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%
$119,844
TOTAL 50%
$126,355
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 key elements of engineering analysis in solving specific problems or issues.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in project planning and analysis to identify opportunities and needs.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Checks project data and resources for engineering analysis to determine specifications.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Collaborates with cross-functional teams to assess and resolve complex engineering analysis issues.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Constructs process solutions based on data analysis and evidence to identify system barriers.
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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)
Describes the concepts and benefits of root cause analysis in process improvement.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Collects data for investigations and troubleshooting processing issues for root cause analysis.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Guides the data collection and review process to support the root cause analysis operations.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Improves and updates the fundamental nature of systems and procedures based on the root cause analysis results.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs corrective action plan to notify and solve principal customers with major issues.
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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)
Cites technical writing and documentation in support of a software development project.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in creating technical application guides for software products.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Communicates technical concepts using plain language for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates the latest technical writing trends and best practices to improve user understanding.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the design and development of advanced documentation systems.
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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)
Clarifies the differences between analytical thinking and critical thinking.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Analyzes the importance of the problem and determines the key points to solve it.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Applies various theories, concepts, or analytical tools to analyze complex problems.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Anticipates and develops comprehensive solutions to reduce potential obstacles, challenges, and risks.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions advanced methodologies and approaches, such as design thinking, for creative problem-solving.
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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)
Describes how our business makes money and our key business objectives.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in designing business models and operating plans.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Analyses the business impact of demographic changes; suggests effective responses.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Consults on the selection and adjustment of the go-to-market strategy.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Builds a conceptual model to ensure a continuous increase of business sense within our business.
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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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