Want to join our team? If you are hard-working, diligent, responsible, driven, and committed to excellence we may have an opportunity for you. We are researchers, scientists, engineers, computer programmers, personnel specialists, accountants…you name it! Our team consists of nearly 1,300 full-time employees and 500 student assistants.
Full-Time Positions
Full-time openings are listed on the WSU Career site.
Details regarding opportunites for Engineering Services on a contract basis for NIAR are available on the Engineering Services site.
Student Positions
NIAR's Composites and Structures Lab is looking for 3 student assistants.
Main Duties Include, but are not limited to:
- Perform physical and chemical testing on cured/uncured composites, foam, core, film adhesive and metal-composite bonding material.
- Cured physical testing compromise of acid digestion methods, ignition loss methods, tests for core or laminate density and specific gravity.
- Uncured physical testing compromise of resin flow, volatile content, resin/insoluble content, fiber areal weight, gel time, tack and drape.
- Analyze chemicals using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to check specimen contamination and process quality.
- Operate digester units, program temperature/humidity chambers and furnaces.
- Operate optical microscopes and impact towers.
- Program temperature/humidity chambers and furnaces with the guidance of supervisors.
- Read and understand the test standards for specific test criteria.’
- Maintain records of all the equipment in the lab used for testing/calibrating according to the manufacturer recommendations.
- Finalize data, find outliers, highlight repetitive testing, and submit results to respective departments. Compare data to material specifications, test specifications or department requirements and identifying test data that fail to meet specific criteria with the guidance of supervisors.
Requirements
- Enrolled in Wichita State University STEM Program
- Major in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
- Must be an undergraduate student with a GPA above 3.0
Required skills:
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Must be proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage workflow based on expectations
- Ability to work efficiently both independently and along with other colleagues
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs
- Available to work a minimum of 20-30 hours per week
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Composites and Structures Student Assistant
The AMP Lab Research Machine Shop is looking to add a Team Member to it's Production Team.
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”. Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
No experience is required for this position, you will be provided on the job training.
Mechanically inclined is preferred.
Attention to detail and the willingness to learn.
Position requires a mix of sitting and standing during the shift.
Position also requires be able to lift up to 50lbs
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Machine Shop EDM Machine Operator
NIAR's Machine Shop is looking for a student assistant. On the job training is provided, no experience required.
Machines and fabricates components by preparing and operating CNC and Manual machines; works from 2D drawings, prototype sketches, electronic files and/or verbal instructions.
Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours. Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs. Ability to be in loud noise environments.
Ability to inspect work, materials, equipment, and/or supplies and identify any errors, needs, and/or determining factors.
Ability to communicate with others, written or verbally, and accurately exchange information.
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Machine Shop Student Assistant
The composites machine shop is looking for a student to document composite panels and specimen by taking photos and put final labels on specimen before being sent out for testing. This applicant will also be responsible for organizing programs for machining. It is crucial that this student has an attention for detail and is organized. A minimum of 20 hours a week is required when classes are in session and 30 hours during summer break.
Job Responsibilities:
- Process composite panels and specimens between machining processes.
- Apply appropriate tracking and labeling ID’s to ensure panels have full tractability through the process.
- Organize work based on a machining priority list.
- Ensure all completed specimens meet the expected customer timelines.
- Maintain a clean and organized work space.
- Complete final visual inspection of specimen.
- Organize tools and supplies when needed.
Job Requirements:
- Must be able to work 20-30 hours per week when classes are in session.
- Proficient with computers and Microsoft Suite.
- Attention to detail.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Self-Motivated and reliable.
- Positive Attitude and adaptable.
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Composites Machining Technician Student Assistant
The NIAR Composites Lab is looking for a student assistant to assist in the Scheduling Department at NIAR. All majors will be considered.
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person”. Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
Criteria:
- GPA: 2.75+
- Year: Freshman/Sophomore
- Availability: 4-5 Days a week with at least 25 hours.
