Research Engineer IV

University of Maine•Portland, ME

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Engineer IV will execute and lead complex engineering research and development involving structural and component design, advanced composite materials, mechanical testing, manufacturing processes, tooling, automation, and large-scale structural applications. The role provides technical leadership in the design, analysis, testing, manufacturing, and integration of advanced structures and components, including large-scale additive manufacturing, marine structures, and advanced composite systems. The position supports development and scale-up of technologies from material- and component-level research through full-scale structural design, manufacturing, testing, and demonstration. Research may involve composite and hybrid structural design, material characterization, automated fabrication, resin transfer molding, pultrusion, thermoplastic processing, additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement, and advanced tooling systems. Work will be performed primarily at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center’s office in Portland, Maine, and laboratory in Brunswick, Maine. Travel between these locations and the Center’s main research laboratory in Orono, Maine, will be required as needed. This is a soft-money-funded position with a hiring salary of up to $125,000. The University of Maine is a public research university and Carnegie R1 institution, with more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students and 2,500 employees. The University offers employee and dependent tuition benefits, comprehensive insurance coverage, and retirement plan options. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae. Candidates who advance to the final stages may be asked to provide references. The successful applicant is subject to background screening and a post-offer physical.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering field.
Seven or more years of significant professional experience in advanced composites, composite manufacturing, manufacturing process development, engineering design, tooling, automation, structural engineering, mechanics of materials, or related engineering research.
Experience with additive manufacturing, thermoplastic processing, and composite manufacturing technologies such as resin infusion/resin transfer molding, pultrusion, and automated manufacturing.
Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex engineering research and solve multidisciplinary technical problems.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and work effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and external partners.
Submit a cover letter describing experience, interests, and suitability for the position, and a resume or curriculum vitae.
Successful applicant must undergo appropriate background screening and a post-offer physical.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering field.
Engineer Intern (EI) or Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Responsibilities

Execute and lead complex engineering research and development activities.
Provide technical leadership in the design, analysis, testing, manufacturing, and integration of advanced structures and components.
Support development and scale-up of technologies from material- and component-level research through full-scale structural design, manufacturing, testing, and demonstration.
Conduct research that may include composite and hybrid structural design, material characterization, automated fabrication, resin transfer molding, pultrusion, thermoplastic processing, additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement, and advanced tooling systems.
Travel between the Portland and Brunswick work locations and to the Orono research laboratory as needed.