Southwest Research Institute

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Engineering Software Support Engineer

About the Employer

Job Description

Who We Are: The Computational Lifing Software Section is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing aviation safety through the development and distribution of cutting-edge fracture mechanics-based software solutions. Our state-of-the-art software is trusted by major institutions globally to ensure the reliability and safety of both commercial and military aircraft, as well as other life-critical systems. Objectives of this Role: Contribute to the continuous development and enhancement of the commercial software application DARWIN® (Design Assessment of Reliability With INspection), driving innovation and improving its capabilities to meet industry demands. Develop proficiency in probabilistic fracture mechanics theories and software development practices by working under the mentorship of experienced and reputable engineering and computer science professionals. Provide guidance on mechanical engineering principles and software functionality to both external clients and internal software engineering staff, focusing on enhancing the application of probabilistic damage tolerance software. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Evaluate engineering software through formal testing methodologies, ensuring alignment with client requirements, quality standards, and engineering principles. Create and execute test plans, analyze computational results, and collaborate with programmers to resolve issues. Create technical documentation, including user guides, release notes, and theory manuals, to enable users to effectively utilize software capabilities and understand the underlying engineering principles. Diagnose and resolve technical issues reported by software users, collaborating with the software team to address and rectify challenges. Provide guidance on software usage and underlying engineering principles. Collaborate with clients to elicit, refine, and finalize detailed software requirements, ensuring that all functional needs are captured. This role involves translating client requirements into conceptual designs and technical specifications. Conduct research and data analysis to support the preparation of journal and conference papers. Collaborate with authors to interpret results and contribute to the drafting of high-quality manuscripts. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field. 0 years: Requires foundational skills in engineering principles, enabling the candidate to effectively learn and apply concepts in fracture mechanics, fatigue analysis, and probabilistic mechanics. Strong aptitude and enthusiasm for software development, with a preference for candidates experienced in scripting, programming, operating systems, and/or software development practices. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information to diverse audiences. Demonstrated success in thriving within fast-paced, dynamic environments, managing multiple tasks and projects with efficiency and precision. A strong collaborative mindset, contributing effectively within a multi-disciplinary team while also excelling in independent work, solving complex problems, and proactively and effectively leveraging team resources to overcome roadblocks. A valid/clear driver's license is required.