Aircraft Engineering, Aviation Industry, Communication Skills, Consulting, Customer Relations, Documentation, Establish Priorities, Leadership, MATLAB, Mentoring, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Military Specifications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Test Design, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University is a nationally known aviation research center, providing a wide range of services including research, design, testing, certification and training.
This role provides senior-level leadership for an external loads engineering group, functioning as an independent contractor responsible for guiding the team through the development of aircraft-level load cases and documentation required for program milestones. This position emphasizes technical direction, coordination of team activities, and mentoring of engineers at varying experience levels. Some travel may be required.
Job Responsibilities:
Lead a team of engineers responsible for aircraft-level flight and ground loads development
Establish team priorities, define technical approaches, organize work assignments, and ensure alignment with program schedule
Proficient with static and dynamic external loads development
Coordinate with Mass Properties, Flight Sciences, Stress, F&DT disciplines
Prepare and deliver high-quality technical reports and customer-facing material
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering skill development and communication
Provide proactive communication and status updates to leadership and customers
Work independently with minimal oversight while ensuring team performance
Domestic travel up to 10% may be required.
Qualifications/Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering
Ten (10) years of experience in External Loads
Leadership experience - leading an engineering team and acting as a technical focal
Familiarity with civil and/or military requirements
Demonstrated ability to meet schedule expectations
Excellent writing and communication skills
Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Professional and diplomatic demeanor
Strong accountability and integrity
Experience mentoring of interns and junior engineers