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The Advanced Materials Characterization Group that is part of the Structural Materials (SM) Division at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a highly motivated and talented materials engineer to join a multidisciplinary research group in execution of research specifically dealing with problems in the areas of high temperature material behavior and environmental effects in aerospace materials. Major job duties include: Providing technical expertise on material behavior, microstructure, residual stress, x-ray diffraction, data analysis, and damage evolution in aerospace alloys. This position is located at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate on Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The successful candidate is expected to provide technical expertise to the AFRL research team to define and meet project objectives, and to summarize findings in technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations. Additional attributes sought include strong interpersonal and communication skills, detail oriented and capable of completing multiple time-sensitive tasks, able to prioritize workloads, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment with minimal supervision.


Minimum Qualifications
• M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of directly related experience
• Knowledge of material behavior and solid mechanics concepts
• Experience with materials characterization, mechanical testing, and data analysis.
• Experience using test equipment and software tools within a materials testing facility.
• Experience using digital image correlation and x-ray diffraction microscopy.
• Experience using microscopy/characterization tools, such as electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally.
• Due to security clearance requirements of this position, the applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Extensive knowledge of material behavior, solid mechanics, and finite element computational modeling tools
• Demonstrated experience with synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiments and x-ray data reduction techniques
• Demonstrated experience developing professional software packages and the full software development cycle
• Demonstrated successful experience presenting technical information at conferences.

Special Instructions to Applicants

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

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.