Job Responsibilities:
- Communication and cooperation with coworkers
- Reading and understanding of Tracking Sheets and processes
- Familiarization with ASTM Standards
- Creating Excel spreadsheets to organize and keep track of dates and processes
- Assist staff with certain responsibilities that are required
- Sending checklists to other internal groups dictating what needs to be done
- Delivering extracted specimen to other internal groups
- Handling/managing extracted specimen and various information
Required skills:
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage workflow based on expectations
- Ability to work independently and along with other colleagues
- Critical thinking skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel
- Must be available to work a minimum of 25 hours per week
- Ability to work outside of normal work hours and weekends, if necessary
- Lifting a minimum of 50lbs
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Composites Scheduling Student Assistant
NIAR's ATLAS lab is looking for a student assistant.
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person”. Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
Main Duties Include, but are not limited to:
• Complete all tasks in an accurate, organized, and timely manner
• Help to order, maintain, stock, and organize office supplies
• Assist Business Management Team with purchasing needs
• Fulfill consumable supply requests, ensuring full compliance in all areas
• Keep records of orders, receipts, emails documented and up to date
• Create reimbursement forms for lab staff when needed
• Assist with placing and maintaining work orders as directed
• Coordinate outgoing lab shipments
• Work with the business management team to ensure proper communication and transfer
of all tasks
• Perform data entry tasks
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of office and lab areas
• Oversees work order statuses
• Assist with compiling reports in organized and compliant manner
• Preparation of meeting areas prior to any visitors or meetings
• Assist with Business staff with coordination, set up, and teardown of lab events
when required
• Must be comfortable speaking with vendors, customers, and employees in respectful
and professional manner
• All other duties as determined by management
REQUIREMENTS:
• ITAR required
• Minimum of 20 hrs per week
• Must be proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Strong work ethic and professionalism
• Critical thinking skills
• Professional written and verbal etiquette
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR ATLAS Business Student Assistant
The NIAR Composites Database lab is looking for a student assistant.
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person”. Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
Job Responsibilities:
· Document intake/outtake of materials from storage
· Organize and maintain remnant panel and tested specimen storage
· Communication with program managers on program storage/shipping status
· Assist staff with certain responsibilities that are required
· Photograph specimen for use of program managers
Required skills:
· Strong attention to detail
· Strong organizational and communication skills
· Ability to effectively prioritize and manage workflow based on expectations
· Ability to work efficiently both independently and along with other colleagues
· Ability to lift up to 50lbs
· Available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Composites Database Student Assistant
The NIAR (National Institute for Aviation Research) is looking for a Computer Science student assistant to assist in database and software development.
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”. Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
Responsibilities:
- Front-end and Back-end (full stack) web development
- Data manipulation and analysis
- Database design
Desired Skills:
- Languages such as C# (ASP.NET Core), Python, HTML, CSS, Java Script or SQL
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Ability to explain technical issues in a non-technical way to an End User
- Task and detailed orientated
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Composites Student Software Developer
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”. Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
Responsibilities:
· Software\Hardware installs
· Phone and onsite support
· Software\Hardware trouble shooting
· Researching resolutions for computer problems
· Documentation
· Tasks as assigned
Requisite Skills:
· Must have a good understanding of MS Windows (operations and networking)
· Ability to work in a team and individually
· Ability to explain technical issues in a non-technical way to an End User
· Task and detailed orientated
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR IT Student Assistant
Students at NIAR’s Full Scale Structural Test Lab works hands-on to support structural test programs. Student roles can include Instrumentation, Administration, Shop Technicians or Engineering (Technical Majors only). Students will need the ability to commute to the NIAR ASTEC facility in Park City, 10 miles north of WSU main campus.
This position requires access to EAR and ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen.” Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
No prior experience is required, and all students will be given hands on instruction and training by experienced staff members for all skillsets and duties listed.
