Graduate Research Assistant

Join us at Auburn University's National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence ( NCAME) to conduct exciting and innovative research in metal additive manufacturing (AM)! As opposed to conventional machining processes, metal AM (or metal 3D printing) fabricates parts by consolidating feedstock layer by layer. This unique fabrication approach has many benefits such as permitting the redesign of parts at reduced weight, making geometrically complex parts (or ones in legacy machines) at a significantly reduced cost, and allowing production in remote locations (think Mars). AM has attracted strong interest from key members in the aerospace and defense industries/agencies, such as NASA, FAA, Air Force, Navy, Army, and more.

At NCAME, you will be at the forefront of metal AM research and will gain hands-on experience spanning the entire AM value chain, including feedstock, AM fabrication, mechanical testing, materials characterization, non-destructive evaluation, simulations, and more. NCAME research projects are sponsored by defense and aerospace agencies as well as industry. As an NCAME graduate student with US citizenship or permanent residency status, you will directly interface with our sponsors and collaborators in academia and industry and have ample internship opportunities.

About NCAME: NCAME is setting a new standard in AM qualification research. Founded in 2017 through a collaboration between Auburn University and NASA leveraged by a signed AU/ NASA Space Act Agreement, the Center is also a founding partner of the ASTM Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). NCAME strives to be a transitioning mechanism from fundamental to applied research aligned with the needs of industry. We also aim to lead and foster effective collaborations amongst industry, government, academia, non-profit organizations, and ASTM committees to ensure a coordinated, global effort toward rapidly closing standards and workforce development gaps in AM. Both centers have vast membership networks with 100+ members within key industrial sectors, including among others GE, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Aerojet and Rocketdyne.

Additive Machines - 8 L- PBF printers including EOS M-290 and Renishaw AM500Q Flex; one DED Printer; three more to be acquired this year.

Mechanical Testing Equipment - 14 mechanical test stands including three furnaces for high temperature testing up to 1500C.

Materials Characterization Equipment - Zeiss scanning electron microscope , Zeiss X-ray microscope.

Sample Prep and Shop Equipment - Polisher, CNC lathe, wire- EDM, milling machine, heat treatment furnaces.

About Auburn University: At Auburn, our work changes lives. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a premier public institution, Auburn University is dedicated to shaping the future of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research, scholarship, and selfless service. Auburn is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community outreach, positive work environment, student engagement, and thriving community. If you are new to Auburn, we would love to introduce you. If you are already acquainted with Auburn, we will keep it simple: it's time to come home!

Contact us at ncame@eng.auburn.edu

Conduct experiments, assist in writing technical papers, assist faculty in proposal writing

Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline.

Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.