Senior Subject Matter Expert - Aircraft Battle Damage Repair

Position Summary

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry, and nonprofit customers. UDRI contributes to the fulfillment of the University’s commitments to education, research, and public service through the involvement of students, faculty, and external partners. The UDRI is seeking qualified applicants to apply to our Subject Matter Expert, Aircraft Battle Damage Repair opening!

This is a full-time position located on WPAFB. The position requires a master-level expert who will serve as an authority, subject‑matter expert on aircraft structural integrity and materials science, bridging the critical gap between high‑level engineering and practical, flight‑line repair reality, as well as instruct a unique aeronautical engineering course to USAF Company Grade Officers. This is a hands‑on, instructor/SME position for a proven leader who has “been there and done that.”

The role will serve as the Senior Subject Matter Expert to the ABDRE program leadership and support the day‑to‑day activities of the ABDRE Chief and ABDRE Site Leads, ensuring engineering calculations and courses are executed correctly, efficiently, and safely. The research and development findings will be applied to the operational feasibility of repairs, directly impacting aircraft availability and warfighter readiness.

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 15 years of documented experience as an ABDR Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Composites Material Engineer
• Mastery across Aircraft Structural engineering and Advanced Composites with a vast knowledge of Metals Technology and Non‑Destructive Inspection (NDI)
• 5 years of experience teaching aviation related engineering courses
• Experienced in developing course curriculum for ABDRE or aerospace engineering
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• U.S. citizenship (required for research contracts with the U.S. federal government)

• PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 1‑year tour as an ABDRE instructor within AFLCMC/EZ
• 8 years of experience as a USAF officer
• Eligible for an Active Secret Clearance
• Experience with multiple airframes (e.g., F‑16, F‑35, C‑130, KC‑135, etc.)

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.