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:

– Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– None

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Typically none

Problem Solving:

– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems

Independence of Action:

– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation

Communication and Collaboration:

– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00