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.

Who we are:

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.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

Research Engineer:

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or related field
• One or more years related experience

Sr. Research Engineer:

• Master's Degree in Engineering or related field
• Two or more years experience in a closely comparable technical role

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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
• Ability to work under pressure and meet inflexible deadlines
• Knowledge of and ability to pay strict attention to research protocol
• Ability to remain calm and composted when dealing with difficult situations or people

Representative Job Duties:

• 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

Shift: Business hours; Monday through Friday

Starting Salary/Rate:

• Research Engineer: $66,000 - $86,000 / yr
• Sr. Research Engineer: $87,000 – $95,000 / yr

Placement at the Research Engineer or Sr. Research Engineer level will be based on documented qualifications and related experience as determined by the hiring team.