NIAR Research Engineer - Composites and Structures

This job was posted by : For moreinformation, please see: Compliance Requirement:This position requires access to EARor ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligiblefor employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet therequirement of being a ??U.S. Citizen?.Job DetailsThe National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is a fast-growingarea within WSU. NIAR is known globally for our expertise in the mostcritical areas of aerospace research and development.The Composites and Structures group is looking for an Engineer to jointheir team. If you are detail oriented, enjoy challenging and rewardingwork, and like being part of a team, consider applying for thispositionJob SummaryIndependently interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates researchassignments in a field or specialization of an engineering discipline.Formulates and conducts research on problems of considerable scope andcomplexity. Explores subject area and defines scope and selection ofproblems for investigation through conceptually related studies orseries of projects of lesser scope.Essential FunctionsInterprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates engineering researchassignments concerned with unique or controversial problems. Appliesdiversified knowledge of engineering research principles, practices, andprotocols in research projects; makes recommendations and conclusionswhich serve as the basis for decision making in a specialty area.Formulates and conducts systematic problem analysis and resolution in anarea of considerable scope and complexity through series of complete andconceptually related studies, or through a variety of projects of lesserscope. Receives administrative supervision, with assignments given interms of broad general objectives and limits. Develops model conceptsand approaches as an individual researcher and acts independently ontechnical matters. Collaborates with users and principal investigatorson design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects;provides technical leadership and technique consultation. Preparesanalyses, reports, and assists with the preparation of, materials forgrant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.Serves as investigator on single or multiple projects of complexity andscope consistent with above criteria, and/or manages a research unit.Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevantstate-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.Job DutiesFollow sample conditioning instructions according to NIAR internal testplans and/or customer test instructions.Read and understand the ASTM/ SACMA test standards for specific testcriteria and follow the preparation requirements.Program and maintain temperature/humidity chambers and furnacesaccording manufacture instructions. Perform routine maintenance onchambers. Maintain records needed for NADCAP and internal audits.Plan conditioning schedules for specimen storage and removal. Maintaindetailed records of specimen information.Handle chemicals and aviation fuels used in test specimen preparationand conditioning. Use chemical, solvents and bonding material accordingto the instructions specified by the vendors and customers.Design and modify test setups, fixtures, tools and standards accordingto customer requests while maintaining industry requirements.Finalize data, find outliers, highlight repetitive testing, and submitresults to respective pare data to material specifications, test specifications ordepartment requirements and identifying test data that fail to meetspecific criteria. Report and organize data according to posites and metal specimen preparation for mechanical testing,including tabbing, primar and secondary bonding, installing fastenersfor metal-composites joints.Operate machines such as wet blaster, sand blasters, table saw anddrilling equipment. Maintain this equipment according to manufacturerrequirements.Required Education and ExperienceBachelor??s degree in engineering or related STEM fieldTwo (2) years of related experienceKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesExperience with composites manufacturing processes and handlingcomposites material.Experience in identifying electric or plumbing failures in machines orequipment.Experience in handling machining tools and basic machine shop skills andoperations.Ability to read and understand technical drawings on test specimens orparts.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 onexpectations.Ability to work efficiently both independently and along with othercolleagues.Preferred QualificationsBachelor??s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering is preferred.Physical RequirementsAbility to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs. Ability t

Created: 2026-02-06