Employment opportunity: Composite manufacturing engineer

The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at Montana State University (MSU, Bozeman, Mont., U.S.) is actively seeking a full-time composite manufacturing engineer with primary responsibilities in the development of innovative carbon fiber processing technology for industrial applications.

MSU has been awarded a sizeable, multi-year Department of Defense (DOD) contract to develop stretch-broken carbon fiber for military rotorcraft. This open position would be as one of the technical team leads, executing on the contract and developing the untapped potential of this material type. 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; assisting 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 MSU. As such, the department seeks 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 its strategic priorities, women and underrepresented minorities in engineering are particularly encouraged to apply.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Function as primary technical lead on developing stretch-broken carbon fiber processing methods for parts.
• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of composites manufacturing to develop carbon fiber parts, components and prototypes.
• Define testing protocol of carbon materials, coupons and parts per industry standards.
• Determine applications for stretch-broken carbon fiber materials and produce prototypes.
• Execute on the deliverables and milestones of the DOD contract including writing relevant report sections.
• Coordinate activities of development team, faculty and students to meet contract milestones and goals.
• Provide support for in-process control and quality control testing for other program tasks as needed.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or manufacturing engineering.
• Multiple years of experience working in a relevant environment.
• Proficient in basic strength of materials design and analysis procedures.
• Experience or familiarity with a broad range of composite manufacturing processes including bagging, hand layup, autoclave curing, fiber placement and automated forming methods.
• Effective written and oral communication skills to convey complex ideas and present information to individuals and groups.
• Must be flexible and willing to take on varied tasks to meet contract goals.

Preferred qualifications:

• Laminate analysis training and experience.
• Tooling design and manufacture experience.
• CAD design, including SolidWorks.
• Experience in project and program management.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and engage with diverse team members within and outside of engineering disciplines.
• Five years minimum of experience working in a relevant environment.

For the complete job announcement and application procedures, click on this link. MSU is an equal opportunity employer, veterans/disabled.