Research Engineer

With little supervision, works creatively and independently to establish objectives, meet deadlines, and complete difficult engineering assignments by demonstrating full competency in one or more engineering areas; assists substantively in planning technical aspects of experiments, as well as design, testing, and use of major system components.

Characteristic Duties

develops major portions of electronic or mechanical systems with supervision consisting primarily of milestone progress reviews; frequently acts as Project Engineer on major projects;
conducts hardware developments such as new sensor techniques, autonomous battery-powered instrumentation, control systems for manned and robotic submersibles, etc.;
writes complex computer code for use in instrumentation, system modeling, and electronic design;
develops new sampling methods involving complex mechanical, electrical, or electronic instrumentation;
plays a significant role in report writing and proposal preparation and may single-author results;
interacts with scientific and technical staff colleagues to foster research ideas, develop and hone research/experimental skills;
may supervise one or more Engineering Assistants and/or Engineers.

Desired Qualifications
Ph.D. in related engineering field, or Master's degree in an engineering or appropriate field with several years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree in an engineering or appropriate field with more than five years of related experience. In the absence of a formal degree, considerable equivalent work experience is required. Successful candidates will have demonstrated the technical skill, motivation, independence, and creativity necessary to complete difficult engineering tasks. Career Potential:While there is no appropriate time limit for appointment at this rank, exceptional individuals will be promoted. Candidates should develop a mastery of specialized techniques or ingenuity and creativity in selecting and evaluating approaches to problems. They should develop the ability to apply an analytical approach to solutions and to assimilate the details and significance of various analyses, procedures, and tests prior to being considered for promotion.

Last updated: February 25, 2013

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