Washington State University

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

June 25, 2025

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1468-NN_ADMINPRO - Research Project Engineer

Business Title:

Die Casting Process Engineer

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

The Spokane-based Applied Sciences Laboratory (ASL) of the Institute for Shock Physics (ISP) at Washington State University (WSU) has an immediate opening for a Die Casting Process Engineer.

As the Die Casting Process Engineer, you will support advanced materials research at the Applied Sciences Laboratory, including the hands-on design and execution of a broad range of melting and casting experiments to produce metallic alloys and to ensure quality and efficiency in all professional activities, while following environmental, health and safety policies/procedures.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide technical leadership for the installation, operation and maintenance of die-casting and related equipment.
• Document and implement die casting standards and best practices to enable safety, quality, efficiency, uptime, and cost effectiveness.
• Research, develop, and support implementation of improved die casting processes, tooling and equipment.
• Troubleshoot the root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions in the casting process to ensure adherence to the material’s specifications and quality. Utilize root cause analysis tools for effective problem solving.
• Troubleshoot equipment by inspecting and analyzing electronic, hydraulic, and mechanic components.
• Efficiently install accessory devices to equipment such as ladles or crucibles, holding furnaces, hot oil units, thermal cameras, etc.
• Design and implement the preventative maintenance procedures and schedule for the die-casting and associated equipment.
• Train and guide technical personnel to operate and maintain the die-casting equipment.
• Maintain material processing documentation, process flow diagrams, and detailed drawings for complex equipment and proprietary hardware/equipment.
• Analyze data, identify, and solve key issues, and optimize processes using Design of Experiment (DOE) and related statistical tools.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to integrate the activities of multiple engineering and materials science objectives.
• Prepare reports and presentations in a professional manner.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position in which the appointment is made on an annual basis. Subsequent renewals are anticipated because of the unique expertise required for this work and are based on performance, mutual consent, and the continuation of research funding. Long-term, multi-year research funding is expected.

Monthly Salary: $8,333.33 ($100,000 - annual) - 10.833.33 (130,000 - annual) | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required work experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Scientific and technical background in mechanical engineering, materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in process engineering and/or casting of metallic alloys.
• Experience with designing and implementing new die casting processes for new product development.
• Minimum of 2 years of die casting experience at a manufacturing facility.
• Minimum of 2 years of technical leadership in die casting development and operations.
• Hands-on experience in maintenance and repair operations associated with hydraulics, injection molding, pneumatics and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and troubleshooting.
• Personal attributes should include critical thinking, good judgment, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team, and excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. because of the need to move and assemble various experimental components and equipment. Must have good motor skills, ability to maneuver stairs and move equipment as necessary. Must have ability to stand or sit for long hours.
• Must be able to obtain a badge at U.S. Department of Energy and/or Department of Defense National Laboratories to gain access to restricted areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required work experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• 2-4 years of professional experience in an R&D setting.
• Experience in data mining, machine learning using systems such as Python/Minitab.
• Demonstrated knowledge of foundry processes and ability to apply casting concepts in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience in operations associated with electrical systems, electronics, mechanical drives, and robotics.
• Experience with leading brands of presses and robots.
• Experience with High Pressure Die Cast mold flow models and software.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum systems and temperature controls.

About Applied Sciences Laboratory (ASL) - https://asl.wsu.edu/

The Institute for Shock Physics’ Applied Sciences Laboratory (ASL) is a university-based contract research organization, located in Spokane, Washington. The key to success in today’s global economy is knowledge and innovation. ASL functions as a technical resource for the region, and provides scientific expertise and capabilities for local, national, and global customers. ASL’s research focus is on solving challenging problems related to energy, national security, advanced materials/sensors, and biomedical applications. The scientific underpinnings to address the multidisciplinary challenges involve optical physics, materials science, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and computational modeling and simulations. ASL has conducted research for regional and national corporations such as Avista, Itron, Pyrotek, Triumph Composite Systems, Inc., Boeing, and Ford Motor Company.

Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences

Location: Spokane WA

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

• Cover letter to the attention of Dr. Atakan Peker explicitly addressing the qualifications for this position and date of availability.
• Detailed curriculum vitae

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

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