OSU MECHANICAL ENGINEERING E-BULLETIN for the week of October 10, 2005

 

This is issue #3 of the new ME Department weekly e-bulletin. The ME Bulletin is a one-stop source of information about department events, announcements, scholarships, job postings, student club updates, and other department-related items. Each issue will also be posted on the ME web site.

 

To submit information: Information to be included in upcoming e-bulletins should be sent to ME Communications Coordinator Tracy Ann Robinson (tracy.ann.robinson@oregonstate.edu). Items received by Wednesday of any given week will appear in the next week's issue. 

 

 

**Special Announcement for ME Seniors:

 

The FIRST ANNUAL ME/PI TAU SIGMA SENIOR DINNER  takes place on Tuesday, October 18th (day before the Engineering Career Fair), at 6 pm in MU 109. This FREE event is open to ME students with senior standing and includes a social hour followed by a sit-down dinner complete with dessert and coffee. Come network with potential future employers, share your resume, and learn more about ME career options in both industry and academe!

 

Dress for this event is business-casual. Seat availability is limited, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-ups begin at 8 am this Wednesday (Oct. 12) in Rogers 204. Hope to see you on the 18th!

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

This Week...

 

Monday, October 10th: Career Makeover: Wardrobe Edition, 2-5 pm, MU Ballroom. Gently used business suits and separates available for as low as $15. Fashion Show at 4 pm.

 

Monday, October 10th: Georgia Pacific Info Night, 6 pm, Career Services Classroom (basement of Kerr Administration Building). GP will be holding on-campus interviews on October 12-13.

 

Monday, October 10th: Formula SAE Group Meeting, 6 pm, SAE Shop (Rogers 132).

 

Wednesday, October 12th: First day to sign up for ME Senior Dinner. Sign ups start at 8 am in Rogers 204. First come, First served. For more information on the dinner, see announcement at the top of this bulletin.

 

Wednesday, October 12th: Baja SAE Group Meeting, 6 pm, SAE Shop (Rogers 132).

 

 

 

Plan Ahead...

 

Wednesday, October 12: Teaching Large Classes – Advice from the Trenches,” a video presentation from Prof. Allen Getalof from the University of Western Ontario. Peter Saunders, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, will lead a discussion following the video. 3 - 5 pm in MU 213. Pre-register at ctl@oregonstate.edu or 737-2809.

 

Friday, October 14: Survival Skills for Faculty and GTAs New to Teaching,” which Saunders will discuss and answer questions on some of the most critical aspects of teaching in higher learning. It is from noon - 1:30 p.m. in MU 206. Pre-register at ctl@oregonstate.edu or 737-2809.

 

Tuesday, October 18th: First Annual ME Senior Dinner, 6 pm, MU 109. Registration required. See announcement at top of newsletter!

 

Tuesday, October 18th: Chevron Info Night. Representatives from Chevron Energy Technology Company will be presenting an information session about company internships and job opportunities. ME students welcome. Location TBA. Note: Students interested in interviewing with Chevron on Thursday, October 20, can sign up online for an interview now. (To do so, however, you first need to register with Career Services. Registration must be done in person in the Career Center offices, located in the lower level of Kerr Administration Building.) 

 

Wednesday, October 19th: Engineering Career Fair. For an updated listing of companies attending, visit http://oregonstate.edu/career/fair/engineering.php.

 

Thursday, October 20th: Researching the Market”—Fireside Chat with Eoscene President and CEO Dick Gustafson. Eoscene builds web-based applications that help businesses meet their operational objectives by effectively utilizing data they collect from day to day business processes.  7 pm, Weatherford Hall Trysting Tree Conference Room (in the opposite wing from Bing’s Cafe). 

 

Note: The Austin Entrepreneurship Program (AEP)-sponsored Fireside Chats are open to all students (you do not need to be an AEP member to participate.)  No pre-registration required, just show up and take advantage of a great opportunity to visit with some amazing visiting executives!

