Available Title(s):
1467-NN_ADMINPRO - Research Operations Engineer Business Title:
Research Optical Engineer Employee Type:
Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term) Time Type:
Full time Position Term:
12 Month Position Details: Summary of Duties:

The research activities involve state-of-the-art experiments to understand the response of materials subjected to elevated temperatures and high dynamic stresses. The individual hired will be responsible for assisting with experiments, operating electro-optic instrumentation, and maintaining/improving the experimental facilities.

Because of the diverse nature of the research activities and the facilities in the Institute, the above list should be viewed as a representative, but not a complete, list of responsibilities. Representative responsibilities:

• Participate in research experiments, including the design, fabrication and assembly of experimental components and equipment. The experimental responsibilities are strongly hands-on and require an excellent mechanical aptitude in a laboratory setting, including the use of specialized tools to operate the Institute's experimental capabilities.
  
• Participate in the design, development, and use of optical equipment and systems, for laser-interferometry measurements and other laser-based diagnostics.
  
• Operate and maintain the equipment utilized in the Institute's Impact Facilities to support a broad range of research projects involving high-velocity impacts.
  
• Contribute effectively to all aspects of the experimental effort, including guidance and assistance to ISP research faculty, postdoctoral research associates, and graduate students.
  
• Conduct regular maintenance activities in the laboratories, order experimental components and supplies, and work effectively in a team setting.
  
• Prepare reports and publications as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and experience performing professional-level work with scientific or engineering research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. Experimental and analytical skills; understanding and knowledge of research theory; excellent organizational and project management skills.
  
• Good familiarity with hardware and software required for time-and-spatially resolved optical diagnostics, including lasers and optical detection equipment.
  
• An excellent mechanical aptitude and demonstrated hands-on experience with design and fabrication of instruments and experimental components.
  
• Strong academic background and excellent problem-solving skills.
  
• Good computer skills, including experience with technical/design programs, such as LabView or SolidWorks, and working knowledge of data analysis software.
  
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
  
• Personal attributes should include critical thinking, good judgment, clear sense of purpose, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team, and accountability.
  
• Be able to lift up to 50 lbs., because of the need to move and assemble various experimental components and equipment. Must have fine motor skills, be able to climb up and down stairs in the laboratory and move equipment, as necessary.
  
• Must be able to obtain a badge at U.S. Department of Energy and/or Department of Defense National Laboratories to gain access to restricted areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  
• Good familiarity with hardware and software required for optical measurements, including lasers and optical detection equipment.

Additional Information: Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences
Department Name: Institute for Shock Physics
City, State, Zip: Pullman WA 99164
Department Link: [email protected]
Monthly Salary: $ $5,833.34 - $7,083.34 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU's Administrative Professional Compensation. WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation. This is a temporary position in which the appointment is made on an annual basis. Subsequent renewals are anticipated because of the unique expertise required for this work and are based on performance, mutual consent, and the continuation of research funding. Long-term, multi-year research funding is expected. Posting Close Date: This recruitment has been extended, applicants must submit their completed application by Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Screening has begun and will remain ongoing. Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made. Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application. Required Documents:

• Resume
  
• Cover letter to the attention of Dr. Vikas Prakash
  
• Contact information for three professional references

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected]. To apply, visit https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Pullman-WA/Research-Optical-Engineer_R-9962 Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.

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