NIAR Research Engineer - Full Scale Structural Test

Job Details

Department: NIAR Full Scale Structural Test

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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 Information

The NIAR Full Scale Structural Test team is seeking a self-motivated engineer who will be conducting full scale testing in a research environment. This position involves a variety of activities from design, analysis and hands on work setting up and checking test set ups. Responsibilities include reviewing customer testing requirements and designing test fixtures utilizing CATIA to support test requirements; directing lab activities with fabrication and assembly of test fixtures and setup; creating test plans and test reports; conducting full scale testing on customer test article; and coordinating with management on all test activities, objects and schedule statuses.

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.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field

Two (2) years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to initiate work as a self-starter and to prioritize with time management skills

Ability to read, understand and develop engineering drawings

Ability to perform design capabilities and provide oversight for structural and test fixtures

Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines and objectives

Demonstrated capability with verbal and written communication, with the ability to write test reports accurately and efficiently

Aptitude to learn and take initiative

Willingness to work hands on to create and verify test setups

Proficiency in operating Microsoft Office Suite

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.