 

Thursday, October 27: Faculty Orientation Session presented by Moira Dempsey (Director, Academic Success Center) and Peter Saunders (Director, Center for Teaching and Learning).  Topic: “Teaching and Advising—Philosophy and Techniques, Support Service for Student Success,  IT Services for Teaching and  Distance Education.”  11:30 am-1 pm, MU 208. Both new and returning faculty welcome.

 

Note: A full schedule of the 2005 - 2006 faculty orientation series can be found at http://oregonstate.edu/admin/aa/2002/Faculty%20Orientation%20Series%2005-06.doc. Questions regarding the series can be directed to Sara Eklund at 7.0732 or sara.eklund@oregonstate.edu.

 

Wednesday, November 9th: ME 101 Creative Design Contest. 

This exciting, one-of-a-kind contest includes two challenges:

Challenge #1: Build a Stacking Device that will create as tall a stack of foam blocks as possible. Device must “please the eye, tickle the fancy, and generally impress any reasonable human being as it completes the designated task.”

Challenge #2:  Thoroughly entertain the audience during the competition—especially the judges.

 

More contest details forthcoming (or if you can’t wait that long, talk to Joe Zaworski, Rogers 216).

 

 

FACULTY/GRADUATE SEMINAR SERIES

 

Friday, 14 October, 3:30-5 pm, Rogers 226. Naira Hovakimyan, Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Associate Editor, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks.

 

In her talk, “Towards Verification and Validation of Adaptive Systems for Safety Critical Applications,” Dr. Hovakimyan will give an overview of adaptive control, current status and limitations. Successful applications of adaptive control for UAVs, formation control and flexible structures will be presented. Challenges and limitations of the existing theory will be outlined, and their impact on performance improvement for safety critical applications will be discussed. A new design paradigm for adaptive control will be presented that removes the existing limitations. Application of the new method to a class of safety critical aerospace applications, like aerial refueling or wing-rock, will conclude the talk.

 

Informal social time starts at 3:30 (coffee, tea, and cookies provided). Come meet the speaker and visit with colleagues! Presentation begins at 4 pm sharp.

 

  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Congratulations to Materials Science PhD candidate Manish Bothara, recipient of a 2005-06 Materials Modification Nanotechnology Graduate Fellowship from the OSU Foundation! 

 

Applications for the Engineering Professional Program are now available online at http://engr.oregonstate.edu/students/apps/index.html . Applications for Winter 2006 are due by November 1st, Midnight.

 

COE Computer Support is happy to announce the new location of the Wireless Helpdesk.  It is now in Dearborn 107, right across from the Dearborn 119 computer lab. The helpdesk is open Mon - Fri.  Hours will be 8:00 am - 4:00 pm for the first two or three weeks of Fall term and then go to 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. The current hours are always posted on the door. Services provided include: Wireless Network Assistance, Windows Updates, Virus Updates, Spyware-related issues, Class software installs, OSUWare CDs, and Resetting forgotten ONID and ENGR passwords.

 

 

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

 

SAE

Formula SAE group will meet every Monday at 6 pm in  Rogers 132. Baja SAE group will meet every Wednesday at 6 pm, also in Rogers 132. Fall term Mini Baja Senior Design meetings will be held on Tuesdays at 4 pm in Rogers 230.

 

 

SCHOLARSHIPS and FELLOWSHIPS

 

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) offers a number of scholarships to undergraduate engineering students. Application deadlines are December  1, 2005, and May 1, 2006. For more information on ASHRAE scholarships, go to http://www.ashrae.org/template/AssetDetail/assetid/23628 A paper copy of the scholarship brochure is available in the ME undergraduate office (Dearborn 202)

 

NSF Graduate Fellowship applications are due November 8th, 2005. Graduating seniors and first-year graduate students are eligible: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2005/nsf05601/nsf05601.htm.

 

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship applications are due January 6th, 2006.  Graduating seniors and first-year graduate students are eligible: http://www.asee.org/resources/fellowships/ndseg/preface.cfm.

