Skills & Competencies for Research and Development Engineer

Research and Development Engineer job profile

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JOB SUMMARY for Research and Development Engineer

Conducts research and development activities for an organization.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES for Research and Development Engineer

Applies research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities. Summarizes research results and communicates findings to internal and external bodies. Assesses the scope of research projects and ensures projects are on time and within budget. Develops technical documentation for all projects.

Research and Development Engineer SALARY RANGE

BASE 50%
$120,118
TOTAL 50%
$126,652
Job Level
P03
Job Code
RD14000168
Education/Degree
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent
Reports To
Top Management

Research and Development Engineer Skills and Competencies List

Proficiency Levels and Behavioural Indicators
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Research and Development Engineer skill and competencie below to view definitions.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES JOB FAMILY COMPETENCIES CORE COMPETENCIES
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6 hard skills or competencies (industry competencies) for Research and Development Engineer

1 Industry Competency – Engineering Analysis
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-Applying analytic principles and methods to identify the properties and state of a system, device, or mechanism.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes the concepts and definitions of engineering analysis and processes.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in performing engineering analysis to solve technical problems.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Analyzes technological trends to improve the efficiency of engineering analysis processes.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Checks resources for engineering analysis and project data to determine specifications.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions industry best practices to improve engineering analysis efficiency.
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2 Industry Competency – Root Cause Analysis
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-Identifying and analyzing the causes of issues to reduce recurrence using problem-solving techniques.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Defines appropriate tools in performing root cause analysis.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in document analysis to determine causal factors and the root causes of recurring problems.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Consults on the utilization of root cause analysis approaches and techniques.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Conducts root cause failure analysis investigations in production and maintenance processes.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates standard documentation process to maintain relevant root cause analysis data and report.
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3 Research and Development Engineer - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Research and Development Engineer
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Research and Development Engineer
Proficiency Level - 5

2 general skills or competencies (Job family competencies) for Research and Development Engineer

1 Job Family Competencies – Programming
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites the process of debugging computer programming codes.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Conducts regular audits to identify program inefficiencies and suggests ways to improve the issues.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Determines the needs of other teams and devises ways to address them through programming.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Conducts walkthroughs and monitors the quality of the development activities.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates contingency plans for potential problems that could emerge in a programming environment.
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2 Job Family Competencies – Technical Writing
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Writing about technical processes, instruction, and explaining efficiently how it works.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes best practices for writing technical documents.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Documents the text and layout of technical documentation regularly.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Provides technical editing on software manuals, like revisions, rewriting, and original writing.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Outlines style and writing standards to ensure technical accuracy in the documentation process.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates new trends, tools, and technologies in the technical writing industry.
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3 Research and Development Engineer - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Research and Development Engineer
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Research and Development Engineer
Proficiency Level - 5

9 soft skills or competencies (core competencies) for Research and Development Engineer

1 Core Competencies – Analytical Thinking
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-Gathering, organizing, and analyzing information to identify the root cause of organizational problems and develop alternative solutions accordingly.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Explains the integral role data collection plays when conducting analytical thinking.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Asks the right questions to ensure clarity on business goals and requirements.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Develops alternative solutions and compares the pros and cons.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Determines and prioritizes the sequence of steps for a specific situation.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Evaluates potential risks using extensive industry knowledge when considering new opportunities.
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2 Core Competencies – Innovation
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-The ability and process of implementing new ideas and initiatives to improve organizational performance.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of our products and services.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Explains advantages and disadvantages of different organizational structures from an efficiency perspective.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Communicates financial insights that positively influence the business plan development process.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates and explains the financial aspects of a business initiative to different teams.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions organizational change and digital transformation to drive higher business performance.
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3 Research and Development Engineer - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Research and Development Engineer
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Research and Development Engineer
Proficiency Level - 5

Summary of Research and Development Engineer skills and competencies

There are 6 hard skills for Research and Development Engineer, Engineering Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Cost Estimation, etc.
2 general skills for Research and Development Engineer, Programming, Technical Writing.
9 soft skills for Research and Development Engineer, Analytical Thinking, Innovation, Attention to Detail, etc.
While the list totals 17 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Research and Development Engineer, he or she needs to be skilled in Analytical Thinking, be skilled in Innovation, and be skilled in Attention to Detail.

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