Overview
The hourly rate for this position is $21.52 and is non-negotiable.
Under direction, incumbents must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work.
RESTORE aims to research, select, apply, analyze, characterize, and qualify promising AdvM or 3-D printing materials and manufacturing processes offered by industry. Material analysis and characterization involves developing a thorough understanding of a material's bulk physical and mechanical properties as well as its material makeup and chemical formulation. This information is critical to RESTORE's mission, as it sheds light on material and process capabilities, compatibilities, and performance as a deployed component. The diverse range of operational and field environments within the Navy and DoD requires RESTORE to ensure that deployed components and materials will operate predictably, reliably, and consistently. This can be achieved by understanding and applying chemical and materials research techniques at an undergraduate-level or above.
Responsibilities
The student contractor shall provide analytical and technical support in the following areas as specified under individual task orders, to the work sponsor.
Materials and Mechanical Engineering: Bulk Physical and Mechanical Properties Testing, Analysis, Characterization, and Qualification Support:
- Investigate, identify, and select use cases for the replacement of rubber parts with 3-D printed elastomers aboard surface ships and submarines, as well as in shipyard and shore environments.
- Experiment with and document investigations of 3-D printing molds with rigid, high-temperature polymers for rubber and insulated component fabrication.
- Design and 3-D print polymer (rigid and elastomeric), metal, ceramic, and composite test coupons.
- Conduct and document specific operational AdvM procedures, which includes but is not limited to: polymer fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA); metal atomic diffusion additive manufacturing (ADAM) and friction stir additive manufacturing (FSAM); and composite 3-D printing such as continuous fiber addition to polymer substrates.
- Research and conduct materials and mechanical properties experiments, which includes but is not limited to modulus of elasticity, yield strength, tensile strength, ductility, toughness, fracture toughness, creep, hardness, flexural strength, fatigue tests.
- Prepare engineering drawings and schematics for components as well as testing assemblies and models via 3-D simulation in computer-aided design (CAD) software such as SolidWorks.
- Investigate and apply traditional fabrication and processing techniques for polymer, metal, ceramic, composite, and other AdvM materials.
Materials Science and Chemistry: Chemical Properties and Compatibility Testing, Analysis, Characterization, and Qualification Support:
- Investigate, identify, and select promising 3-D print material candidates (rigid and elastomer) based on material base chemistry, bulk physical properties, and 3-D printing technology.
- Design and conduct chemical experiments (such as chemical resistance, corrosion, and coating performance testing) for 3-D printed components while recording observations and collecting data.
- Conduct and document environmental resistance testing, including radiation (UV, X-ray, microwave), chemical solvent, flame, toxicity, reactivity, and oxidation (metal corrosion and polymer degradation).
- Research and conduct material surface analysis via microscopy, including optical inspection, metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc.
Research and conduct molecular and material formulation analysis via spectroscopy, including ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), Raman, Fourier- transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), etc.
- Perform literature searches, compile reference materials, write technical summaries, and prepare bibliographies.
Design, Engineering, and Deployment Support:
- Assist with design, construction, and evaluation of test samples and components.
- Assist with integration and deployment of materials as end-use components.
- Assist with the development and implementation of real-world test plans to assess material testing and application procedures.
Programming, Mathematics, and Statistics: Data Analysis of Test and Simulation Results Support:
- Deploy numerical and statistical techniques for chemical and physical test results analysis with Excel spreadsheets, Python code, MATLAB code, or other computing method.
- Perform data conversion, reduction, correlation, and other statistical methods on large test datasets.
Program automation scripts for data processing, creating web-based and/or database tools for visualization and analysis.
Assist RESTORE Engineers in the operation of 3-D Printing Workflow to deliver products.
Qualifications
Undergraduate Student 3: Must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work. The student must be at the Senior level and have experience in 100% of the task requirements and be able to accomplish 90% of the work independently.
Materials Science and/or Materials Engineering major preferred; relevant majors such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Corrosion Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Physics may be suitable given relevant coursework, laboratory research, and/or work experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Required Coursework and/or relevant work and/or laboratory experience from UC San Diego Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and NanoEngineering course catalogs.
Required Course Work:
- MAE 20. Elements of Materials Science
- CENG 134. Polymeric Materials
- CHEM 135. Molecular Spectroscopy
- NANO 148. Thermodynamics of Materials
- NANO 158L. Materials Processing Laboratory
- MAE 160. Mechanical Behavior of Materials
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MATS 205A: Imperfections in Solids
- MATS 227: Structure and Analysis of Solids
- MATS 261A: Processing of Polymers and Composites
- MATS 261B: Mechanical Behavior of Polymers and Composite
- AdvM, Additive Manufacturing (AM), or 3-D printing interest Materials testing and characterization laboratory experience Analytical chemistry laboratory experience. Material manufacturing and/or part fabrication experience Python, MATLAB, R, or programming and data analysis experience Ability to read and implement technical documents or test standards Independent/self-starter who can operate under minimal oversight.
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:
- This position will require the employee to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
- Due to the regulations established by the Department of Defense, only US Citizens may qualify.
- This is a student position and is limited to working 20 hours per week.
- This position will remain open until filled.
- Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
- Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
- San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
- Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
- SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
- SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.