Wichita State University - Research Engineers Job ID #62490 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. 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 - Oversee aerospace research and development projects. Provide program management for FAA projects related to mechanical testing with advanced joining methods.  Essential Function 2:  Develops model concepts and approaches as an individual researcher and acts independently on technical matters. Responsibility 1 - Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment. Work with material properties, joining methods and fabrication; Acoustic Emissions Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) including Ultrasonics, X-Ray CT, Shearography, Thermography and visual, physical and thermal testing methods. Essential Function 3: Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; provides technical leadership and technique consultation. Perform specimen noise analysis involving acoustic emissions, as well as mechanical testing (coupon and sub-element level) and statistical analysis. Perform analysis of Acoustic Ultrasonic data in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures to investigate failure mechanics and progressions. Responsibility 1 - Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles. Responsibility 2 - Oversee or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products. 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 - Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers. Essential Function 5: Serves as investigator on single or multiple projects of complexity and scope consistent with above criteria, and/or oversees a research unit. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems. Responsibility 1 - Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field. Two (2) years of related experience working in a research laboratory with the following: material properties, joining methods and fabrication; Acoustic Emissions Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) including Ultrasonics, X-Ray CT, Shearography, Thermography and visual, physical and thermal testing methods; mechanical testing (coupon and sub-element level) and statistical analysis. Demonstrated knowledge of Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and specimen noise analysis with acoustic emissions.