Research Engineer (Friction Welding Processes)

EWI is a world leader in developing and deploying new technologies that enable companies to bridge the gap between R&D and manufacturing implementation.  EWI associates are passionate about identifying out-of-the-box options that provide a long-term competitive advantage for our clients.  Our clients tell us we are a valuable extension and complement to their innovation, engineering, and manufacturing teams. If you enjoy dealing with customers and solving difficult, technical problems, EWI is the place for you.

We are seeking an engineer to support EWI’s Solid State Welding and Additive Manufacturing group, who is, or seeks to become, an expert in solid state additive technologies. At EWI, solid state welding covers all variants including direct drive, inertia, linear, stir, spot welding, and additive friction processes.  EWI specialized in developing unique friction- and hybrid-based methodologies for specific customer applications.

This work requires a unique blend of deep technical understanding of first principal physics (metallurgy, heat flow, strength of materials, weld process physics) and hands-on problem solving. The goal is use this skillset to innovatively apply them to redefine process limitations to satisfy cutting edge customer challenges while adhering to a strict timeline.  EWI is looking for a research engineer that can excel in this field.  Work will include not only growing to function as a process expert but interacting with clients leading to new opportunities for EWI to practice this expertise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Supports projects by managing the technical approach, coordinating resources in support of project execution, managing expectations with the customer, and delivering the results to the customer
• Applies knowledge and hands –on experience to the pursuit of results during the execution of projects to solve problems for the customer per their needs and expectations
• Supports the preparation of clear, concise, and accurate technical reports, proposals, and other documents for customers and/or internal audiences
• Promotes and communicates EWI’s capabilities by presenting at conferences, consortia meetings, client meetings, or internal meetings as required
• Supports internal research and development (IRD) projects to build area of expertise and develop new innovative EWI capabilities
• Interacts with customers on the front-end of projects to understand their needs for friction welding process development and translates them into project requirements and deliverables
• Supports the development of technical or business opportunities and connects the customer with any of EWI’s broad range of resources
• Follows up and interacts with customers on reactive project scoping and proposal assembly.
• Works at client sites to analyze manufacturing / fabrication situations, support implementation of advanced technology solutions, resolve technical issues with existing friction welding technology, and / or support execution of manufacturing process assessments (less than 15% of the time)

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Familiar with friction welding process variants including friction stir, additive friction stir deposition, and refill friction stir spot welding. In-depth understanding of at least one of these process variants is desired. Additive Manufacturing skills such as path planning, process monitoring, and in situ flaw detection are also of interest.
• Demonstrated knowledge in welding and additive manufacturing metallurgy
• Demonstrated knowledge in analytical modeling of welding or AM processes
• Understanding of the concepts in heat transfer, strength of materials, statics, and dynamics
• Ability to support projects by providing technical oversight, coordinating resources, managing expectations, and preparing and delivering the results to the client while meeting the scope, budget, and schedule requirements
• Ability to effectively deliver results while working in a diverse multi-disciplinary project team that may consist of both internal and client resources
• Ability to identify and analyze problems, gather and sort relevant data, and process data logically to determine preferred solutions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to deliver presentations at conferences, consortia meetings, client meetings, or internal meetings
• Demonstrated ability to prepare written reports and PowerPoint reports
• Utilizes judgment in communication styles and behaviors, recognizes impact on other team members and the client
• Strong ability to plan and organize tasks autonomously
• Adheres to timelines and proactively develops effective solutions for evaluation by senior staff
• Willingness to travel periodically (up to 15%) to customers and conferences

EDUCATION:

• B.S. in Welding Engineering, Material Science, Metallurgy, or relevant area of study
• M.S. or Ph.D. in relevant area of study is preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of three (3) or more years of experience with developing friction welding processes, or an M.S. or Ph.D. degree with thesis work focused on a friction welding process or variant

EXPORT CONTROLS - This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls.  To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

EOE/M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

Accommodations

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations under the ADA in order to participate in the search and/or application process should contact Human Resources at (614) 688-5000.