Instrumentation duties include:
• Locating and bonding strain gages on test articles to tight tolerance measurements
• Soldering
• Building and routing cables on test fixtures
• Calibrating instrumentation equipment
Shop floor duties include:
• Fabricating test fixtures from engineering drawings using aluminum and steel
• Aiding the installation of hydraulic systems
• Installing hydraulic cylinders and load apparatuses for testing
• Aiding crane/forklift operators in moving heavy items
Engineering duties include:
• Assist the engineering team with typical full scale structural testing tasks including design, software development, analysis, CATIA modeling and drafting
• Work with experienced test engineers to create work instructions and guide the fabrication and post inspection work with test technicians
• Assist with conducting full scale testing on components, assemblies, and full scale vehicles and aircraft
Qualifications:
• Available 15-30 hours per week while classes are in session
• Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficient troubleshooting/problem solving skills
• Good communication skills
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Full Scale Test Lab Student Assistant.
Students working in the Crash Dynamics Lab will be part of the Advanced Virtual Engineering and Testing group. Primarily, students will provide support for preparation of crash tests for aerospace, military, and automotive seats, components, and vehicles. Additionally, students will support mechanical, material, and component testing. This position will be mostly hands-on experimental work; however, AVET is interested in students who wish to pursue a Graduate degree and gain experience in Finite Element Methods and numerical analysis.
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”. Information will need to be collected in this regard but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
Duties:
- Installing fixtures and test articles on mounting plates and crash simulation system
- Aiding lab customers in test article preparation
- Verifying crash test dummies are in proper condition for testing
- Digitizing test articles via CMM (FARO Arm) and Laser scanning
- Supporting research and help documenting for mechanical testing
- Moving and lifting large items by hand and hoist
- Maintaining a clean and safe work environment
Qualifications:
- Currently working towards a Major in Engineering (Aerospace, Biomedical, Electrical and Mechanical preferred)
- Willing to work a minimum of 20 hours per week during fall and spring semesters and 40 hours per week during summer break
- Proficiency with hand and power tools
- Strong attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a team oriented environment
Preferred Skills:
- CATIA V5
- Visual Basic
- NI Labview
- NI Diadem
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here: NIAR Crash Dynamics Lab/AVET Student Assistant.
Students working in the Crash Dynamics Lab will be part of the Advanced Virtual Engineering and Testing group. Primarily, students will provide support for maintaining instrumentation and ATDs in good working order and development of electrical control systems. Additionally, students will support preparation of crash tests for aerospace, military, and automotive seats, components, and vehicles. This position will be mostly hands-on experimental work and troubleshooting.
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”. Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
Duties:
• Development of electrical control systems
• Electrical repair and troubleshooting
• Verifying crash test dummies are in proper condition for testing
• Digitizing test articles via CMM (FARO Arm) and Laser scanning
• Supporting research and help documenting for mechanical testing
• Moving and lifting large items by hand and hoist
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment
Qualifications:
• Currently working towards a Major in Electrical Engineering
• Willing to work a minimum of 20 hours per week during fall and spring semesters
and 40 hours per week during summer break
• Proficiency with hand and power tools
• Strong attention to detail
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work in a team oriented environment
Preferred Skills:
• Soldering
• Electrical wire repair
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here NIAR Crash Dynamics Lab Electrical Student Assistant.
Job Summary:
As a member of our Robotics and Automation group, you will be responsible for developing
and designing automated systems for industrial applications. Our team conducts research
and design for a diverse range of clients and is dedicated to advancing the field
of intelligent manufacturing processes. Examples include systems developed to preform,
automated inspection, robotic processing, automated damage repair. Along side developing
these systems, you will be responsible for enabling digital twin technologies through
simulation, verification, and closed loop sustainment.
To be eligible for this position, applicants must be able to work with EAR or ITAR controlled technologies and meet U.S. export control laws, including being a "U.S. Citizen." All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. Our group does not discriminate in hiring practices and will comply with all federal and state laws in the collection and review of any information collected.
