Composite Research Engineer

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

STAFF - VA - 27044

Develop processing methods for stretch broken carbon fiber and develop carbon fiber parts, components and prototypes to demonstrate the capabilities of the materials. The candidate will utilize various manufacturing techniques to create prototypes demonstrating the benefits of stretch broken carbon fiber to industry partners. The candidate will exercise initiative to develop and optimize processing methods for stretch broken carbon fiber products, applying basic knowledge of composites manufacturing processes (hand layup, fiber placement and automated forming methods, autoclave curing, RTM , bonding, etc).

A knowledge of the design and manufacture of tooling for composites as currently used in industry is highly desirable. In addition, the candidate must have significant experience in a manufacturing environment and be competent running MSU’s BC3 stretch breaking machine.

4C5316

Division College of Engineering

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term Fiscal Year

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.0

Salary Starting at $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type LOA

Recruitment Type Open

The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at Montana State University invites applications for a full-time position with primary responsibilities in the development of innovative carbon fiber materials. MSU has been awarded a sizeable DOD contract to develop stretch broken carbon fiber for military rotorcraft. This position would be as one of the technical team leads, executing on the contract and developing the untapped potential of stretch broken carbon fiber.

Duties include:

determining the best technique of stretch breaking; defining and executing basic autoclave and other processes for part manufacture; defining and executing test plans to determine the material properties of the stretch broken fibers; assist with the determination of suitable applications of the stretch broken material; and manufacturing prototypes demonstrating the benefits of stretch broken carbon fiber. This position would not only work with an accomplished, full-time development team but would also be a mentor to university students and contribute positively to the mission of Montana State University.

As such, we seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, and who possess excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Because increasing the diversity of the engineering profession is one of our strategic priorities, women and underrepresented minorities in engineering are particularly encouraged to apply.

• Manufacture development prototypes and samples.
• Measure, cut, and assemble carbon fiber materials.
• Monitor and document manufacturing processes.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment.
• Apply composites manufacturing experience to create developmental carbon fiber parts.
• Operate oven and autoclave. Oversee maintenance and repairs of autoclave.
• Perform tests on research samples.
• Design, develop, and implement hardware to support the stretch breaking, forming, and testing/manufacturing tasks.
• Commission Stretch Broken Carbon Fiber ( SBCF ) pilot plant that includes, but is not limited to, the BC3 head, Litzler filmer, CDI machine, and Bobcat machine
• Manufacture SBCF materials using MSU’s SB2, BC3, or other stretch breaking machines. Similarly, duties will include managing additional operators, developing training materials, and fostering and developing MSU personnel’s core competence in this field.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts on BC3 machine to resolve manufacturing issues
• Management of inventory and supply chain for complex parts manufacturing
• Coordinate material testing between…