Composite Research Engineer

Role details

The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at Montana State University invites applications for a full-time position with primary responsibilities in the development of innovative carbon fiber materials.

MSU has been awarded a sizeable DOD contract to develop stretch broken carbon fiber for military rotorcraft. This position would be as one of the technical team leads, executing on the contract and developing the untapped potential of stretch broken carbon fiber. Duties include: determining the best technique of stretch breaking; defining and executing basic autoclave and other processes for part manufacture; defining and executing test plans to determine the material properties of the stretch broken fibers; assist with the determination of suitable applications of the stretch broken material; and manufacturing prototypes demonstrating the benefits of stretch broken carbon fiber.

This position would not only work with an accomplished, full-time development team but would also be a mentor to university students and contribute positively to the mission of Montana State University. As such, we seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, and who possess excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

Because increasing the diversity of the engineering profession is one of our strategic priorities, women and underrepresented minorities in engineering are particularly encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities • Manufacture development prototypes and samples. • Measure, cut, and assemble carbon fiber materials. • Monitor and document manufacturing processes.

• Maintains a clean and safe working environment. • Apply composites manufacturing experience to create developmental carbon fiber parts. • Run carbon fiber processing machines.

• Operate oven and autoclave. Oversee maintenance and repairs of autoclave. • Perform tests on research samples.

• Design, develop, and implement hardware to support the stretch breaking, forming, and testing/manufacturing tasks. • Commission Stretch Broken Carbon Fiber (SBCF) pilot plant that includes, but is not limited to, the BC3 head, Litzler filmer, CDI machine, and Bobcat machine • Manufacture SBCF materials using MSU’s SB2, BC3, or other stretch breaking machines. Similarly, duties will include managing additional operators, developing training materials, and fostering and developing MSU personnel’s core competence in this field.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills • Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

• 5 years minimum experience working in a relevant environment

• Experience operating stretch breaking equipment

• Proficient in basic strength of materials design and analysis procedures

• Experience or familiarity with a broad range of composite manufacturing processes including bagging, hand layup, autoclave curing, fiber placement and automated forming methods.

• Effective written and oral communication skills to convey complex ideas and present information to individuals and groups.

• Must be flexible and willing to take on varied tasks to meet contract goals

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills • Laminate analysis training and experience

• Tooling design and manufacture experience

• CAD design, including SolidWorks.

• Demonstrated ability to work with and engage with diverse team members within and outside of engineering disciplines.

The Successful Candidate Will • Be a hands-on employee who will roll up their sleeves to achieve goals and work side by side team members to accomplish the tasks at hand. • Have a strong composites background with a broad understanding of composite manufacturing fundamentals. • Be an out-of-the-box thinker who develops creative ideas to innovate on standard processes and techniques.

• Be highly flexible and collaborative; one who listens and incorporates team members’ input when creating solutions to complex problems. • Have the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, students, and the engineering industry.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Work is predominately performed in an office and laboratory setting.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be: • Screening of applications will begin on 08/10/2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.