Employment opportunity: Composite engineering technician, Montana State University

The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at Montana State University (MSU, Bozeman, Mont., U.S.) is actively seeking a full-time composite engineering technician to join its staff. This position has primary responsibilities processing carbon fiber materials and manufacturing carbon fiber parts, and is predominately performed in a laboratory setting. 

The engineering technician will be an integral part of a development team creating an innovative form of carbon fiber. Successful candidates will have a manufacturing background familiar with composites manufacturing fundamentals. This candidate follows best practices (i.e., keeping a clean work area, monitoring processes, collecting notes and data, etc.), relying on experience to contribute creative solutions to manufacturing challenges. An individual in this position should be flexible and willing to take on varied tasks, demonstrate an ability to work both independently and with diverse team members, as well as maintain good written communication skills and an excellent attention to detail. Physical demands include occasionally moving loads of up to 50 pounds.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Applying composites manufacturing experience to create developmental carbon fiber parts.
• Manufacturing development prototypes and samples.
• Running carbon fiber processing machines.
• Measuring, cutting and assembling carbon fiber materials.
• Operating ovens and autoclaves.
• Monitoring and documenting manufacturing processes.
• Performing tests on research samples.
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

This position requires the following qualifications, experience, education, knowledge and skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing/laying up of composite parts using prepreg material and making/troubleshooting vacuum bags.
• Relevant knowledge of aerospace standard practices such as material handling, procedure requirements and cleanroom facilities.
• Demonstrated experience using mechanical tools and cutting equipment.
• Demonstrated experience using measuring equipment including. calipers, scale, gages and rulers.
• Basic math and computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Preferred qualifications, experience, education, knowledge and skills include:

• Manufacturing technology degree or certificate or equivalent degree.
• Previous experience running, programming, and troubleshooting an autoclave.
• Demonstrated experience writing work instructions and/or scientific reports.
• 3D printing experience.
• Competent with SolidWorks or other CAD programs.
• Composite tooling development experience.

For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on this link. MSU is an equal opportunity employer, veterans/disabled.