ASL Senior Engineer

Available Title(s):1427-NN_ADMINPRO - Research Project Engineer Senior

Business Title:ASL Senior Engineer

Employee Type:Admin. Professional (Fixed Term)

Time Type:Full time

Position Term:12 Month

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

Representative duties include process development with a primary focus on casting and manufacturing novel metallic alloys and composites utilizing specialized equipment such as an induction or plasma melting furnace. Tasks may consist of metal casting, titanium casting, vacuum melting, and vacuum die-casting as well as designing and installation of casting equipment and vacuum processing systems.

Primary responsibilities

Create, develop, and maintain process documentation, process flow diagrams, and detailed drawings for complex equipment and proprietary hardware/equipment.

Design, construction, and maintenance of process equipment and testing systems.

Lead the installation of equipment, tooling, and advanced technologies related to casting and manufacturing novel alloys and composites.

Oversee the operation of process equipment for vacuum melting and casting of metallic alloys.

Analyze data, identify and solve key issues, and optimize processes using Design of Experiment (DOE) and related statistical tools.

Conduct scientific analysis related to the experimental process and production defects.

Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate experimental facilities; order components, equipment, and supplies; interact with machine shops and suppliers; work effectively in a team setting.

Lead cross-functional teams to integrate the activities of multiple engineering disciplines.

Prepare reports and presentations in a professional manner.

Required qualifications:

A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and four (4) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. A PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required work experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

As a substitution for the Master’s degree and four (4) years of progressively responsible professional research experience a B.S. Degree in Engineering (or related field) AND 7-12 years of experience in the process engineering and/or manufacturing metallic alloys or related industrial experience with demonstrated project management experience in process equipment design, tooling, and secondary post processing.

Knowledge of process controls; experience with industrial control systems and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Academic background relevant to mechanical engineering with expertise in topics such as heat transfer and mechanics.

Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment (e.g. vacuum systems, melting furnaces, and temperature controls).

Personal attributes should include critical thinking, good judgment, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team, and excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. because of the need to move and assemble various experimental components and equipment. Must have good motor skills, ability to maneuver stairs, and move equipment as necessary. Must have ability to stand or sit for long hours.

Must be able to obtain a badge at U.S. Department of Energy and/or Department of Defense National Laboratories to gain access to restricted areas.

Preferred qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of foundry processes and ability to apply casting concepts in a manufacturing environment.

Effective and functional knowledge of titanium chemistry, heat treatments, and metallurgical processes.

Hands-on experience with high vacuum systems; electro-mechanical systems and controls; optical microscopy and metallographic sample preparation; or mechanical testing.

Advanced scientific/technical knowledge in heat transfer, fluid flow, metal casting, or die-casting processes.

Research background related to metal casting or electromechanical systems.

Hands-on experience with material processing and characterization, or electro-mechanical systems

Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including the ability to perform statistical analyses and apply statistical calculations.

Experience in data mining, machine learning using systems such as Python/Minitab.

Effective or functional knowledge of MoldFlow, Flow 3D, CFD, or similar simulation software.

Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and laboratory software (e.g., LabVIEW, MatLab).

Demonstrated project management experience in machine design, process equipment, tooling, and secondary post processing.

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences

Department Name: Institute for Shock Physics / Applied Sciences Laboratory (ASL)

City, State, Zip: Spokane, WA 99202

Department Link: Applied Sciences Laboratory

Monthly Salary: $7,917 – $10,000 In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU’s Administrative Professional Compensation. WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

FTE: 100%

This is a temporary position.

Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position in which the appointment is made on an annual basis. Subsequent renewals are anticipated because of the unique expertise required for this work and are based on performance, mutual consent, and the continuation of research funding. Long-term, multi-year research funding is expected.

Posting Close Date: This recruitment has been extended to close on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 11:59 P.M. Screening has begun and will remain ongoing until the vacancy has been filled.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application. Documents may be submitted in one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible. Applicants will be requested to provide contact information for professional references within the online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

Required Documents:

Resume

Cover Letter

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: ; TDD Callers:, (f), or .

R-10354