 

Questions on either of these graduate fellowships? Check with Dave Cann, Materials Science, cann@engr.orst.edu, 737-9623.

 

 

JOB and INTERNSHIP POSTINGS

 

BAE SYSTEMS is seeking applications for a full-time Structural Analyst.

About BAE: BAE Systems is a major defense contractor at the forefront of design, construction, and support of combat-vehicle and naval equipment and systems for the Armed Forces of the United States and allied nations. The Minneapolis-based facility of BAE Systems is the headquarters and central engineering site of Armament Systems Division (ASD). Our integrated products and services provide a wide range of gun weaponry and missile delivery systems for shipboard and vehicle applications. ASD is leading the development of the U.S. Navy’s 155mm AGS for the DD(X) Land Attack Destroyer. We’re also managing the concept and technology demonstration for the Army’s Future Combat System-Cannon, and the Multi-Role Resupply system. Both are variants of the Manned Combat Vehicle.

 

Position Description:  This is a full-time, permanent position with BAE. The structural analysis engineer will perform hand calculations and generate finite-element models for structural analysis of mechanisms and structures for weapon systems. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with classical and FEA solutions for stress concentration, plastic strain, large deflection, dynamic systems, and laminated composites, and have an aptitude for visualizing complex three-dimensional geometry. The engineer may generate or import the geometry, select the analysis method, perform the analysis, and provide oral and written interpretation of the results. FEA models are built typically using SDRC IDEAS, PATRAN, or Hyperworks, and solved with NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or ANSYS. This position requires a B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanics, Mechanical, or Structural/Civil Engineering, with an advanced degree preferred.  Exposure to PRO-E is a plus. U. S. citizenship is required. For more information, contact: Ed Dyer, Manager, Structural Dynamics, BAE Systems, 4800 East River Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55421-1498. Phone: 763.572.4729. Email: edward.dyer@baesystems.com.

 

COLUMBIA AIRCRAFT (formerly the Lancair Certified Aircraft Company) is looking for one or two entry Liaison Engineers

 

Position Description: The Liaison Engineer is the front line contact between Manufacturing and Engineering regarding production issues requiring engineering input or resolution. Within established guidelines and capability, the Liaison Engineer personally dispositions Non Conformance Reports and assures a timely transfer of information between Manufacturing and Engineering. Responsibilities include working directly with manufacturing personnel in resolving production problems needing engineering assistance and in dispositioning NCRs; evaluating issues relating to parts not conforming to current type design; assisting manufacturing in interpreting and implementing engineering changes as they are being implemented on the shop floor; and performing other related duties as assigned.

 

Requirements: Knowledge of composites and composite manufacturing processes; ability to interface with QA and production on dispositions and corrective actions; skills to interpret engineering requirements of composite process specifications; ability to make decisions based on researched facts; knowledge of repair methods used on composite aircraft structure; knowledge of machines and machine shop practices.

 

Qualified applicants will have Bachelors degree or equivalent in Engineering OR Associates Degree in Technology and 2 years of professional experience, composite experience preferred OR 5 years of experience in aviation composite manufacturing; general aviation product knowledge; good oral and written communication skills.

 

Jobs are located in Bend, Oregon, with a salary range of $38K to $48K. We would like to fill these openings in January.  To apply email resume to Jacob Singleton, Structures Engineer, jacob.singleton@flycolumbia.com

 

DCI INTERNATIONAL (dental industry components design and manufacture) is currently taking resumes for an open Mechanical Engineering position. The successful application will have a STRONG understanding of implementing lean manufacturing concepts such as Zero Defects and Poka-Yoke into mechanical designs.  For more information about the position, contact David McGiverin at 803.493.5105 or davidmc@dcionline.com. Or visit the company's web site at www.dcionline.com.

 

 

FLEXFORCE STAFFING is seeking a Drafter for Albany, OR, facility.

