Department: NIAR – Advanced Materials Research 

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus 

Hire Type: Full Time, Benefit Eligible 

Pay: Commensurate with experience 

Work Schedule: Typically, 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required. The job is performed in person and on-site. 

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 Advanced Materials Research group is looking for a Software Developer with extensive knowledge of the software development life cycle and various programming languages. This position will focus on web, application, and database development in support of applied research initiatives involving high-temperature composite materials (polymer, ceramic, carbon) and additively manufactured materials (metallic and polymer) for various government and industry customers.

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 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.
Other duties as assigned.

Job Duties

Collaborate cross-functionally with data scientists, business users, project managers and other engineers to achieve elegant solutions.
Develop software solutions by studying information needs; conferring with users; studying systems flow, data usage and work processes; investigating problem areas; following the software development lifecycle.
Produce an effective database system according to customer needs and specifications. This includes collecting data, analyzing the data, designing algorithms, drawing flowcharts, and implementing code for the logic developed.
Run performance testing procedures to ensure the proper operations of developed database and ensure error-free performance.
Work alongside other engineers on the team to elevate technologies and consistently apply best practices.
Create technical documentation to guide the development of other software developers/engineers or provide information for users.
Provide ongoing maintenance, support, and enhancements for improving the operation of existing web/software applications by conducting analysis and recommending changes.
Apply diversified knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and protocols in projects; make recommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis for decision making.
Receives administrative supervision, with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related STEM field

Two (2) years of related experience in a STEM field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript languages.
Familiarity with web libraries Node JS, React, and Angular preferred.
Strong proficiency with SQL and its variation among popular databases.
Proven experience as a .NET Developer.
Familiarity with Python, TensorFlow, Keras, and SKLearn preferred.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to lead and train support staff, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in related field by hire date

Three (3) years of related experience

Physical Requirements

Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs.

Ability to position self for inspection, construction or maintenance of equipment including confined, elevated and loud noise spaces.

Ability to position self to move and/or transfer materials 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