Department: NIAR - Composites and Structures

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8-hour shift between

the hours of 7am and 6pm.

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 Composites and Structures group is looking for an Engineer to

join their team. 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 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.

Job Duties

Follow sample conditioning instructions according to NIAR internal

test plans and/or customer test instructions.

Read and understand the ASTM/ SACMA test standards for specific

test criteria and follow the preparation requirements.

Program and maintain temperature/humidity chambers and furnaces

according manufacture instructions. Perform routine maintenance on

chambers. Maintain records needed for NADCAP and internal

audits.

Plan conditioning schedules for specimen storage and removal.

Maintain detailed records of specimen information.

Handle chemicals and aviation fuels used in test specimen

preparation and conditioning. Use chemical, solvents and bonding

material according to the instructions specified by the vendors and

customers.

Design and modify test setups, fixtures, tools and standards

according to customer requests while maintaining industry

requirements.

Finalize data, find outliers, highlight repetitive testing, and

submit results to respective departments.

Compare data to material specifications, test specifications or

department requirements and identifying test data that fail to meet

specific criteria. Report and organize data according to customer

instructions.

Composites and metal specimen preparation for mechanical testing,

including tabbing, primary and secondary bonding, installing

fasteners for metal-composites joints.

Operate machines such as wet blaster, sand blasters, table saw and

drilling equipment. Maintain this equipment according to

manufacturer requirements.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field

Two (2) years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience with composites manufacturing processes and handling

composites material.

Experience in identifying electric or plumbing failures in machines

or equipment.

Experience in handling machining tools and basic machine shop

skills and operations.

Ability to read and understand technical drawings on test specimens

or parts.

Strong attention to detail.

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Must be proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook and CATIA.

Ability to effectively prioritize and manage workflow based on

expectations.

Ability to work efficiently both independently and along with other

colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering is

preferred.

Physical Requirements

Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs. Ability to

position self for inspection, construction or maintenance of

equipment and/or buildings including confined, elevated and loud

noise spaces. Ability to position self to move and/or transfer

materials, mail, equipment 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 including

but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.

NIAR Research Engineer - Composites & Structures

Job Type