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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 13
• Minimum – $86,300.00
• MidPoint – $107,900.00
• Maximum – $129,500.00