita, Kansas

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. Performs Engineering Design and Analysis; Engineering analysis (Structural, Fluid, Thermal); Material characterization for metals and polymers; Product design and development for aerospace components; Additive and subtractive manufacturing for tooling and aircraft component; Statistical Analysis for process and parameter optimization; Composites design and manufacturing; and Cold spray manufacturing.

DUTIES: Essential Function 1 - 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. Responsibility 1 - Develops design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates. Responsibility 2 - Analyzes project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace, aeronautical or other advanced manufacturing disciplines. Responsibility 3 - Performs Digital Engineering (Multi physics-based simulations – Fluid, Structural, Heat Transfer, Kinematics/Dynamic Simulation). Performs digital twin development (System engineering, Engineering Design, Digital Manufacturing), and model based systems engineering for aerospace components. Essential Function 2 - Develops model concepts and approaches as an individual researcher and acts independently on technical matters. Responsibility 1 - Plans or conducts experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment. Responsibility 2 - Conducts R&D, process development and optimization in various emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing topics. Essential Function 3 - Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; provides technical leadership and technique consultation. Responsibility 1 - Formulates conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations. Responsibility 2 - Evaluates product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards. Essential Function 4 - 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. Responsibility 1 - Writes technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers. Publish engineering related reports and documentation. Responsibility 2 - Maintains records of performance reports for future reference. Essential Function 5 - Serves as principal investigator on single or multiple projects of complexity and scope consistent with above criteria, and/or leads a research unit. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems. Responsibility 1 - Researches new materials to determine quality or conformance to environmental standards. Responsibility 2 - Performs data-driven engineering decision-making processes and planning).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Materials, Mechanical, Aerospace or related STEM field). Four (4) years of experience in a research laboratory working with the following: Engineering Design and Analysis; Engineering analysis (Structural, Fluid, Thermal); Material characterization for metals and polymers; Product design and development for aerospace components; Additive and subtractive manufacturing for tooling and aircraft component; Statistical Analysis for process and parameter optimization; Composites design and manufacturing; and Cold spray manufacturing.