Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.

Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Mechanical Engineering’s EMIT Lab, led by Prof. Sneha P. Narra is seeking a highly reliable and hands-on Research Associate to support research in metal additive manufacturing, with a primary focus on Alloy 718, process modeling, and materials characterization for an

ongoing project funded by NASA. The ideal candidate is a recent MS or recent PhD with strong technical skills, excellent execution, and interest in a future faculty or research- leadership path.

This position is designed for someone who wants to deepen their expertise in metal AM while gaining experience leading technical work, coordinating research tasks, mentoring students, and contributing to follow-on funding efforts through high-quality preliminary data and technical drafts.

Responsibilities:

• Lead hands-on characterization work including tomography, microscopy, metallography, and related materials analysis.
• Build on existing process and microstructure modeling efforts to connect experimental characterization results with modeling findings.
• Produce high-quality experimental results, figures, methods descriptions, and technical summaries based on specific research directions provided by the PI.
• Integrate knowledge across stages of the metal AM workflow, including processing, post-processing, characterization, and interpretation of results.
• Support ongoing collaborative project activities by providing characterization expertise, technical feedback, and data organization, to ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Learn and implement new techniques or concepts as needed to support evolving project needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• MS or recent PhD in materials science, mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, additive manufacturing, or a closely related field. PhD preferred
• Prior experience with metal additive manufacturing processes, strong hands-on ability with laboratory equipment and experimental workflows.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as microscopy, tomography, metallography, or related methods.
• Basic experience with modeling or relevant modeling coursework.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate with students and collaborators.
• Demonstrated reliability, judgment, and ability to execute tasks.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Researchers

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: