Senior R&D Engineer (NDE)

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Columbus Office - Columbus, OH 43221Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Graduate DegreeTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: DayJob Category: EngineeringEWI is a world leader in developing and deploying innovative technologies that enable companies to bridge the gap between R&D and manufacturing implementation.  EWI Associates are passionate about identifying out-of-the-box solutions that provide a long-term competitive advantage for our clients.  Our clients tell us we are a valuable extension and a complement to their innovation, engineering and manufacturing teams. If you enjoy working with customers and solving difficult, technical problems, EWI is the place for you.

EWI is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to lead the application of advanced nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology to client manufacturing challenges, with particular emphasis on integrating inspection into automated and in-process production systems.  This is a customer-facing technical role.  The successful candidate will work directly with client companies to define inspection problems, select and adapt leading-edge NDE methods, and implement those methods within robotic, automated, and in-line manufacturing environments.  The position emphasizes application, integration, and deployment rather than fundamental research.  EWI’s value to its clients lies in identifying what is possible at the leading edge of NDE science and making it work reliably on production hardware.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Customer engagement and business development

Serve as the primary technical point of contact for client companies on inspection and NDE projects; lead collaborative internal and external teams to implement solutions
Visit client facilities to assess inspection needs, evaluate production environments, and identify opportunities for automated and in-process inspection
Translate client requirements into project scopes, technical approaches, cost and schedule estimates
Present findings, recommendations, and results to audiences ranging from shop floor operators to executive leadership
Support business development through proposal preparation, technical presentations, client council participation, and industry conference activity
Build long-term client relationships that lead to repeated and expanded work
Train client personnel on delivered systems and transfer capability so solutions remain in use after a project closes

Technology implementation and automation

Evaluate and select advanced NDE methods, including phased array and full matrix capture ultrasonics, eddy current array, computed tomography, thermography, guided wave, and optical techniques, and determine which are viable for production deployment
Design and implement in-process and in-line inspection solutions that operate during manufacturing rather than after it, with emphasis on welding, additive manufacturing, and composite processes
Integrate inspection hardware into robotic cells, gantries, motion systems, and production equipment, including sensor selection and placement, fixturing, scan planning, and instrument control
Develop data acquisition, processing, and analysis pipelines, applying signal processing, image processing, and machine learning methods where they add value
Interface inspection systems with plant control and quality data systems, and support feedback to the manufacturing process where feasible
Validate system performance through designed experiments, probability of detection studies, and reliability analysis
Develop procedures, work instructions, and qualification evidence to support customer, prime contractor, and regulatory acceptance

Project execution and technical leadership

Manage project scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables, and produce clear technical reports and documentation
Maintain current awareness of the commercial and academic NDE landscape, including instrument suppliers, research institutions, and standards development activity
Contribute to EWI internal capability, tooling, and laboratory infrastructure
Mentor junior engineers and technicians

Minimum Requirements

REQURIED QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated experience implementing inspection or measurement systems within automated equipment, robotic cells, or production lines
Working knowledge of at least one NDE modality, with practical familiarity across several
Programming ability sufficient to build data acquisition, processing, and analysis tools, typically in Python or an equivalent language
Experience designing and executing test programs and analyzing results statistically
Proficiency in executing scientific research and performing experimental analysis
Existing understanding of technical challenges in key markets including, but not limited to, oil and gas, power generation, heavy manufacturing, and automotive industries
Utilizes judgment in communication styles and behaviors; recognizes impact on other team members
Exhibits proficient written and verbal communication with customers both internal and external; including direct experience presenting technical work to customers
Proven adaptability and flexibility as a part of team
Ability to maintain excellent customer relationships both internal and external
Proven success in a team-oriented environment
Strong ability to plan and organize tasks
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
Willingness to travel (10%) to customers and conferences

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with in-process or in-line inspection in welding, additive manufacturing, or composite manufacturing
Experience with industrial controls, robot programming, machine vision, or edge computing
Familiarity with inspection data standards and interoperability, such as DICONDE
Application of machine learning to inspection data, particularly where flaws are rare and labeled data is limited
ASNT or NAS 410 certification at Level II or III is preferred but not required
Advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline
Experience preparing proposals for industry or government sponsors
Ability to obtain a US security clearance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Office environment and laboratory/light production floor with ventilation, climate-control system, moderate lighting, and moderate noise level;
Use finger and hand dexterity to type, adjust, move, handle, perform, operate, install, attach, remove, apply, grasp, grip, manipulate, and measure;
Use vision to see, analyze, and adjust;
Frequently move, transport, rotate, reach, pull, twist, adjust position, push, stand, stoop, bend and crouch; and
Lift ten to 20 pounds on a frequent basis and 40 to 80 pounds occasionally

EDUCATION:

Master’s degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or a related technical discipline

EXPERIENCE:

Five (5) or more years applying inspection, measurement, or sensing technology in a manufacturing, laboratory, or applied research environment

EXPORT CONTROLS - This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls.  To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

EOE/M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

Accommodations

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations under the ADA in order to participate in the search and/or application process should contact Human Resources at (614) 688-5000.