Research Engineer II, III or Senior

Position Function

As a Research Engineer II, III, or Senior, you will play a crucial role in the support of Mississippi manufacturers and public-sector partners by assisting companies with the assessment, design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems that improve productivity, quality, and safety. This position plays a key role in advancing economic development and innovation across the state through hands-on engineering support, applied research, and professional development initiatives. Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Salary Grade: 16

This range of potential salary grades for this job positing are 16, 17, and 18.

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile

The Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension (CAVS-E), headquartered in Canton, MS, maintains a strong interaction with industry and is focused on providing engineering services to manufacturing-based industries. Major activities include teaching professional development workshops, conducting on-site projects and technology transfer. The Center's ultimate objective is to assist the state in technology based economic development through projects and training with MS companies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Perform engineering activities in support of industrial clients and the needs of other key public sector stakeholders to support expanding economic development activities within the state and region. These may require overnight stays.
2. Apply industrial or mechanical engineering principles within the context of advanced manufacturers, including production systems, process improvement, facility and workflow analysis, and manufacturing performance improvement.
3. Provide expertise in Lean manufacturing methods and related continuous improvement practices; support Six Sigma or other structured problem-solving methods where appropriate.
4. Support manufacturers with production process improvement, operational assessments, value-stream mapping, standard work, throughput analysis, quality improvement, and implementation of practical engineering solutions.
5. Manage multiple projects to successful completion using project and resource planning techniques to ensure work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
6. Plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of work on major projects or provide a supporting role to others on projects.
7. Develop and enhance working relationships with private industry, state agencies, federal agencies, and other potential clients or sponsors.
8. Develop technical proposals, prepare project scopes, and make presentations to potential customers, sponsors, and industry partners.
9. Participate in major funding proposal preparation and may initiate new project concepts and seek funding.
10. Publish results, as appropriate, in technical reports, popular literature, websites, conference proceedings, journal articles, and other relevant outlets.
11. Stay current with new technical methods and developments affecting manufacturing, production systems, Lean implementation, and related engineering practices.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Research Engineer II – B.S. in Engineering with at least two years of professional experience in a related area; Requires two years at previous level or equivalent

Research Engineer III - B.S. in engineering; Four years of professional experience in a related area; requires two years at previous level or equivalent.

Senior Research Engineer - B.S. in engineering ; Six or more years of professional experience in a related area; requires two years at previous level or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comfortable working in industrial environments and engaging with clients
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical and technical skills with attention for detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to self-direct efforts to complete planning and documentation requirements
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and collaborative, with a commitment to continuous learning and continuous improvement
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days
• Meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; may involve conflict-resolution.
• Work may involve exposure to industrial environments, including noise, machinery, and occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Travel to client sites is required; may include overnight travel, as needed.
• Job frequently requires walking, standing, reaching, and handling tools or equipment.

Instructions for Applying

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation, and copy of your current transcripts. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.

Restricted Clause

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.