Research Associate, Senior - Engineering

Role details

Req Id: 45008

Job Title: Research Associate, Senior - Engineering

City: West Lafayette

Job Summary

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The Composites Manufacturing and Simulation Center (CMSC) at Purdue University leads in cutting-edge composites manufacturing simulation for high-rate and high-performance applications across aerospace, automotive, and other sectors. The digital thread for composites manufacturing and performance is at the heart of the center. We are looking for highly motivated, creative, and innovative professionals to join us in this exciting and fast-paced effort.

The CMSC Composites Engineer will be an integral team member. Primary responsibilities include executing sponsored research projects involving experimental, design, simulation, and prototyping aspects of composites manufacturing and performance. The position will work closely with CMSC leadership, engineers, and sponsors.

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.

What You'll Be Doing

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• Execute sponsored research programs in the field of composites manufacturing and simulation, often involving multiple projects simultaneously.
• Support CMSC-wide efforts in processes, facilities, training, etc.

About Us

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The Composites Manufacturing and Simulation Center at Purdue University:

• We are a Purdue University Research Center consisting of over a dozen university faculty, and professional research staff, over two dozen graduate researchers, and a score of undergraduate researchers, across the disciplines of engineering, science, and technology
• We work with industry and government to solve cutting edge problems at the intersection of manufacturing and simulation in the area of composite materials
• We investigate, optimize, innovate, research, develop, and apply new manufacturing methods in almost 15,000 sq. ft. of lab space in ten different laboratory spaces
• We serve as the Design, Modeling, and Simulation Technology Area for IACMI, The National Composites Institute, one of the national manufacturing institutes, started in 2015
• Our customers and partners include global organizations and original equipment manufacturers, such as The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Ford Motor Company, the multi-national CERN particle collider experiment, to supply chain members, to material suppliers, to simulation tool providers, to companies just getting established, to government agencies, such as The Department of Energy, The National Science Foundation, and The Department of Defense
• We are located in the Indiana Manufacturing Institute, in the Purdue Research Park, just north of Purdue's main campus

For more information, please visit: https://www.purdue.edu/cmsc/index.php

What We're Looking For

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Education and Experience:

• Master's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Chemical or related engineering fields
• Significant experience in composite additive manufacturing, including materials, structures, processing, and process simulations
• Background in composites and in composites manufacturing is essential
• Two (2) years of industry experience and ability to understand and work with industry

Skills needed:

• Ability to set goals and tasks, prioritize and manage multiple projects with deadlines and deliverables, and to interact with team members, both internal collaborators and external sponsors.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with an aggressive capacity for self-education.
• Familiarity with composites additive manufacturing and other composites manufacturing processes, experimental methods, and simulation tools.
• Proficiency in Dassault Systemes software tools including CATIA and ABAQUS is highly desired.

Nice to have:

• PhD
• Understanding of theory and physical phenomenon in composites mechanics, manufacturing, processing and analysis
• Professional research or engineering experience
• Experience managing and executing research projects as well as translating requirements from industry partners into research topics is highly desired.

Who We Are

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Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information

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• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

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Compensation Information:

Professional 3

Pay Band S120

Job Code#20003029

Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

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Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university

Posting Start Date: 11/13/26