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:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 15
• Minimum – $109,300.00
• MidPoint – $136,600.00
• Maximum – $164,000.00