Profession research engineer

Research engineers combine research skills and knowledge of engineering principles aiming to improve through research, processes, techniques, products, and systems at large. They perform experiments, for instance of natural structures such as honeycombs or tear-resistant spiderwebs, before determining the viability of alternative methods on a larger scale.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Engineering principles

  The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

• Technical drawings

  Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

• Engineering processes

  The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

• Project management

  Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

Skills

• Use technical drawing software

  Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

• Collect samples for analysis

  Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

• Execute feasibility study

  Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Gather experimental data

  Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

• Define technical requirements

  Specify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied according to customer requirements.

• Interpret technical requirements

  Analyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.

• Manage engineering project

  Manage engineering project resources, budget, deadlines, and human resources, and plan schedules as well as any technical activities pertinent to the project.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB