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Automotive Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

R&D Engineer

Hixson, TN · On-site

$68K - $95K/yr

The Research & Development Engineer plays a key role in advancing stormwater management technologies and developing innovative treatment solutions. Working closely with engineers, environmental ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The Lead Research & Development Engineer is a senior technical leadership role responsible for both high-level engineering contribution and team-level coordination, mentoring, and delivery. This role ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead Research & Development Engineer is a senior technical leadership role responsible for both high-level engineering contribution and team-level coordination, mentoring, and delivery. This role ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead Research & Development Engineer is a senior technical leadership role responsible for both high-level engineering contribution and team-level coordination, mentoring, and delivery. This role ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

The Lead Research & Development Engineer is a senior technical leadership role responsible for both high-level engineering contribution and team-level coordination, mentoring, and delivery. This role ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead Research & Development Engineer is a senior technical leadership role responsible for both high-level engineering contribution and team-level coordination, mentoring, and delivery. This role ...

We are currently seeking an R&D Engineer to join our Home Appliance Manufacturing team in Clarksville, TN. $63,000 Annually The R & D Engineer needs expertise in the development and manufacturing of ...

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Automotive Research And Development Engineer information

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

For Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Automotive Research And Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Automotive Research And Development Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Research & Development Engineer - Onsite

Medtronic

Memphis, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Medtronic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

174th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 5 Sep 2026


Careers that change lives start here. Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare technology with a Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Our 95,000 employees work across more than 150 countries to put patients first - developing innovative medical technologies that improve the lives of 72+ million patients each year. Your unique talents will help shape the future of healthcare while building a career grounded in purpose, growth, and impact.

A Day in the Life
Cranial & Spinal Technologies develops technologies and therapies that support the treatment of complex neurological and spinal conditions. The organization partners across research, engineering, clinical, and product development teams to advance solutions that improve patient outcomes and expand treatment options for patients and healthcare providers.
This position is based in Memphis, Tennessee, and follows an onsite work arrangement. No travel is required for this role.
As a Senior Research & Development Engineer, you will contribute to the design, development, and advancement of new technologies and products within Cranial & Spinal Technologies. This role applies scientific and engineering expertise to research initiatives, product development activities, and technical investigations that support the translation of discoveries into commercially viable medical technologies.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Design and execute research and development activities supporting new product and technology development initiatives.
  • Develop and evaluate studies to investigate scientific and technical questions relevant to product performance, safety, and effectiveness.
  • Analyze experimental results and technical data to support project decisions and development milestones.
  • Troubleshoot technical challenges and recommend solutions to advance research and product development objectives.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development activities from concept through commercialization.
  • Contribute to research programs, product development projects, and clinical study activities as applicable.
  • Translate scientific and technical findings into product design recommendations and development strategies.
  • Document research methods, study findings, and technical conclusions in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of spine technologies experience, OR an advanced degree with 2+ years of relevant research and development experience.
  • Experience designing, executing, and analyzing scientific or engineering studies.
  • Experience collecting, interpreting, and communicating technical data and study results.
  • Experience supporting research, product development, or technology development initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in engineering, life sciences, biomedical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience in medical device research and development.
  • Experience supporting product development activities within a regulated environment.
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, clinical, quality, and regulatory stakeholders.
  • Experience translating scientific research or technical discoveries into product development applications.

For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.

Physical Job Requirements

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.

The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.

U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship

At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise-wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

We are aware of phishing scams targeting job seekers. Please keep the following in mind:


Apply only through official Medtronic channels. All legitimate Medtronic recruiting communications come from approved Medtronic platforms and official @medtronic.com email addresses.


Medtronic will never ask for payment or sensitive personal information (such as bank account or Social Security details) during early stages of the hiring process. Any such requests are not legitimate.


If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Medtronic, do not respond, click links, or open attachments.


If you have any questions, concerns regarding the authenticity of a communication alleged to have been made by or on behalf of Medtronic, please contact us immediately at AskHR@medtronic.com.

Benefits & Compensation

Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.

Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD):$105,600.00 - $158,400.00This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP).The base salary range applies across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and certain locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).

The following benefits and additional compensation are available to those regular employees who work 20+ hours per week: Health, Dental and vision insurance,Health Savings Account,Healthcare Flexible Spending Account,Life insurance, Long-term disability leave,Dependent daycare spending account,Tuition assistance/reimbursement, andSimple Steps (global well-being program).

The following benefits and additional compensation are available to all regular employees:Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match,Short-term disability,Paid time off,Paid holidays,Employee Stock Purchase Plan,Employee Assistance Program,Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), andCapital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).

Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns. Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.

Further details are available at the link below:

Medtronic benefits and compensation plans

It is the policy of Medtronic to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Medtronic will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.


If you are applying to perform work for Medtronic, Inc. ("Medtronic") in any position which will involve performing at least two (2) hours of work on average each week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can findhere a list of all material job duties of the specific job position which Medtronic reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. Medtronic will consider for employment qualified job applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.


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