The National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), located in Hampton, Virginia, has an opening for a Research Engineer to investigate the integration of laser ablation surface treatment of aerospace structural composites and metal alloys with the LIBS surface characterization technique for detecting very low concentrations of contaminants, such as silicones, that are a known threat to adhesive bonding.  The researcher will investigate the relationship between the parameters used in surface preparation and those used in LIBS, to demonstrate the functionality of the combined techniques, and integrate the two into a closed-loop control automated process. The expected outcomes are experimental laser processing hardware/systems, automation software, technical presentations, invention disclosures, project reports and peer reviewed publications.

The successful candidate will work with engineers, researchers, and technicians in the Advanced Materials Processing Branch at NASA Langley Research Center located in Hampton, Virginia.