ASL Mechanical Engineer

Available Title(s):

1467-NN_ADMINPRO - Research Operations Engineer

Business Title:

ASL Mechanical Engineer

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

The Mechanical Engineer position at the Spokane-based Applied Sciences Laboratory (ASL) of the Institute for Shock Physics (ISP) has a focus on mechanical engineering and advanced materials research, including the development and processing of novel alloys and composites.

Representative responsibilities:

This position has a focus on mechanical engineering and advanced materials research, including the development and processing of novel alloys and composites. Further responsibilities include:

1. Hands-on participation in the design and execution of a broad range of experimental projects, including processing, fabrication, and characterization of alloys and composites.

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

3. Operation of process equipment, particularly melting and casting of reactive metals.

4. Maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration of the experimental facilities; ordering components, equipment and supplies; interactions with the machine shops and suppliers; working effectively in a team setting.

5. Contribute effectively to all aspects of the research projects and assist research faculty.

6. Conduct research experiments; document and prepare reports as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and experience performing professional-level work with scientific or engineering research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. Experimental and analytical skills; understanding and knowledge of research theory; excellent organizational and project management skills.

• A recent B.S. Degree in Engineering, or related field.

• Scientific background relevant to mechanical engineering, such as heat transfer and mechanics, and strong quantitative and analytical skills.

• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment (vacuum systems, furnaces, and temperature control).

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

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

• Personal attributes should include critical thinking, good judgment, clear sense of purpose, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team, and accountability.

• Ability to lift > 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

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

• Hands-on experience with high vacuum systems; electro-mechanical systems and controls; optical microscopy and metallographic sample preparation; melting and casting of metallic alloys, or mechanical testing and related equipment.

• Knowledge of basic metallurgy and metallic alloys.

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: ISP/Applied Sciences Laboratory
Monthly Salary: $5,666.67 - $6,666.67 | 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 .  

Benefits: 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 .

Overtime Eligibility: This position is overtime exempt.

FTE: 100%

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: Applicants must submit their completed application by Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
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. 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 (name, phone number, and email) for professional references within the online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements

• 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

Required Documents:

Please submit the following to the attention of Dr. Atakan Peker:
- Detailed resume
- Cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications for this position.

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: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .