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Job No:
503236 Work Type:
Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater) Location:
Dayton, OH Category:
Research Institute Staff Department:
Applied Systems Engineering - 250613 Pay Grade:
R3 - Exempt Advertised:
December 22, 2025 Applications close:
January 05, 2026
Position Summary We are seeking an experienced project engineer to provide technical leadership and direct technical contribution for multiple projects related to aircraft, ground support equipment, and vehicle sustaining engineering. This role will support and lead systems engineering, research, evaluation, reverse engineering, design, and test/validation of hardware for aircraft, support equipment, and vehicles.
Ideal Candidate Responsibilities
Interface with USAF hardware owners and teams to identify and document equipment end items and components in support of lifecycle management (LCM) activities and service life extension programs (SLEP)
Develop work breakdown structures for complex problems based on customer pain points with little supporting documentation
Design and optimize mechanical components for either traditional or additive manufacturing (i.e. housings, brackets, structural supports, vehicle parts and aerospace hardware) and mechanical systems, in accordance with current and applicable GD&T standards
Create and execute component and system level validation and qualification test plans, as well as analysis of test data and results
Work with USAF hardware engineers to ensure documentation and product conformance with engineering design intent and performance requirements
Lead small project-focused engineering teams
The successful candidate will be self-driven, an excellent communicator, have a strong background leading technical projects to successful completion, and have systems engineering experience. The position will support multiple clients, primarily government.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Engineering (Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, or related technical field)
A minimum of 10 years' experience in related engineering position
Self-motivated & organized with ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to follow instructions and demonstrate attention to detail
Successful collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team
Customer focus and record of customer satisfaction
Effective communication skills - written and verbal
Proficiency with MS Office Suite – namely Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
Problem solving and time management skills
Understanding of aircraft and/or complex systems design and operation
Ability to create, read and interpret models, technical drawings, schematics, and computer generated reports
Proficient in 3D CAD modeling software
Knowledge of when to apply engineering analyses (i.e. FEA, CFD)
Experience in researching emerging technologies and how they could be applicable to AFRL’s mission
Working knowledge of the data required to support cost–benefit analysis for technology assessments
Project or program management experience
Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen
Ability to obtain a security clearance is required
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years engineering/technical project management experience
5+ years systems engineering experience
5+ years engineering/technical experience in aircraft, vehicles, or support equipment
5+ years engineering/technical product design experience
4+ years creating and executing component and system level validation and qualification test plans
4+ years training/mentoring/managing entry level engineers or technical student hires
Familiar with various manufacturing processes such as casting, NC machining, forging, heat treat and additive manufacturing for metals and/or plastics.
Systems Engineering Certification
MBSE / SysML experience
Experience with data analysis (i.e. CBAs)
Master's degree (aerospace, mechanical, materials, or related engineering field)
Exposure in airworthiness certification, compliance, and safety assurance
Experience in regulatory frameworks, including FAA, EASA, and other international aviation authorities, ensuring aircraft meet all necessary design, maintenance, and operational standards.
Demonstrated ability in technology transition, innovation management, and strategic road mapping within the U.S. Air Force (AF) and defense sector.
Understanding of DoD acquisition processes, TRL/MRL assessments, and AF science & technology initiatives, ensuring emerging technologies successfully transition from research and development to operational capability.
Active US Security Clearance
Special Instructions to Applicants To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.
Closing Statement Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.
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Job No:
503236 Work Type:
Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater) Location:
Dayton, OH Category:
Research Institute Staff Department:
Applied Systems Engineering - 250613 Pay Grade:
R3 - Exempt Advertised:
December 22, 2025 Applications close:
January 05, 2026
Position Summary We are seeking an experienced project engineer to provide technical leadership and direct technical contribution for multiple projects related to aircraft, ground support equipment, and vehicle sustaining engineering. This role will support and lead systems engineering, research, evaluation, reverse engineering, design, and test/validation of hardware for aircraft, support equipment, and vehicles.
Ideal Candidate Responsibilities
Interface with USAF hardware owners and teams to identify and document equipment end items and components in support of lifecycle management (LCM) activities and service life extension programs (SLEP)
Develop work breakdown structures for complex problems based on customer pain points with little supporting documentation
Design and optimize mechanical components for either traditional or additive manufacturing (i.e. housings, brackets, structural supports, vehicle parts and aerospace hardware) and mechanical systems, in accordance with current and applicable GD&T standards
Create and execute component and system level validation and qualification test plans, as well as analysis of test data and results
Work with USAF hardware engineers to ensure documentation and product conformance with engineering design intent and performance requirements
Lead small project-focused engineering teams
The successful candidate will be self-driven, an excellent communicator, have a strong background leading technical projects to successful completion, and have systems engineering experience. The position will support multiple clients, primarily government.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Engineering (Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, or related technical field)
A minimum of 10 years' experience in related engineering position
Self-motivated & organized with ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to follow instructions and demonstrate attention to detail
Successful collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team
Customer focus and record of customer satisfaction
Effective communication skills - written and verbal
Proficiency with MS Office Suite – namely Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
Problem solving and time management skills
Understanding of aircraft and/or complex systems design and operation
Ability to create, read and interpret models, technical drawings, schematics, and computer generated reports
Proficient in 3D CAD modeling software
Knowledge of when to apply engineering analyses (i.e. FEA, CFD)
Experience in researching emerging technologies and how they could be applicable to AFRL’s mission
Working knowledge of the data required to support cost–benefit analysis for technology assessments
Project or program management experience
Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen
Ability to obtain a security clearance is required
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years engineering/technical project management experience
5+ years systems engineering experience
5+ years engineering/technical experience in aircraft, vehicles, or support equipment
5+ years engineering/technical product design experience
4+ years creating and executing component and system level validation and qualification test plans
4+ years training/mentoring/managing entry level engineers or technical student hires
Familiar with various manufacturing processes such as casting, NC machining, forging, heat treat and additive manufacturing for metals and/or plastics.
Systems Engineering Certification
MBSE / SysML experience
Experience with data analysis (i.e. CBAs)
Master's degree (aerospace, mechanical, materials, or related engineering field)
Exposure in airworthiness certification, compliance, and safety assurance
Experience in regulatory frameworks, including FAA, EASA, and other international aviation authorities, ensuring aircraft meet all necessary design, maintenance, and operational standards.
Demonstrated ability in technology transition, innovation management, and strategic road mapping within the U.S. Air Force (AF) and defense sector.
Understanding of DoD acquisition processes, TRL/MRL assessments, and AF science & technology initiatives, ensuring emerging technologies successfully transition from research and development to operational capability.
Active US Security Clearance
Special Instructions to Applicants To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.
Closing Statement Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.
#J-18808-Ljbffr