Title:

1467-NN_ADMINPRO - Research Operations Engineer

Business Title:

Research Optical Engineer

Additional Titles:

Location:

Washington State University

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Job Family:

Administrative Professional - Not OT Eligible

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

This position requires an individual with a strong experimental aptitude — who will contribute significantly through the hands-on experimental work in a fast-paced creative environment — to work as a Research Optical Engineer in the Institute’s Impact Facilities and to assist with optical measurements.

The Institute’s research theme is “Understanding Materials under Extreme Conditions”. The research activities involve state-of-the-art experiments to understand the response of materials subjected to elevated temperatures, high dynamic stresses, large strains and ultra-high strain rates. The individual hired will be responsible for assisting with experiments, operating electro-optic instrumentation, and continually improving the experimental facilities. 

The overall responsibilities for this position are as follows:

• Participate in the research experiments, including the design, fabrication and assembly of experimental components and equipment. The experimental responsibilities are strongly hands-on and require an excellent mechanical aptitude in a laboratory setting, including the use of specialized tools to operate and improve the Institute’s experimental capabilities.

• Participate in the development and implementation of experimental techniques for a broad range of research projects involving high-velocity impacts.

• Contribute effectively to all aspects of the experimental effort, including guidance and assistance to ISP research faculty, postdoctoral research associates, and graduate students.

• Conduct regular maintenance activities in the laboratories, order experimental components and supplies; and work effectively in a team setting.

• Prepare reports and publications as appropriate.

Because of the diverse nature of the research activities and the facilities in the Institute, the above list should be viewed as a representative, but not a complete, list of responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and experience performing professional-level work with scientific or engineering research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. Experimental and analytical skills; understanding and knowledge of research theory; excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Good familiarity with hardware and software required for time-and-spatially resolved optical diagnostics, including lasers and optical detection equipment.

• An excellent mechanical aptitude and demonstrated hands-on experience with design and fabrication of instruments and experimental components.

• Strong academic background and excellent problem-solving skills.

• Good computer skills, including experience with technical/design programs, such as LabView or SolidWorks, and working knowledge of data analysis software.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

• Personal attributes should include critical thinking, good judgment, clear sense of purpose, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team, and accountability.

• Be able to lift up to 50 lbs., because of the need to move and assemble various experimental components and equipment. Must have fine motor skills, be able to climb up and down stairs in the laboratory and move equipment, as necessary.

• Must be able to obtain a badge at U.S. Department of Energy and/or Department of Defense National Laboratories to gain access to restricted areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

• Good familiarity with experimental methods, instrumentation, and procedures required for single-shot short-duration events.

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences
Department Name: Institute for Shock Physics
City, State, Zip: Pullman, WA 99164
Department Link: shock.wsu.edu
Monthly Salary: $4,508 - $6,767 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current skills and abilities related to the position. For more information regarding Administrative Professional (AP) Compensation at Washington State University (WSU), please visit the following website: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/classification-compensation/ap-compensation-structure/ .

For a summary of benefits offered by WSU for AP staff visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf . Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/ .
FTE: 100%
Temporary End Date: This is a temporary, annual (12-month) position. Renewal is dependent on the mutual agreement, performance, and the availability of funding.
Screening Begin Date: This position will begin screening on January 3, 2022 and will remain open until filled.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need.  A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Applicant Instructions: Applicants must attach the following documents to their online application: 1) resume and 2) cover letter. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements. Applicants are required to include contact information for professional references within the application.
Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu .