Staff Engineer

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Lead Test Engineer at the University of Washington Aeronautical Laboratory (UWAL), the research scientist/engineer 1 provides application assistance and services to wind tunnel customers. The Staff Engineer implements and supports scientific instrumentation and data acquisition for wind tunnel testing. This position works alongside other wind tunnel staff to apply engineering best practices to maintain and develop the facility and solve technical problems inherent in wind tunnel testing.

Key Responsibilities

Test operations: (50%)

• In collaboration with other tunnel staff and the student wind tunnel crew, support the operations of the wind tunnel for internal and external client tests
• Support the preparation tasks for client wind tunnel tests, including but not limited to the preparation of instrumentation, mechanical design, or test plan development
• Process and reduce experimental data sets for clients, including data quality control
• Provide professional customer service through effective and courteous interactions with clients, colleagues and the campus community
• Produce written reports for wind tunnel clients in a timely manner, as needed
• Interact with wind tunnel customers to determine test needs, specifications, and scope of data collection
• Train and monitor student crew to handle, install, and adjust wind tunnel models
• Monitor data quality and accuracy during testing and in post-processing, including the implementation of standard data correction methods, model setup, maintenance, and scale effects that influence data accuracy
• Regularly operate or use the following:
  • Electronics benchtop test equipment
  • Test support fixtures (stands) or electro-mechanical test fixtures
  • Compressed gases
  • Hand tools and machine-shop equipment (e.g., mills, lathes, drill press, precision measuring tools)
  • Calibrations related to Wind Tunnel balances, controls, and instrumentation
  • Hoist and rigging equipment

Instrumentation and facility augmentation: (50%)

• Develop, maintain, and improve wind tunnel acquisition systems including hardware DAQ and software in MATLAB, Python, C++, and/or Visual Basic
• Schedule, perform (as appropriate), and calculate metrics for sensor calibrations for test instrumentation
• Assist with regular tunnel flow quality assessments to ensure tunnel consistency with historical data
• Assist with the long-term maintenance, characterization, and operation of key tunnel hardware, including power/fans and force balances
• Write and maintain documentation on test instrumentation/procedures, tunnel flow quality metrics, testing safety
• Plan integration and sunset of sensor packages and write documentation supporting transitions of methodology
• Coordinate with department IT personnel to implement, troubleshoot, and maintain local computer networks, Windows domains, Active Directory, group policies, various file servers, and backup appliances
• Utilize oscilloscopes, multimeters, data acquisition equipment, frequency counters, signal generators, and similar test equipment
• Document service and design specifications using CAD, wiring schematics, circuits, diagrams, illustrations and written instructions
• Secure and follow standards and procedures to ensure safety and security (CUI/ITAR) in all aspects of the operation of UWAL

Professional Growth

Professional development is very important to the culture of UWAL, and it is essential that employees demonstrate accountability for their own professional growth and competency by seeking opportunities and activities that improve skills to support the department.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering or other applicable field and one year of experience with aerodynamics and/or wind tunnel type testing

Additional Qualifications:

• Familiarity with wind tunnel testing techniques (force balance measurements, surface pressure measurements, flow visualization, ground plane testing, wake surveys, etc.)
• Proficiency in at least one of the following: MATLAB, Python, C++, VisualBasic
• Proficiency with Solidworks, NX, CATIA, or another equivalent CAD software
• Familiarity with drafting, tolerances, and machining or fabricating components
• Must be a United States Citizen, due to frequent access to technology covered by Federal export control and ITAR regulations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to work alone and as part of an engineering team

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and experience with, electrical and electronics principles and the ability to apply those principles using oscilloscopes, multimeters, data acquisition equipment, frequency counters, signal generators, and similar test equipment
• Proficiency with LabVIEW & National Instruments products, includes implementing, developing & testing code
• Experience with acquiring analog or digital sensor signals
• Experience integrating hardware, electronics, and software into a cohesive system that either takes command input or measures system outputs, or both
• Proficiency with electronics, circuit design, and soldering
• Understanding and implementation of export controls and ITAR
• Experience utilizing NASA, NAS, MIL, ASME, or other relevant aerospace standardized methodologies in design of components or process planning
• Knowledge of, and experience with, software development
• Knowledge of, and experience with, science experimentation products such as lasers, optics, pressure gauges, flow control devices, actuators, servo motors, transducers, and accelerometers
• Experience working with students

Working Conditions

• Ability to operate control devices, use both hands for grasping and carrying, lift up to 35 pounds, walk on uneven surfaces, and climb ladders
• Ability to use personal protective equipment (safety glasses, hearing protection, gas masks, gloves)
• Ability to work in environments with odors from safe levels of industrial chemicals (e.g., acetone, kerosene, petroleum distillates, epoxies)
• Availability to work days, evenings, and occasional weekends, including potential two-shift schedules

Pay

Pay Range Minimum: $56,448.00 annual / Pay Range Maximum: $93,180.00 annual

Schedule

Shift: First Shift (United States of America)