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Automotive Research And Development Engineer Jobs

A seeks a full-time Research and Development Engineer for our Consumer Products manufacturing facility in Lincoln, NE. Apply now at KawasakiCareers.com Please note: Sponsorship for employment visa ...

R&D Engineer

Hartsville, SC

$122.32K - $137.61K/yr

We are seeking a high-caliber R&D Engineer to bridge the gap between applied mechanics and real-world performance. In this role, you will serve as a technical lead in characterizing material behavior ...

R&D Engineer

Hartsville, SC ยท On-site

$122.32K - $137.61K/yr

We are seeking a high-caliber R&D Engineer to bridge the gap between applied mechanics and real-world performance. In this role, you will serve as a technical lead in characterizing material behavior ...

Dev/Research Engineer 2

Chillicothe, IL ยท On-site

$37 - $40/hr

Research & Development Engineer Location: Mossville, IL (On-Site) Duration: 24-Month Contract Pay Rate: $37 - $40 an hr We are seeking a motivated Research & Development Engineer II to join a fast ...

IT Manager Automotive R&D

Novi, MI ยท On-site

$89.10K - $109.30K/yr

... Automotive R&D environment ... This role requires a unique blend of DevOps expertise, Networking, and Product Ownership experience ...

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Automotive Research And Development Engineer information

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$20K

$96.6K

$151K

How much do automotive research and development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive research and development engineer in the United States is $96,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Research and Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Research and Development Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required, along with certifications such as FE or PE being advantageous. Strong project management, teamwork, and innovative thinking are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing advanced automotive systems, ensuring safety and efficiency, and driving technological innovation in the automotive industry.

What are the typical challenges faced by an Automotive Research and Development Engineer during the product development cycle?

Automotive Research and Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with strict regulatory and safety standards, managing tight project timelines, and coordinating with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, procurement, and marketing. They must also stay updated with rapidly evolving automotive technologies and ensure new products meet both customer expectations and environmental requirements. Effective problem-solving and adaptability are key, as unexpected technical issues or changing project scopes are common in this dynamic field.

What does an Automotive Research and Development Engineer do?

An Automotive Research and Development (R&D) Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and improving vehicles and their components. They work on developing new technologies, enhancing performance, safety, and fuel efficiency, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role often involves collaborating with other engineers, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and conducting experiments or simulations to validate new ideas and products. Ultimately, their work helps bring innovative and reliable vehicles to market.

What is the difference between Automotive Research And Development Engineer vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Research And Development EngineerAutomotive Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping new technologies, testing prototypes, and improving vehicle performanceCreating detailed vehicle designs, styling, and engineering drawings
Required SkillsEngineering analysis, prototyping, testing, and research methodsCAD design, styling, ergonomics, and technical drawing skills
Work EnvironmentLabs, testing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign studios, CAD labs, and engineering offices
Industry UsageUsed across automotive manufacturers and R&D centersPrimarily in design departments of automotive companies

While both roles are essential in automotive development, the Automotive Research And Development Engineer focuses on innovation, testing, and improving vehicle technologies, whereas the Automotive Design Engineer concentrates on creating the vehicle's aesthetic and functional design. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Research And Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Automotive Research And Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 65% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,571 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Research Development Engineer

Research Development Engineer

APP Engineering, Inc.

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

$50K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Description

APP Engineering, Inc. is a leading original equipment manufacturer of electrical recording equipment for power companies and large industrial plants. Our recording equipment, disturbance monitoring equipment, is installed in transmission line substations, sub transmission substations, distribution substations, and various types of power plants to record bulk electric system voltages, currents, power, and stream power system telemetry. Our product line of instrumentation performs digital fault recording, sequence of event recording, dynamic disturbance recording, synchro phasor streaming, and power quality recording. With a need for innovative recording products and a need to meet power company requested recording and analyzing functions, APP Engineering needs to grow our Research and Development Department.


Research and Development Engineer (RDE)

The RDE position applies broad based knowledge involving theoretical aspects of power generation, transmission, and distribution; digital signal processing; digital electronics and hardware; basic manufacturing processes; computer hardware, design and develop new and improve features for multifunction recording instruments while understanding bulk electric standards developed by IEEE and IEC.ย 

The RDE in this position should be able to design, implement, and code algorithms for digital signal processing, develop and maintain software for interfacing with hardware, and create testing procedures and documentation for new products and features. They should also be able to configure and troubleshoot the platforms used by the software. They should be able to lead and guide a team of engineers.

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Minimum requirements

Masterโ€™s degree in both electrical engineering and computer engineering with a minimum of two years of experience in design and development.

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Job Duties

1)ย ย ย ย  ย The RDE will research, develop, and test design new recording instrumentation that has been identified by senior management and requested by power company protection and control engineers and power quality engineers.

2)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test, research, develop, and design new recording features for existing products identified by senior management and requested by power company protection and control engineers and power quality engineers.

3)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test, research, develop, and design improvements for existing products that will increase reliability and allow operation in substation and power plant conditions for a period of 20 years.

4)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will define and oversee industry type testing, in-house and with third party laboratories, which must be passed to install such recording equipment on the bulk electric system.

5)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will ensure these newly developed products can be manufactured in a cost-effective way and will demonstrate such processes to senior management.

6)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test, design, and implement computer hardware to be used with recording instrumentation.

7)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test, design, and implement software for network communications and recording, interfacing with hardware to record and analyze signals.

8)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test and document new features and procedures for installations and deployment of new equipment and improved equipment.

9)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will select and configure operating systems or micro controls or PLCโ€™s that are integral to the operation of the recording and PQ equipment. Such as Windows, Windows Enterprise Iot operating systems, and Linux operating systems.

10) The RDE will test, design, and develop software that analyzes data from our recorders, and such software must be application and web based.

11) ย The RDE will apply mathematical theories to process incoming data, captured or streamed, by recording instrumentation. This mathematical processing will provide meaningful data and analysis for the engineers and technicians working at power companies to remedy problems with power signals.

12) The RDE will seek to identify scientific trends by attending industry conferences such as the Georgia Tech University, Texas A&M University, and Washington State University protective relaying and fault disturbance analysis conferences to research industry needed instrumentation and trends such as cutting edge 61850 digital substation.

13) The RDE will be programming in C++, C#/.NET, Assembly, and CSHARP.

14) The RDE will interface with APP Engineering customers to explain operational theory and functions of our Disturbance Monitoring Equipment as well as assist with any applicable troubleshooting.

15) The RDE will interface with APP Engineering vendors and contractors.

16) The RDE will communicate with senior level management regarding R&D projects and provide road maps with timelines.

17) The RDE will supervise other engineers and provide technical support and improved manufacturing tools and software for various areas with APP Engineering.

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Skills

The RDE will have used programming languages of at least C++ and C#. The RDE will have used AutoCAD and circuit board layout software. The RDE will have excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, deductive reasoning ability, ability to influence and persuade to achieve desired outcomes, ability to multi-task and lead, strong organizational skills, and be proficient with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Comments

Signing an employment agreement is required. APP Engineering, Inc. is an E-Verify Participant, an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001 Registered Company, and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

APP Engineering, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of recording equipment for power companies. Our disturbance monitoring equipment is installed in transmission line substations and power plants to record bulk electric system voltages, currents, power, and stream power system telemetry. APP Engineering is growing, and we are looking to add team members to our manufacturing area. We offer a pleasant work environment, and growth opportunities are available for qualified candidates