Optical Research Engineer Jobs Near Me

EWI 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

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.