Supun Kariyawasam
Research Engineer Program & Lab Manager @National Institute for Aviation Research
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WORK HISTORY
Research Engineer Program & Lab Manager @National Institute for Aviation Research
Key Responsibilities:• Oversee FAA, NASA, DoD, SBIR, KART, and industry-sponsored aerospace research projects, ensuring successful execution and regulatory compliance.• Lead and manage a team of full-time engineers, graduate researchers, and student assistants in composite aerostructural testing and research.• Directed material qualification programs, conducting coupon-to-component level evaluations for fatigue, damage tolerance, and fracture mechanics testing.• Bridged collaboration between structural testing, NDI, and manufacturing teams, integrating high-fidelity testing methods for aerospace structural evaluations.• Managed budgeting, resource allocation, and project timelines, ensuring optimized research workflow and laboratory efficiency.• Played a key role in AS9100 implementation and compliance, ensuring high industry standards for aerospace certification processes.• Develop new laboratory testing procedures, improving efficiency and accuracy in material evaluation and aerostructural testing.Key Achievements:• Reduced testing turnaround times by implementing process optimizations.• Implemented data-driven testing strategies, increasing analysis accuracy and repeatability.• Published research findings in AIAA SCITECH and ASC conferences, contributing to aerospace composite advancements.
EDUCATION
Wichita State University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering
Wichita State University
Master of Science - MS (Only Coursework is completed), Aerospace Engineering, Structures and solid mechanics (Only Coursework is completed)
American College of Higher Education
Pre Engineering Courses, Mechanical Engineering
Wichita State University
Master of Science - MS, Industrial, Systems & Manufacturing Engineering
Butler Community College
Associate of Science (AS), Pre-Engineering
ABOUT SUPUN KARIYAWASAM
Innovative Aerospace R&D Engineer | Structural Testing & Advanced Composites | Passionate About Cutting-Edge Materials & Industry Advancements. With over 11 years of experience in aerospace composite structures and advanced material research, I specialize in structural testing and material qualification from coupon-level to full-scale aerostructures. As a Program Manager and Research Engineer, I lead multidisciplinary teams in high-impact projects for FAA, NASA, ONR, DoD, SBIR, KART, and industry partners, driving innovation in:• Thermoset & Thermoplastic Composites• Fatigue & Damage Tolerance Assessments• Automation in Structural EvaluationsKey Expertise & Contributions:• Technical Leadership & Innovation – Expertise in servo-hydraulic test systems, and advanced structural characterization.• Project & Program Management – Successfully managing aerospace research and certification programs, including budgeting, compliance, and strategic execution.• Advanced Research & Industry Collaboration – Active in FAA-JAMS, AIAA SCITECH, ASC, and other high-level research forums, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in aerospace structural integrity and damage assessment.With a diverse background in Industrial, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, I have the technical foundation and leadership ability to bridge the gap between research, industry applications, and advanced manufacturing processes.Certified in Lean Bronze (SME) and ASEP (INCOSE), with graduate certificates in Systems Engineering, Six Sigma, and Lean Systems.Always open to networking, collaborations, and innovative projects at the intersection of aerospace materials, structural integrity, and next-generation testing methodologies.Let’s connect!
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