RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - PROPULSION

Who We Are:

We conduct applied research for commercial & government customers. We test, design, and develop prototypes for applications in power generation, combustion, launch vehicles, gas compressors, and aircraft propulsion systems. We are problem solvers that support more than one project and work in teams.

Objectives of this Role:

• Provide technical design and analysis of mechanical components for prototype machinery; this includes mechanical design using finite element analysis (FEA) for stress, thermal, and modal analyses.
• Apply knowledge of fabrication methods, assembly, and geometric dimensioning & tolerance (GD&T) to ensure components are designed in a way that can be manufactured and assembled.
• Use CAD software (Solidworks) to develop a mechanical design and visualize component fitment and assembly.
• Apply experience with industry standards in the design of pressure vessels and piping systems.
• Be responsible for the mechanical design process and a primary contributor to the commissioning and testing of experimental test programs.
• Write technical reports, papers, and prepare technical presentations for client meetings and conferences.
• Attend and present at conferences or other events to actively promote SwRI business.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Provide analytical or experimental support to more than one project in a team environment, which can include literature reviews, testing, design, and simulation development. Use commercial engineering software for design and analysis, such as ANSYS Workbench or ANSYS APDL.
• Contribute and be responsible for technical development of experimental test programs, including developing/operating a new test rig.
• Take responsibility for testing/rig modifications to meet new project objectives.
• Direct the technical work of other engineers and technicians.
• Provide mechanical design support for a variety of applications that include power generation, propulsion, and combustion.
• As needed, work across the Institute to draw on the experience from thousands of engineers and technicians.
• Assess the best approach to solve problems and interrogate results for reliability and provide troubleshooting support for tests and simulations with a firm understanding of theories and concepts using a first-principles approach.
• Learn new technical skills to complete projects.
• Act as primary technical focal point for mechanical design to guide technical direction of other engineers for projects/proposal efforts.
• Be a problem-solver that exercises creativity and independent judgement in determining approaches to solve a wide range of technical problems.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors with a 3.20 GPA in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering degree and related experience
• MS with 3, Phd with 2 years, BS with 4 years of experience in detailed mechanical design applying FEA for predicting component or assembly stresses and evaluating fitness for service
• Commissioning and testing experience with high pressure or high temperature gas process systems
• Supporting the fabrication, assembly, inspection, or repair of metal components
• Interest in or knowledge with industry standards, such as ASME Pressure Vessel Code, ASME B31 Piping Codes. Preferred experience with machine assembly, maintenance, and repair
• A valid/clear driver's license is required