Research Engineer I, II, III or Senior

Mississippi State University; Madison, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension (CAVS‑E) in Canton, MS, seeks Research Engineer I–Senior to assist with automation systems for state manufacturers and public-sector partners. Role covers design, implementation, and maintenance of systems to boost productivity, quality, and safety while advancing economic development.

Position emphasizes hands‑on engineering support, applied research, and workforce development, with travel to client sites and

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering required for all levels.
• Two years of professional experience required for Research Engineer II.
• Four years for Research Engineer III.
• Six+ years for Senior Research Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to industrial clients and public-sector partners to support economic development.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to advanced manufacturing challenges and process improvements.
• Support assessment, selection, and optimization of manufacturing technologies including automation-enabled systems.
• Lead or support industry projects from scoping through completion with scheduling, budgeting, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with manufacturers to identify needs and implement measurable improvements.
• Develop and deliver technical workshops, training, and demonstrations for partners and workforce programs.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Support lab and demonstration activities including prototyping and pilot demonstrations.

Skills

Industrial engagement

Problem solving

Communication skills

Project management

Technical documentation

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Job description

Position Function

As a Research Engineer I, 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:15

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 technical assistance activities in support of industrial clients, and other key public‑sector stakeholders to support expanding economic development activities within the state and region, sometimes requiring overnight stays.
• 2. Apply mechanical engineering principles to advanced manufacturing challenges, including production systems, equipment specification, process improvement, tooling, ergonomics, reliability, and manufacturability.
• 3. Support assessment, selection, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing technologies, including automation‑enabled systems, data‑enabled operations, and other emerging technologies.
• 4. Lead or support industry projects from scoping through completion, including technical planning, project scheduling, budget awareness, customer communication, documentation, and deliverables.
• 5. Collaborate with manufacturers to identify needs, evaluate alternatives, develop practical technical solutions, and implement measurable improvements.
• 6. Develop and deliver technical workshops, training, and demonstrations for industry partners and workforce development programs.
• 7. Prepare technical reports, implementation summaries, proposals, presentations, and other communications for sponsors, customers, and stakeholders.
• 8. Support CAVS Extension laboratory and demonstration activities, including hands‑on prototyping, pilot demonstrations, experiment planning, and student or intern engagement where applicable.
• 9. Maintain awareness of current and emerging methods in mechanical engineering, advanced manufacturing, automation, and smart manufacturing applications.
• 10. Build and maintain relationships with private industry, state and federal agencies, university partners, and other stakeholders.
• 11. Participate in grant proposal activities, and technology‑transfer initiatives as needed.
• 12. Perform other duties as assigned under the general direction of CAVS Extension leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Research Engineer I – B.S. in Engineering
• 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 handli

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, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

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If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.