Aerospace Project Engineer

Position Summary

Join Our Expert Team ! The University of Dayton, a top-tier research university, seeks a talented and driven Systems Engineer to join our team. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to make a lasting impact in the field of sustainable energy solutions while working alongside a team of dedicated professionals.

Role

We are seeking an experienced project engineer to provide technical leadership and direct technical contribution for multiple projects related to aircraft, ground support equipment, and vehicle sustaining engineering. This role will support and lead systems engineering, research, evaluation, reverse engineering, design, and test/validation of hardware for aircraft, support equipment, and vehicles. The ideal candidate will:

• Interface with USAF hardware owners and teams to identify and document mission-critical objectives in support of sustaining the equipment necessary to aid in the warfighters' operational readiness, mission success, and long-term strategic capabilities.
• Develop work breakdown structures for complex problems based on customer pain points with little supporting documentation
• Design and optimize mechanical components for either traditional or additive manufacturing (i.e. housings, brackets, structural supports, vehicle parts and aerospace hardware) and mechanical systems, in accordance with current and applicable GD&T standards
• Create and execute component and system level validation and qualification test plans, as well as analysis of test data and results
• Work with USAF hardware engineers to ensure documentation and product conformance with engineering design intent and performance requirements
  
  

The successful candidate will be self-driven, an excellent communicator, have a strong background leading technical projects to successful completion, and have systems engineering experience. The position will support multiple clients, primarily government.

Minimum Qualifications

R2 Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering (Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, or related technical field)
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in related engineering position
• Self-motivated and organized with ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to follow instructions and demonstrate attention to detail
• Successful collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team
• Customer focus and record of customer satisfaction
• Effective communication skills - written and verbal
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite – namely Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Problem solving and time management skills
• Understanding of aircraft or complex systems design and operation
• Ability to create, read and interpret models, technical drawings, schematics, and computer generated reports
• Proficient in 3D CAD modeling software
• Knowledge of when to apply engineering analyses (i.e. FEA, CFD)
• Project or program management experience
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and ability to obtain a security clearance is required
  
  

R3 Qualifications

In addition to the R2 qualifications, a successful R3 candidate will have:

• 8 years' applied experience in systems engineering
• Strong background in leading technical projects to successful completion
• Experience interfacing with clients to develop technical solutions
• Experience leading project-focused engineering teams
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Master's degree (aerospace, mechanical, materials, or related engineering field)
• 5 years engineering/technical project management experience
• 5 years systems engineering experience
• 5 years engineering/technical experience in aircraft, vehicles, or support equipment
• 5 years engineering/technical product design experience
• 4 years creating and executing component and system level validation and qualification test plans
• 4 years training/mentoring/managing entry level engineers or technical student hires
• Familiar with various manufacturing processes such as casting, NC machining, forging, heat treat and additive manufacturing for metals and/or plastics
• Systems Engineering Certification
• MBSE / SysML experience
• Experience with data analysis (i.e. CBAs)
• Exposure in airworthiness certification, compliance, and safety assurance
• Experience in regulatory frameworks, including FAA, EASA, and other international aviation authorities, ensuring aircraft meet all necessary design, maintenance, and operational standards
• Demonstrated ability in technology transition, innovation management, and strategic road mapping within the U.S. Air Force (AF) and defense sector
• Understanding of DoD acquisition processes, TRL/MRL assessments, and AF science & technology initiatives, ensuring emerging technologies successfully transition from research and development to operational capability
• Ability to promote inclusive excellence in the workplace
• Active US Security Clearance
  
  

Special Instructions to Applicants: To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet. Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.