RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Computational Materials Integrity
Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX
Who We Are:
We develop and apply advanced computational methods to assess the performance of a variety of engineering materials that are used in a wide range of systems with a particular focus on estimating the life and reliability of high-consequence engineering applications. We seek candidates skilled in analytical and numerical methods that support software development for fatigue crack growth and fracture of metallic materials under sustained and cyclic loading. Most relevant technical areas include damage tolerance, computational mechanics, and computational material science.
Objectives of this Role:
- Join our team to perform fundamental and applied research through the development of advanced fatigue crack growth for material and structural integrity assessments.
- Help manage our established software codebase and provide guidance on the technical solutions to solve problems related to practical fatigue crack growth, fracture, and structural integrity assessments.
- Work within a large team and a software operations framework to write integrate, compile, text and debug source code to support long-term, commercial software programs.
- Apply principles in advanced continuum mechanics, numerical methods, materials science, and applied mathematics to solve unique problems using the modern Fortran programming language.
- Build and apply skills to support contract research programs, develop new technology areas, and interact with government and commercial clients.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Provide technical leadership toward the ongoing development and enhancement of fatigue crack growth software programs: NASGRO® and DARWIN®.
- Coordinate accuracy, precision, and consistency test campaigns of predictions implemented within high-criticality commercial software.
- Drive the development of new practical methods to perform damage tolerance assessments.
- Champion innovations focused on reducing memory footprint, optimizing computational efficiency, and streamlining the analysis of large datasets.
- Oversee the resolution of user-reported issues by identifying root causes and implement fixes in a timely manner.
- Interact with a larger development team to coordinate issue resolution within a large, interconnected, and legacy codebase.
- Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and development teams to align the software’s documentation, usage, and evolution with industry demands.
- Lead reports and papers on new technical solutions.
- Lead tasks and projects to completion, ensuring they are delivered within scope, budget, and schedule constraints.
- Drive improvement initiatives to optimize software development and execution.
Requirements:
- Requires a Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Structural Engineering, Computational Mechanics, Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Geomechanics, or similar engineering degree.
- 1 year related work experience required with a Masters, 0 years required with a PhD.
- 0-5 years: Experience and/or training in fracture mechanics, fatigue crack growth assessment, continuum mechanics, materials science, applied mechanics, applied mathematics, and mechanical behavior of engineering metals.
- 0-5 years: Experience and/or training in software development processes for scientific computing, including version control, optimization, software verification, relevant programming languages, and programming assisted by ML/AI tools.
- 0-5 years: Experience in stress-intensity factor solutions, weight function methods, fatigue crack growth algorithms, time-dependent crack growth, small-crack growth mechanisms, threshold, shakedown, rainflow, environmental fatigue, and multi-point computational fracture mechanics.
- 0-5 years: Experience in customer issue resolution, supporting for legacy code and application programming interfaces, and using ML/AI tools to streamline software development, sustainment, documentation, and verification.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
- Salary Range: $86,278 - $175,469
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO