Research Engineer

SFSA is seeking a Research Engineer. The position is well suited for a technically-minded, self-motivated individual seeking an opportunity to become a world-class expert in specialty steel design and manufacturing innovation. SFSA is an association for the steel casting industry that conducts the largest research consortium supporting the steel industry. SFSA-led research is conducted at leading universities with experts in modeling, welding, non-destructive testing, failure analysis, melting, heat treat, alloy development, hybrid manufacturing and Industry 4.0, with Society staff providing technical oversight. Staff also work with industry and government partners to develop and transition technology.

SFSA’s Digital Innovative Design for Reliable Casting Performance (DID) and Steel Performance Initiative (SPI) programs are developing advanced steel manufacturing technology. DID is developing two steel casting design methods: establish design allowables with embedded NDT requirements, and utilize manufacturing simulation with design modeling to set lower bound properties coupled with Quantitative NDT for reliable performance. SPI is developing steelmaking technology with five critical research objectives: Next Gen Job Shop Manufacturing, Hybrid Manufacturing Simulation and Production, Process-driven Performance Modeling for Fitness for Purpose, Quantitative Non-destructive Testing Methods and Standards, Capable and Manufacturable Advanced High Strength Steels. This research engineer position will be responsible for ensuring the success of these programs.

Essential Responsibilities of the Research Engineer:

• Compile monthly program reports
• Prepare final research reports for industry and enable transition
• Research, aggregate and analyze data
• Support research castings and testing
• Support job shop Industry 4.0 tech
• Internal research to develop and execute plan for industry best practices
• Transition research into commercial specifications
• Coordinate development of new cast armor steel specification

Requirements of Research Engineer:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (metallurgical/material science or mechanical ideal)
• Preferred internship/work experience in the specialty steels industry (mill, forge or foundry), end-use companies designing or manufacturing with specialty steel products, or test lab
• Problem-solving and analytical skills. Capable of quick technical learning.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented. Must be able to work well independently and in team environments.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.). Background in MATLAB, modeling software, Python, or statistical analysis software beneficial.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills - able to project facts and data, not opinions, and effectively work with a range of personnel.
• Project management skills – able to manage and advance multiple projects with multiple stakeholders
• Travel required (around 25%)
• Willing to be located in the Chicago area – SFSA office in Crystal Lake, IL
• Verify identity and eligibility to work in the US, and complete verification document

SFSA will provide a competitive compensation package for this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Give one example of how you qualify yourself as being technical-minded?
• Give one example of how you qualify yourself as being self-motivated?
• In one sentence, tell us why you are the candidate we want for this position?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• steel: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person