NIAR Research Engineer, Senior - Part Manufacturing
Job Description
Position Overview
Department: NIAR Composites - Advanced Materials Research
Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus
Hire Type: Full Time
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Schedule: Typically 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required dependent upon business needs.
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is a fast-growing area within Wichita State University, renowned globally for its expertise in pioneering aerospace research and development. The Advanced Materials Research group is seeking an Engineer with extensive experience in part manufacturing to develop and execute manufacturing plans leveraging NIAR’s advanced production capabilities and ensuring strict adherence to customer requirements. Based in Wichita, KS, you will work closely with NIAR engineers as well as government and industry representatives, playing a key role in both research and strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and execute engineering research assignments, addressing complex and unique challenges.
- Apply engineering research principles and best practices to formulate recommendations and solutions.
- Conduct systematic problem analysis and resolution through conceptually related studies or projects.
- Develop independent model concepts and technical approaches for advanced manufacturing projects.
- Collaborate with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, and reporting of research projects.
- Prepare analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication and presentations at various meetings.
- Serve as principal investigator on projects or manage a research unit, maintaining state-of-the-art technical knowledge.
- Work with internal engineering teams to execute programs and establish customer relationships within the advanced manufacturing industry.
- Provide expert opinions on advanced manufacturing and other industrial processes.
- Assist leadership in developing modernization strategies and technical customer programs, including participation in proposal creation.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
- Experience Required: Four (4) years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Effectively interact with a wide range of customers, from technical experts to senior leaders
- Excellent presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience in writing and utilizing material and process specification documentation
- Extensive understanding of material properties, particularly for commonly used metallic materials in the aviation industry
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports
- Competency in 3D CAD design including modeling and basic assemblies
- Familiarity with nondestructive inspection technologies for metallic components
- Understanding of metallic additive post-processing techniques such as Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), heat treatment, and machining
- Knowledge of traditional manufacturing methods including casting and forging
- Ability to generate technical reports and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Detail oriented with the ability to travel as needed to establish customer relationships
Preferred Qualifications
- Ten (10) years of design and/or manufacturing experience within the industrial base
- Five (5) years of advanced manufacturing experience
Benefits & Perks
- Salary: Commensurate with experience
- Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus
- Schedule: Typically 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required