Research and Development Engineer 1-5 TX

Job Summary

Involves professional engineering and engineering technician support as part of academic instructional lab and/or research projects and programs. Engineering activities include the design, construction, testing of experimental systems, operation of analytical systems, establishment of performance specifications, and documentation. Engineering Technicians may be assigned duties within a single discipline (e.g., electrical) or span a range of disciplines [Note: machine specialty work in a research or lab setting is generally performed by the Lab Mechanician job titles].

Job Title	R&D Engineer 1 TX	R&D Engineer 2 TX	R&D Engineer 3 TX	R&D Engineer 4 TX	R&D Engineer 5 TX
Job Code	4756	4757	4758	4899	4904
FLSA	Non-Exempt	Exempt	Exempt	Exempt	Exempt
Generic Scope	Entry-level professional with limited prior experience; learns to use professional concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity; works on assignments that are initially routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision making. Employees at this level are expected to acquire the skills and knowledge to perform more advanced work following an agreed upon time in position, through defined training and development planning.	Professional who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments / projects / tasks of moderate scope and complexity; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action.	Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.	Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.	Recognized organization-wide expert. Has significant impact and influence on organizational policy and program development. Regularly leads projects of critical importance to the organization; these projects carry substantial consequences of success or failure. Directs programs with organization-wide impact (or may have impact beyond the University) that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. Significant barriers to entry exist at this level.
Custom Scope	Uses professional engineering concepts. Develops and proposes engineering plans and specifications for equipment and instruments with limited scope and complexity. Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. This title is bargaining unit only. There should never be an uncovered position.	Uses professional engineering concepts to perform moderately complex engineering assignments. Works in a specialized engineering field on a major training and / or research effort. Works on assignments of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Normally, you would use the bargaining unit job code for work covered by the title. If this is a position that is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA), because they are: 1) Confidential – meaning employee’s duties normally require access to confidential information which contributes significantly to the development of management’s positions in bargaining or grievances; or 2) the employee is employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees or 3) Supervisory – supervises employee as regular part of the job duties, then you would be the generic title without the TX ending.	Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced engineering professional in a specialized engineering field on a major training and / or research effort. Assignments typically require concentration in a field of application where subject matter knowledge relevant to research objectives and methodology is of great value in understanding and establishing engineering design criteria. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Normally, you would use the bargaining unit job code for work covered by the title. If this is a position that is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA), because they are: 1) Confidential – meaning employee’s duties normally require access to confidential information which contributes significantly to the development of management’s positions in bargaining or grievances; or 2) the employee is employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees or 3) Supervisory – supervises employee as regular part of the job duties, then you would be the generic title without the TX ending	Uses advanced engineering concepts and campus objectives to lead and perform the work of an engineering team engaged in a specialized engineering field on a training and / or research program. Regularly works on highly complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Normally, you would use the bargaining unit job code for work covered by the title. If this is a position that is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA), because they are: 1) Confidential – meaning employee’s duties normally require access to confidential information which contributes significantly to the development of management’s positions in bargaining or grievances; or 2) the employee is employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees or 3) Supervisory – supervises employee as regular part of the job duties, then you would be the generic title without the TX ending.	Having wide-ranging experience, uses advanced engineering concepts to oversee major engineering projects and initiatives whose importance is indicated by a campus-wide profile and / or of major significance to industry partners. Projects are significant in terms of scope, complexity, impact and budget. Responsibilities encompass leading industry-wide research projects. Is considered a subject matter expert on campus and often recognized as an expert externally in the industry. Exercises independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Internal and external contacts often pertain to campus plans and objectives. Normally, you would use the bargaining unit job code for work covered by the title. If this is a position that is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA), because they are: 1) Confidential – meaning employee’s duties normally require access to confidential information which contributes significantly to the development of management’s positions in bargaining or grievances; or 2) the employee is employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees or 3) Supervisory – supervises employee as regular part of the job duties, then you would be the generic title without the TX ending.
Key Resp 01	Under direct supervision, participates in the construction, assembly, and laboratory and field testing of equipment and instruments.	Under general supervision, designs and prepares engineering plans and specifications of moderate complexity for novel laboratory equipment and instruments.	Provides full range of professional engineering services to research projects; meets with research staff in the design and development phase.	Functions as project manager for complex engineering assignments.	Represents the unit and / or Principal Investigator to whom they are responsible at meetings and conferences in matters related to engineering design considerations and financial requirements.
