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Principal Advanced Composites Engineer

University of Dayton
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 13 Jan 2026

About the role

Position Summary: This UDRI position is co-located with the US Air Force Advanced Composite Office at Hill AFB, UT. The Advanced Composites Engineer will provide composite engineering expertise to guide related activities throughout the Air Force to improve weapon system acquisition, sustainment, and availability. They will implement theories, principles, best practices, methods, and techniques of advanced composite aerospace engineering that are critical to USAF weapon systems meeting continued airworthiness requirements. They will play a vital role in ensuring the reliability, durability, and mission readiness of Air Force assets through proactive, advanced composite sustainment practices. Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Science).
• 10 years of experience if Ph.D., or 11 years of experience if master's degree, in advanced composite sustainment, preferably within a military or aerospace setting.
• In-depth knowledge of advanced composite repair techniques, materials, and equipment used in military environments. Applies advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts. Can contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.
• Ability to develop and teach engineering courses, focused on advanced composites, to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Often provides project technical leadership, covering technical execution, business development, schedule, and deliverables.
• Experience with CAD/CAM and FEA software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Willing to travel for on-site meetings and assistance visits as needed, both domestically and internationally. Acts as the organizational spokesperson regarding advanced composites engineering.
• Must be able to obtain a CAC through the USAF.
• Due to requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience in the USAF working in repair centers or depots.
• Willingness to step into a leadership role and lead a small team.
• Demonstrated self-starter who can present to senior-level USAF management.
• Experience with MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Teams, MS Project, and SharePoint.

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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University of Dayton

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