Research Engineer (or Sr. Research Engineer)
Job Summary
The Research Engineer (or Sr. Research Engineer) helps drive applied research, prototyping, and technology translation in collaboration with industry partners of the Center for Smart Convergent Manufacturing Systems. This role bridges hands-on engineering, data-driven experimentation, and industrial problem solving, contributing to high-impact projects and deployments.
About the Role
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI.
Responsibilities
- Identify, lead, and execute applied manufacturing research projects aligned with CSCMS strategic initiatives
- Identify funding opportunities in support of industry and academic partners that align with the Center’s strategic mission
- Develop and operate advanced manufacturing hardware, robotics, sensing, and automation platforms
- Translate industry needs into experimental plans, prototypes, and validated solutions
- Support industry-sponsored research with planning, execution, documentation, and partner interactions
- Collaborate across disciplines with faculty, staff, and students to execute applied manufacturing research projects
- Contribute to proposals, reports, and knowledge transfer activities
- Maintain safety, lab standards, and best practices in research environments
Requirements
- Research Engineer: Master’s Degree in Engineering or related field, One or more years related experience
- Senior Research Engineer: Master's Degree in Engineering or related field, Two or more years experience in a closely comparable technical role
Qualifications
- Computer literacy, including ability to use a variety of software packages to analyze data
- Ability to collect and record data using appropriate field specific systems, equipment and techniques
- Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner
- Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records
- Analytical reasoning and problem solving skills
- Knowledge of and ability to pay strict attention to research protocol
- Ability to remain calm and composed when dealing with difficult situations or people
Skills
Not specified
Benefits
Not specified
Pay
- Research Engineer: $66,000 - $86,000 / yr
- Senior Research Engineer: $87,000 – $95,000 / yr
Schedule
Shift Business hours; Monday through Friday