Associate Design Engineer

Position Summary
New ideas surround us, but only a few will change the world. We are building upon RPS design philosophies that have stood the test of time, and this is your opportunity to become part of a team that brings us one step closer. If you desire to create something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for UDRI. Our Space Power System team solves complex challenges and develops novel solutions, but our culture makes us unique. We offer a welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, delivering novel solutions to sponsors like NASA, the Department of Defense, and industry. The UDRI Space Power Technologies Group is developing novel radioisotope power systems (RPS) for use in space and surface missions that further enable the search for life in the solar system or exploration of lunar and cislunar domains. We seek a design engineer to help us with multiple projects and develop novel RPS units.

As an Associate Design Engineer, you will make direct technical contributions to space power system designs. You will be part of a team of talented engineering professionals in developing the industry's most novel radioisotope power systems. You will apply industry-standard and Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) techniques to subsystem design, development, and ground and flight testing. This position requires a strong background in designing, analyzing, and verifying current and future RPS designs.

Responsibilities

• Interface with government, industry sponsors, and teams to identify and document equipment end items and components supporting radioisotope power system design, assembly, and testing.
• Design and optimize mechanical components for traditional or additive manufacturing (i.e., housings, brackets, structural supports, vehicle parts, and aerospace hardware) and mechanical systems, following current and applicable GD&T standards.
• Perform Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) radiation transport analyses to model neutron, photon, and charged particle interactions for shielding, dose assessment, and component survivability studies.
• Develop, validate, and document MCNP simulation models while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support radiation effects research, design optimization, and safety compliance.
• Work with government and industry engineers to ensure documentation and product conformance with engineering design intent and performance requirements.
• The successful candidate will be self-driven, an excellent communicator, have a strong background in participating in technical projects, and have design engineering experience. The position will support multiple clients, primarily in the industry.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical)
• Experience in Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) radiation transport analyses.
• Ability to develop, validate, and document MCNP simulation models while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support radiation effects research, design optimization, and safety compliance.
• Ability to create, read, and interpret models, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Proficient in 3D CAD modeling software.
• Working knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA) software and data analysis.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams on complex, space-related projects.
• Strong customer focus with a solid understanding of spacecraft, aircraft, or complex systems design, and a track record of customer satisfaction.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, namely Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• 3+ years of design engineering experience.
• 3+ years of experience in Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) radiation transport analyses.
• 3+ years creating and executing component and system-level validation and qualification test plans.
• 3+ years of experience working on multidisciplinary teams on complex, space-related projects.
• 3+ years of FEA experience analyzing mechanical systems components (i.e., structural, fatigue, thermal, vibration, and acoustics).
• Self-motivated & organized with the ability to work with minimal supervision
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated at all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and time-management skills
• Proficient in Ansys or Abaqus for FEA
• Familiar with various manufacturing processes such as casting, CNC machining, forging, heat treating, and additive manufacturing for metals and plastics.

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.