The Air Vehicle Optimization Group at UDRI is a diverse team of skilled engineers and scientists who work closely with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop, prototype, and test numerical models, software, and hardware for the multidisciplinary design and analysis of aerospace vehicles. The group brings together specialties in Aerospace, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics to combine state-of-the-art engineering tools with innovative ideas to support future aircraft design methods from conceptual design through flight testing. A few of the projects the group currently supports include: Computational Aircraft Prototype Synthesis (CAPS), Missile Enhancement via ReconfigurabLe Interceptor Nose (MERLIN), Efficient Supersonic Aircraft Vehicle (ESAV), X-56, and XQ-58A.

The group is currently seeking an Associate Research Engineer to support ongoing research and development contracts at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the Air Force Research Laboratory to provide fundamental engineering research for structural, material, thermal, and/or systems phenomena that will pave the way for future military and domestic platforms and applications. Associate Research Engineers apply fundamental engineering principles to the design, analysis, and testing of aerospace, materials, and industrial components and systems to improve efficiency, durability, and/or affordability.

The successful candidate will bring to bear their skills and experience with one or more of the following: experience in the design and operation of control and data systems, programming proficiency in LABView, experience with PLC and HMI programs, experience in instrumentation of dynamic systems. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential and highly valued in this role.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate Research Engineer (R1) Minimum Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline from ABET accredited institution.
- Ability to analyze and resolve problems within assigned area, with guidance from senior personnel.
- Experience using MATLAB or similar programming language for data analysis.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Strong verbal and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to interact effectively with other engineers and current and potential customers.
- Ability to complete work efficiently and in a timely manner.
- Due to the security clearance requirements of this position, US citizenship is required.
- The candidate must be able to pass a National Agency Check.


Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

- Coursework and/or experience with creating and modifying Programmable Logic Controllers or similar type controllers.
- Coursework and/or experience using AutoCAD 2D for electrical drawings.
- Coursework and/or experience with data acquisition systems such as LABView.
- Knowledge of dynamics systems and control instrumentation.
- Experience using tools and test equipment in a laboratory.
- Demonstrated experience in instrument/sensor wiring setup, verification, and troubleshooting.
- Experience using computer programming for engineering applications with languages such as MATLAB , Python, Java, or similar.
- Experience creating and managing large data sets in formats such as binary MAT-files, Excel, CSV, or similar.

Special Instructions to Applicants

A federal court on December 7, 2021, issued a ruling that suspends the COVID-19 vaccine requirement that applies to federal contractors nationwide. With this development, the University will pause any enforcement action against employees who have not complied with the requirement to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, 2021 or to have requested an exemption to maintain their employment status.

The University will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic on campus and in the community as well as developments in federal and state requirements, and also will continue to regularly consult with public health officials and our medical panel. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, our protocols and requirements are subject to change depending on conditions on campus or in our community, and government requirements.


 

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.