Associate Aerospace Engineer

Apply now Job No: 503365
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Structures - 250572
Pay Grade: R1 - Exempt
Advertised: March 03, 2026
Applications close: March 20, 2026

UDRI is seeking an entry‑level aerospace engineer to support design and analysis research projects, including for high temperature applications. Specific job duties will include the following: developing CAD models/drawings for project designs and test fixturing in support of active research efforts; performing thermal/structural finite element analysis (FEA) of aircraft components and test fixtures; supporting testing of aircraft components; and, developing technical documentation including presentations, reports, drawings, and other engineering data.

The position is within UDRI’s Structures Group which offers significant experience working with airframe structures, landing systems, transparency systems, radome structures, engine components, and high temperature supersonic/hypersonic applications. The Structures Group has solved complex engineering problems and conducted structures‑related research and development for over 40 years. The Structures Group are key contributors to the integrated and dynamic Structures and Materials Division that provides comprehensive capabilities for systems engineering, design/redesign, analysis, prototyping/fabrication, testing, and qualification in order to transition “real‑world” hardware solutions for air and ground vehicles and complex test equipment.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required.
• Proficiency using the standard suite of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Coursework or practical experience working with CAD software, such as Solid Works.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with other engineers, as well as with current and potential customers.
• A strong attention‑to‑detail and ability to work effectively in a timely manner.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.
• The candidate must be able to pass a National Agency Check.

• Two or more years of experience using Solid Works, including drawing generation.
• One year of experience using Abaqus, Ansys, and/or other large commercial FEA codes.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical and structural systems, including design, fabrication, procurement, assembly, and maintenance of such systems.
• Experience with high temperature materials including design, analysis, and testing of these materials.
• Experience with computer programming for engineering applications using Matlab, VBA, Python, or similar codes.

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

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.