Subject Matter Expert, Aircraft Battle Damage Repair

University of Dayton, Ohio • Dayton, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking qualified applicants to apply to our Subject Matter Expert, Aircraft Battle Damage Repair opening! UDRI is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry and nonprofit customers. UDRI contributes to the fulfillment of the University’s commitments to education, research and public service through the involvement of students, faculty and external partners. This is a full-time position located on WPAFB. This position requires a master-level expert who will serve as an authority subject-matter expert on aircraft structural integrity and materials science, bridging the critical gap between high-level engineering and practical, flight-line repair reality, as well as instruct a unique aeronautical engineering course to USAF Company Grade Officers. This is a hands-on, instructor/SME position for a proven leader who has "been there and done that." This position will serve as the Senior Subject Matter Expert to the ABDRE program leadership. This role will support the day-to-day activities of the ABDRE Chief and ABDRE Site Leads, ensuring engineering calculations and courses are executed correctly, efficiently, and safely. The research and development findings will be applied to the operational feasibility of repairs, directly impacting aircraft availability and warfighter readiness.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 15 years of documented experience as an ABDR Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Composites Material Engineer
• Mastery across Aircraft Structural engineering, and Advanced Composites with a vast knowledge of Metals Technology and Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI).
• 5 years of experience teaching aviation related engineering courses
• Experienced in developing course curriculum for ABDRE or aerospace engineering
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 1-year tour as an ABDRE instructor within AFLCMC/EZ
• 8 years of experience as a USAF officer
• Eligible for an Active Secret Clearance
• Experience with multiple airframes (e.g., F-16, F-35, C-130, KC-135, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Serve as an authority subject-matter expert on aircraft structural integrity and materials science.
• Bridge the critical gap between high-level engineering and practical, flight-line repair reality.
• Instruct a unique aeronautical engineering course to USAF Company Grade Officers.
• Serve as the Senior Subject Matter Expert to the ABDRE program leadership.
• Support the day-to-day activities of the ABDRE Chief and ABDRE Site Leads, ensuring engineering calculations and courses are executed correctly, efficiently, and safely.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior