Research Engineer

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation

• Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln Job Posting

Hiring Rate:

$34.173

Classification Salary Range:

$29.98 - $50.38

Job Posting:

JR2024-00006820 Research Engineer (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and solving real-world problems through cutting-edge research? We are seeking a talented Research Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to groundbreaking projects in transportation.

The Research Section is looking for an individual who will conduct research and development (R&D) activities to solve transportation related issues, improve existing technologies or innovate new products and process as part of our team.

If unable to fill at the Professional Engineer I level, will consider applicants at the Engineer level which requires a bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline. Must obtain Engineer Intern Enrollment (Engineering in Training Certification) within one year of employment. Pay rate for this classification is $29.977 per hour.

As part of the Research Section, you will:

Conduct innovative research: Lead, assist and participate in research initiatives aimed at developing new technologies, enhancing existing products, and addressing key challenges in transportation industry.

Design and execute experiments: Develop experimental protocols, design test setups, and conduct experiments to validate hypotheses, collect data, and analyze results.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with multidisciplinary teams including laboratory personnel, engineers, and designers to foster collaboration, share insights, and translate research findings into practical solutions.

Publish and present findings: Prepare research reports, technical papers, and presentations for internal stakeholders and conferences to disseminate findings.

JOB DUTIES:

• Plan and conduct research and development activities associated with the long-term performance of highway infrastructure assets.

• Assist with research projects gathering data analysis, writing and summarizing project funding, reviewing technical reports and research products.

• Complete assigned projects from inception to completion.

• Generate project requirements to resolve product/process problems and to support development of new products/processes, initiate technical investigations, prepare summary and protocols.

• Coordinate the analysis and testing data to the material's designed properties in order to avoid unintended problems during construction and provide solutions to a long service life.

• Assist/develop training as needed to provide guidance towards implementation of new specifications involved in all aspects of capturing the completed research strategies to assist with NDOT implementation.

• Provide status reports and coordinated efforts and establish regular on-going and highly interactive communication with project team, section and division head personnel.

• Conduct laboratory/forensic testing as needed for research evaluations in a team environment.

• Set priorities on work assignments and make appropriate decisions to solve problems when needed.

• Coordinate and participate in all the field visits for all the follow up implementation and research in the field.

• Cooperate in a multi-unit internal research project or provide assistance to a research team by completing a portion of a large project which would not be feasible to complete by one person.

• Prepare reports, newsletters, webinars, and to document research findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Assist the research section to market and implement research development in ways that maximize reach, uptake, and impact completed research in social media.

• Assist with Materials & Research in-house research and assist in the Funded Completed Research Readiness Level. Complete, schedule and write the Research Readiness Level (RRL) Project Summary. Coordinate with the NDOT project leader to complete the RRL and means to follow up the implementation of the project on our SharePoint site.

• Plan specific activities depending on the projects for the following years to be completed, which could range from a 5 to 6 year cycle.

• Track action items for each individual project with the NDOT Project Leader, by conducting meetings with NDOT representatives and/or other agencies.

• Write reports, papers, impact statements and related documents to assist in the deliverables of project implementation.

• Conduct annual implementation review of projects completed. Provide analysis of data to assess significant differences, similarities, correlations, or trends.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements/ Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Engineer: Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline. Must obtain Engineer Intern Enrollment (Engineering in Training Certification) within one year of employment.

Professional Engineer I: Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. Must possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license at the time of application and be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects at time of employment or be able to obtain such license within 90 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering , Biochemical Engineering or Civil Engineering. Two or more years of experience with engineering reviews and the preparation of technical reports. Previous research related experience in providing analytical analysis to data trends. Strong background in research methodologies, data analysis, and experimental design.

Other: Valid Driver's license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong engineering research and development capabilities.

• A passion for developing innovative solutions to technically challenging problems through work experience in a research and/or a process development environment.

• Ability to interact with diverse groups and individuals in order to exchange information and ideas; interpret and understand policies, regulations, and programs regarding research investigations; and deal with frustrating situations on a day to day basis.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ShareFile, SharePoint, Microsoft Form, Outlook, OneNote, WebEx and Teams skills and experience.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! For more information on benefits currently offered to permanent teammates, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub

• Internal Apply app from your home landing page.