Research Engineer

Ultra-High Temperature Materials Testing

Center for Hypersonics and Entry Systems Studies (CHESS)

Materials Research Laboratory, The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Join a world-class research team pushing the boundaries of ultra-high-temperature materials science. The Center for Hypersonics and Entry Systems Studies (CHESS), housed in the Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is seeking a Research Engineer to lead experimental testing efforts using the Plasmatron X—the largest inductively coupled plasma (ICP) jet facility in the United States. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of aerospace materials testing, contributing directly to advances in hypersonic flight, planetary entry systems, and extreme-environment engineering.

At CHESS, you’ll join a collaborative, mission-driven research community working to solve some of the toughest challenges in extreme-environment aerospace engineering. This position offers not only hands-on technical work with a one-of-a-kind facility but also opportunities to publish, present, and contribute to landmark advances in the field.

In this role, you will:

· Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the Plasmatron X ICP jet facility to ensure high-quality, repeatable test results.

· Provide advanced instrumentation support, including measurements of heat flux, temperature, pressure, sample recession rate, and high-speed imaging, as well as laser and optical diagnostics.

· Analyze experimental data, prepare technical reports, and communicate results to research teams and industry/government partners.

· Coordinate test schedules, deliverables, and resource allocation with CHESS faculty and research staff.

· Collaborate across CHESS, integrating data and findings with computational researchers and other experimentalists.

· Contribute to scholarly output including conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

· Represent CHESS at national and international conferences, where needed. Support and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate student research in coordination with CHESS faculty.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

· Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.

· Demonstrated experience in experimental thermal sciences for high-temperature systems.

· Ability and enthusiasm for working as part of a highly collaborative experimental team.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with high-enthalpy ground-test facilities.

· Proven expertise in measuring heat flux, temperature, emissivity, and thermal/molecular/atomic radiation.

· Familiarity with optical and/or laser diagnostic methods.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis (See https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits for details). The expected start date is as soon as possible, based on the business needs of the organization. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The budgeted salary range for this position is $75,000 – $80,000. The individual hired into this position will be expected to work onsite on a full-time basis. We are willing to support candidates who require work authorization sponsorship.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by September 26, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references as a single PDF. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Summer Redman at sredman@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.