Job Information
Montana State University Composite Manufacturing Engineer in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24404
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Doug Cairns
dcairns@me.montana.edu
406-994-6050
Classification Title Facilities Professional
Working Title Composite Manufacturing Engineer
Brief Position Overview
Lead engineer position developing a game changing carbon fiber processing technology for industrial applications. Execute on a DOD contract to develop stretch broken carbon fiber for use on military rotorcraft. Creative position, drawing from a strong composite engineering background, to innovate and improve carbon fiber manufacturing processes. Responsibilities include test plan definition and execution, engineering design, hands-on trials, and mentoring diverse staff and students.
Position Number 4C3551
Department Chemical & Biological Engineering
Division College of Engineering
Appointment Type Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at Montana State University invites applications for a full-time position with primary responsibilities in technical program management in the development of innovative carbon fiber materials.
MSU has been awarded a sizeable DOD contract to develop stretch broken carbon fiber for military rotorcraft. This position would be as one of the technical team leads, executing on the contract and developing the untapped potential of stretch broken carbon fiber. 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; assist 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 Montana State University. As such, we seek 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 our 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 DOD contract.
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 – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering
5 years minimum 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 – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
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.
The Successful Candidate Will
The Successful Candidate will:
Be a hands-on mentor who will roll up their sleeves to achieve goals and work side by side team members to accomplish the tasks at hand.
Have a strong composites background with a broad understanding of composite manufacturing fundamentals.
Be an out-of-the-box thinker who develops creative ideas to innovate on standard processes and techniques.
Be highly flexible and collaborative; one who listens and incorporates team members’ input when creating solutions to complex problems.
Have the potential to provide leadership and to assume responsibility for organizational and program activities.
Have the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, students, and the engineering industry.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Work is predominately performed in an office and laboratory setting.
This position has supervisory duties? Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on July 9, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Diversity Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html