 

Job responsibilities: Create and develop electrical detail drawings, assembly drawings, electrical schematics and wiring diagrams from various versions of prints, rough drawings, sketches and bills of materials; Revise drawings from redlines; Work closely with project engineers, assembly technicians, and sales department; Review drawings for accuracy and completeness; Occasional local travel to customer’s site

 

Qualifications: Successful applicant will have: Attention to detail; Thorough understanding of Autocad R14/2000; Usage and knowledge of established standards and symbol libraries; Ability to work independently as well as under direction. Must understand safety requirements and participate in safety training. Must have a valid driver’s license.

 

Pay rate: $24.50 p/h. Benefits: medical, dental, life, vision, paid vacation, and short-term disability.

 

To apply: contact Denise at 503-375-3330 or email resumes to svancurler@flex-force.com.

 

 

GEORGIA-PACIFIC CORPORATION is recruiting for Project Engineers this Fall. The position provides engineering advice to operations and maintenance, implements changes to mill operations and equipment, and assists in the design or modification of construction and installation of new equipment/facilities to directly effect operations. Position requires extensive interpersonal and group communication.  Minimum requirements include a BA in ME or EE, 2.8 or higher GPA, relevant co-op or internship experience, and the ability and desire to follow detailed safety precautions. For more information, see http://www.gp.com/careers/collegerel/

 

For immediate consideration please submit resume online by October 6, 2005, through OSU Beaver Recruiting.  Information session: October 10, 2005 @ 6 pm in the Career Services Classroom. On campus Interviews: October 12-13, 2005. For more information about the GP recruiting process, see http://www.gp.com/careers/collegerel/

 

MCCAIN FOODS (world’s largest producer of frozen french fries and the manufacturer of other quality food products with over 55 processing facilities around the world) has an entry-level opening for a Technical Services Supervisor at our Othello, Washington processing facility. Qualified candidates will be graduates with a food science or engineering degree.  The position offers growth into more senior Technical Services assignments, operations management, or Plant Engineering depending on abilities and proven results. 

 

Job Responsibilities: Reporting to the Director, Operations Planning, the Technical Services Supervisor is accountable for efficient plant processing through the implementation & optimization of process line technologies.  Working with the operations team, the Supervisor will assist in maximizing quality, while minimizing cost.  Specific responsibilities include: Optimization of factory processing equipment, and operator instruction/training on process theory, practice, and operating procedure; Supervise and direct line study personnel and monitor operator process testing for accuracy through SPC (Statistical Process Control); Provide technical input & financial justifications for process technology improvements through capital investment; Work in conjunction with our global Technical Services & engineering group to ensure state of the art practices/technologies are used locally. The Technical Services Supervisor will also train and work in various areas of the plant to broaden his/her knowledge of the business, with special emphasis given to engineering, processing, and packaging. Other areas may include quality control, production planning, McCain Quality Performance, SPC, and safety. Relocation to complete training & development at another McCain location may be required after two years.

 

Experience Required: Candidates must have a 4-year degree in Food Science or Engineering. - Must be fluent in English. Verbal competency in Spanish is preferred. -Previous supervisory experience is preferred along with demonstrated success in dealing effectively with people. - Characteristics of a successful candidate: -Resilient and confident - Displays a keen business awareness -Team player-Communicates effectively - Results-oriented - Open-minded.   Other qualifications include: The ability to quickly grasp technical and abstract concepts; Aptitude for or proven experience in training; Proficiency on computers and SPC knowledge a must, and knowledge of PLC programming, CAD, plant control systems is a plus; Leadership qualities (candidate will be directing the plant management group on “best practices” in the operation of plant equipment); Moderate to advanced knowledge of processing equipment, processing methods, manufacturing philosophies, and basic manufacturing SOPs.

 

For more information, please contact: Varon Blackburn, Human Resource Manager, 509.331.7727, varon.blackburn@mccain.com, 100 Lee St., Othello, WA  99344. Closing date is 1 November 2005.

 

 

MRI RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer.