Key Resp 02	Under direct supervision, participates in engineering and mathematical analysis of experimental data or in the mathematical solution of physical and engineering problems.	Under general supervision, participates in the solution of physical and mathematical analysis of experimental data or in the mathematical solution of physical and engineering problems.	Determines project specifications and parameters.	Represents the unit and / or Principal Investigator to whom they are responsible at meetings and conferences in matters related to engineering design considerations and financial requirements.	Carries major responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives in relationships with investigators, manufacturers, contractors, and Campus staff members. Serves as a principal assistant to the faculty investigator or research administrator in charge.
Key Resp 03	Acquires skills to independently perform more complex analyses, assembly, laboratory, field testing of equipment and instruments.	Gathers and analyzes data; prepares formal engineering reports, drawings and status reports.	Performs design, construction, assembly and testing of complex experimental equipment and instrument systems.	Provides cost analysis using time schedules and budgetary considerations.	May serve as a key and strategic member of multiple national and international committees, providing significant expertise and exposure to the Campus on strategic initiatives.
Key Resp 04	Gathers and analyzes data. Develops formal engineering reports, drawings and status reports.	Work subject to review by a more senior level Engineer.	May provide engineering information and advice to Principal Investigators and / or other faculty and research personnel with administrative responsibility for the research program or teaching facility.	Provides engineering information and advice to Principal Investigators and / or other faculty and research personnel with administrative responsibility for the research program or teaching facility.	Provides direction and oversight to R&D Engineers on complex research project(s) and initiatives.
Key Resp 05	Work is subject to review by a more senior level Engineer.	Assists with implementation of business processes.	Gathers, analyzes, prepares and summarizes annual and semi-annual reports.	May prepare bid packages for outside vendors.	If represented, plans, organizes and leads the work of engineering staff engaged in design, construction and testing of laboratory facilities, equipment and instrument systems for projects at the highest level in terms of criticality of impact, scope, and / or budget.
Key Resp 06			Provides direction and guidance to lower-level R&D Engineers.	May serve on professional committees in field of specialization.	Guides the gathering of information during planning stages.
Key Resp 07			Implements related business processes.	May supervise in-house fabrication of prototypes.	Directs, analyzes, and prepares recommendations for engineering or resource plans having critical, campuswide impact.
Key Resp 08				Schedules and assigns projects to staff.	Leads a team of engineering professionals.
Key Resp 09				Ensures work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Key Resp 10				Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists staff in solving work problems.
Key Resp 11				Provides direction and guidance to lower-level engineers.
Key Resp 12				Plans, organizes, and performs the work of a professional engineering team engaged in a specialized engineering field of a training and / or research program.
Key Resp 13				May lead a team of engineering professionals.
Education	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Advanced degree in related area
Special Condition	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
KSA 01	Basic knowledge of engineering principles and methods to perform entry-level professional engineering functions.	Working knowledge of engineering principles and methods in order to independently perform professional engineering design work of limited scope and complexity.	Thorough knowledge and experience with engineering principles and methods to independently perform the full range of engineering professional design work.	Advanced knowledge associated with the planning, development, and fabrication of engineering systems.	Expert skills associated with being recognized as subject matter expert in field.
KSA 02	Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the field.	Working knowledge necessary to begin independent application of principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments.	Thorough knowledge necessary to apply principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments.	Advanced knowledge of specialized design work as well as the overall field.	Expert knowledge associated with the planning, development, and construction of most complex and significant engineering projects and initiatives.
KSA 03	Analytical skills, and strong skills in attention to detail.	Organizational abilities and decision-making to prioritize work assignments.	Demonstrated organizational and decision-making abilities to prioritize competing work assignments in order to meet deadlines and adherence to quality standards.	Strong creativity and problem-solving abilities to apply principles, practices and procedures within discipline to complete difficult assignments.	Expert knowledge of highly specialized design work.
KSA 04	Effective written and verbal communication skills.	Effective written and verbal communication skills.	Strong analytical and judgment skills to independently conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.	Strong project management skills needed to assume responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives.	In-depth and advanced knowledge of the engineering field. Applies principles, practices and procedures within discipline to complete most difficult, complex and significant assignments.
KSA 05	Analytical and judgment skills to conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.	Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barriers.	Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.	Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.	Advanced project management skills to assume responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives that are significant to the Campus and industry.
KSA 06	Ability to work in a collaborative manner.		Ability to work in a collaborative manner; identify challenges and barriers and recommend resolutions.	Advanced interpersonal and presentation skills.	Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
KSA 07			Ability to lead and influence others.	Ability to work in a highly collaborative manner; readily assess complex challenges and barriers and recommend effective resolutions.	Advanced interpersonal and presentation skills.
KSA 08				Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and influence others.	Ability to work in a highly collaborative manner with both internal and external constituencies; readily assess complex challenges and barriers and recommend effective resolutions.
KSA 09					Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and influence others on projects of significance.
KSA 10					Ability to execute large and complex work assignments in order to meet deadlines and ensure adherence to quality standards.
Environment	Classroom, office, laboratory, research facility, research field stations or remote sites	Classroom, office, laboratory, research facility, research field stations or remote sites	Classroom, office, laboratory, research facility, research field stations or remote sites	Classroom, office, laboratory, research facility, research field stations or remote sites	Classroom, office, laboratory, research facility, research field stations or remote sites