While the Robotics and Automation group can range from software development, to design, to fabrication, to controls, we welcome applicants of any major or academic standing. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of automation and work on cutting-edge technologies with a dynamic team.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn from a variety of specialist in the field of intelligent
manufacturing.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 20 hours a week.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and effectively communicate ideas and
solutions.
• Self-motivated and able to work without constant supervision.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs
Preferred Qualifications:
• Basic understanding of advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and an interest
in it as a potential career.
• Working knowledge of programming languages such as VBA, C+, and MATLAB.
• Ability to work with CATIA, Siemens NX, or other CAD/CAM packages.
• Ability to work with and understand complex systems.
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here NIAR Automation Student Assistant.
- Must be pursuing a degree at Wichita State University.
- Willing to work a minimum of 25 hours/week.
- High attention to detail
- Being organized
- Reliable
- Proactive
- Responsible
- Can be continually challenged with issues where finding quick and correct solutions is necessary.
- Can help design and make changes to assembly line processes to help improve processing time of workloads and minimize wasted materials.
- Can complete required work on or before deadlines
- Small design projects including CATIA based modeling for tooling and fixturing.
- Can be challenged to help create programming solutions from scratch using Visual Basic and Microsoft Access to help keep track of inventoried items as well as manage expiration of chemicals.
- Can maintain old programs which are already a part of our system which include Measurement verification software.
- Strain gage installation – Electrical Instrumentation
- Surface Preparation
- Dimensioning
- Bonding
- Soldering
- Quality Check
- Knowledge of ASTM & SACMA standards
- Quality Control
- Dimensioning of specimens
- Documentation of unsat(s) characteristics for MRB purposes
- Communicating unsatisfactory characteristics to the Program Manager
To view the full position description and apply for consideration, click here NIAR Quality Control, Dimensioning & Instrumentation Laboratory Assistant
The Virtual Engineering Laboratory at NIAR is looking for student assistants. Graduate students are preferred. Position could become a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position based on performance during the first semester.
The students applying for this position should have at least basic knowledge on Finite Element Methods (FEM).
Main duties will be:
-
Discretization of structural components to perform numerical analysis (FEM) (50%).
-
Post-processing and documentation of numerical analysis results (Stress Analysis, Load Path Analysis, etc.) (20%)
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Create CAD geometry for structural components (15%)
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Support Senior Staff to create the numerical models (Material definitions, connections, etc.) (10%)
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Test specimen preparation/documentation to conduct mechanical testing (5%).
Tools to be used:
-
Beta CAE, in particular: ANSA and META
-
Hyperworks Altair, in particular: Hypermesh and Hypergraph
-
CATIA V5
-
Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
To view the full position description and to apply for consideration, click here: Student Assistant – Virtual Engineering Laboratory
Interested in other student employment opportunities at Wichita State? Follow the link below to submit your information.
*You do not need to be a student at Wichita State or WSU Tech to be considered for these positions.
Student Employment Interest Form
A representative from the Shocker Career Accelerator will reach out to you about potential employment opportunities.
Please Note:
- Some positions require access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. For those positions, applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen” or "U.S. Person" as indicated in the posting. Information will need to be collected in this regard, but will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. The University does not discriminate in its hiring practices and shall ensure compliance with all federal and state laws in the collection and reviews of such information collected.
- Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check as required by Board of Regents policy.
For further assistance applying online, please contact IDP Human Resources at hr.idp@idp.wichita.edu
Wichita State University is committed to inclusive excellence. WSU is the only urban-serving public university in Kansas and has the most diverse student body of all the Kansas state universities. Wichita State University recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. Wichita State University has a clear goal in this regard: to be the place where our talented faculty and staff reflect and promote the evolving diversity of our society. We pride ourselves on being the most innovative university in Kansas, delivering the best educational experience to our students with the distinction for opening pathways to real-life learning, applied research and career opportunities that make people want to stay in Kansas. Our campus provides an experience that promotes all forms of diversity, equity and inclusion, a place to learn, work, live and play.