 

Position description:  Will assist in track and discrimination processing algorithm development for unresolved threat detection.  Primary duties will include maintenance and upgrades to existing simulation. Development environment is LINIX utilizing C language, with knowledge/experience with PvWave or MATLAB helpful. Initial assignment is for simulation development and assisting with algorithm performance assessments.

 

Required Skills:  Candidate must be capable of design and evaluation of weapon system guidance and control functions. Experience with Kalman filters, target engagement optimization and guidance control laws are required.  Candidate must be capable of using MATLAB and participating in the development of C++ simulations to include 6DOF simulations and hardware in the loop (HWIL) evaluations.

 

For more information, contact Brian Murray at 919-572-2292 or bmurray@mri-rtp.com. Note: MRI Research also has other position needs for guidance, navigation, and control engineers with different skill sets.

 

 

THE TRANE COMPANY is seeking applications for Technical Sales Engineers. Engineers with backgrounds in a wide variety of engineering curricula are employed in the Trane sales engineering program.  Before working in their field sales office, Trane sales engineers undergo the industry's best and most comprehensive training program.  It is a five-month graduate-level technical training program in La Crosse, Wisconsin, followed by a six-month on-the-job, mentor training program in your assigned sales district (50+ offices nationwide). This training covers technical product and systems information along with sales and marketing strategies. Qualified candidates will have a BS in Engineering, be a team player and have exceptional communication skills. They must be aggressive, competitive, goal oriented,  and  possess a strong desire to sell. They must be legally eligible to work full-time in the USA without sponsorship, hold a valid Driver’s License and be able to provide proof of insurance. All candidates will also be required to pass a background check at the time of offer. For additional information, please check out: http://www.trane.com/AboutTrane/Employment/SalesEngineer.asp

 

Trane currently has positions both locally in Portland and nationwide.  These positions start January 30th, 2006, or July 31st, 2006 (we have two training classes each and every year). Applicants should send their resume and an email of interest to Brittany Tibbits at  btibbits@trane.com.  You are also welcome to contact Brittany with questions about the position.

 

 

FACULTY POSITIONS

 

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA. The School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME) at the University of Oklahoma invites applications for tenure track-faculty positions in (a) Thermal Sciences with emphasis in combustion, engines, propulsion, and design of thermal systems, and (b) Solid Mechanics with emphasis in nano-mechanics, nano-materials, or adaptive structures; candidates with experience in micro-manufacturing and multi-scale design or optimization are also encouraged to apply. Although the positions are expected to be filled at Assistant/Associate Professor level, eminently qualified candidates could also be considered for Professor/Endowed Chair positions. Candidates should have a Ph.D. degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field. Successful candidates are expected to develop and pursue a strongly funded research program and contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction.

 

Currently, AME offers ABET- accredited B.S. degree programs in both Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in each field. The AME faculty participates in several multidisciplinary research centers, including Sarkeys Energy Center, Center for Structural Control, Biomedical Engineering Center, Center for Engineering Optimization, and Center for Aircraft and Systems/Support Infrastructure.

 

Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent, complete curriculum vitae with the names and addresses of three references, and a brief statement of research plans and teaching interests to the address provided below. The search will continue until the positions are filled. For additional details see the School’s web site: www.ame.ou.edu.

 

Dr. S. R. Gollahalli, Director

School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

865 Asp Avenue, Room 212

Norman, OK 73019

Phone: (405) 325-1728   Fax: (405) 325-1088           e-mail: gollahal@ou.edu

 

The University of Oklahoma is a comprehensive research university. The beautiful 2,000 acre Norman Campus serves over 24,600 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Norman has a population of ca. 100,000 and one of the best public school systems in the nation. The University, Norman, and the Oklahoma City metropolitan area offer a wide range of cultural and recreational activities.

 

The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

 

 

 

COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS? 

This e-bulletin is a work-in-progress, and your feedback and suggestions are welcome. Please send your comments to ME Communications Coordinator Tracy Ann Robinson (tracy.ann.robinson@oregonstate.edu).