Research Engineers

DUTIES

• 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 Function 1 – 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.
• Responsibility 1 – Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports. Perform database setup and data entry for lab information management systems (LIMs). Performs ASTM standard review and processing for composites.
• Responsibility 2 – Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
• Essential Function 2 – Develops model concepts and approaches as an individual researcher and acts independently on technical matters. Learns and implements new and complex aviation standards.
• Responsibility 1 – Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
• Essential Function 3 – Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; provides technical leadership and technique consultation. Performs data analysis for projects.
• Responsibility 1 – Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
• Responsibility 2 – Trains and oversees students.
• Essential Function 4 – Prepares analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication; presents findings at local, national, and/or international meetings. Prepares, or assists with the preparation of, materials for grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.
• Responsibility 1 – Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Essential Function 5 – 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, including dimensioning test equipment such as calipers, roller ball gauges, micrometers, and microscopic measurement techniques.
• Responsibility 1 – Apply engineering principles or practices to emerging fields.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related STEM field.
• Two (2) years of experience working in a research laboratory with the following: with composites-related ASTM test standards; with dimensioning test equipment such as calipers, roller ball gauges, micrometers, and microscopic measurement techniques; and with database setup and data entry for LIMs.