Research Engineer II, III or Senior

Research Engineer II, III, or Senior

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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

•…