Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

Research Engineers conduct research in various fields or specializations of engineering disciplines directed toward investigation, evaluation, and application of engineering theories and principles; apply research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities; summarize research results and communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders; assess the scope of research projects and ensure projects are on time and within budget; develop technical documentation.

• Design, perform, and/or oversee engineering experiments, tests, and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance
• Apply an analytical approach to the solution of a wide variety of problems; apply specialized techniques in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems
• Demonstrate and apply thorough understanding of engineering methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation
• Manage projects; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness, and timeliness of assigned projects
• Coordinate activities of engineering functions and encourage exchange of information, ideas, and techniques among various engineering fields
• Build prototypes for testing purposes; perform failure analysis, optimization studies, and other investigations
• Review and evaluate results and conclusions of research projects
• Maintain external research relationships to identify and develop new funding sources
• Advise faculty, postdocs, students, and staff with design, modification, prototype, processes, analysis procedures, and other engineering solutions
• Write or assist in writing grant proposals
• Author/co-author on papers, proposals, presentations, and reports
• Maintain knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems

Level:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00