Who We Are:
We solve complex fluids problems to help society gain access to energy and water. Mutual respect and collaboration define our culture, where the sharing of knowledge and the drive for excellence are pervasive. Safety is a top priority and is integrated in every operation.
Objectives of this Role:
Provide engineering support for research projects on fluid systems and fluid handling equipment. Topics include natural gas (dry gas flow measurement, natural gas quality, gas/liquid separation) and hydrogen applications, multiphase flow, and alternative energy.
Design, build, and operate experimental testing programs that create field-realistic process flow conditions (pressure, temperature, fluids) in controlled test environments.
Lead experimental research projects in a laboratory / test facility setting.
Interact and engage with commercial and government clients to develop solutions that fit their requirements, bid new projects, write proposals, and manage the project budget, schedule, and technical performance.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
Select instrumentation and equipment, implement data acquisition and control systems, plan and execute tests in specialized test facilities.
Provide engineering support for test facility operation including maintenance, repair, and upgrade, equipment selection, and daily operations.
Develop new or modified custom test facilities to accomplish project-specific requirements.
Post-process test data; write and present reports and technical papers; manage the technical and financial performance of projects.
Learn and apply new skills in a fast-paced research environment led by pursuit of industry's most pressing engineering challenges.
Develop new business through networking, customer engagement, conference attendance, and proposal writing.
Requirements:
Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or directly related degree field.
0-5 years: Industry experience, internship, or undergrad research in one or more of the following areas: natural gas industry, data acquisition and control system development, alternative energy, hydrogen energy and energy storage, water management (harvesting, reuse, or desalination).
Hands-on experience with experimental methods (e.g., lab testing, data acquisition) or facility operation in an engineering context.
Must possess strong interpersonal and team skills and the ability to effectively communicate complex information.
Must have the willingness and ability to learn new technical skills and have the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize work.
Experience with one or more of the following: LabVIEW programming or similar data acquisition and controls experience, modeling in SolidWorks/Creo/Ansys/Fluent, or programming using Excel VBA/MathCAD/Matlab/Python is required.
A valid/clear drivers license is required.
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO