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Design And Development Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

MARKS IT SOLUTIONS LLC

Full Stack SDET

Vienna, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.75/hr

Job Title: Full Stack SDET Location: Hybrid - Vienna, VA | Pensacola, FL | San Diego, CA ... Design, develop, execute, and maintain automated test scripts for UI, API, mobile, and database ...

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All JobsDesign And Development Engineer JobsDesign And Development Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Design And Development Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$55.5K

$108.9K

$173.8K

How much do design and development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for design and development engineer in Washington, DC is $108,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $120,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is R&D engineer a good career?

A Design and Development Engineer role, often involved in creating and improving products or systems, is considered a good career for those interested in innovation, technical problem-solving, and engineering design. It offers opportunities for growth, specialization, and working with advanced tools like CAD software and prototyping. Job stability and salary potential depend on industry demand and individual skills.

What are Design and Development Engineers?

Design and Development Engineers are professionals who create, test, and refine products or systems, often working in fields like manufacturing, electronics, or automotive engineering. They use technical knowledge and creativity to design new products or improve existing ones, ensuring they are functional, cost-effective, and meet safety standards. Their roles often involve collaborating with other engineers, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and overseeing the development process from concept to production. These engineers play a crucial role in turning ideas into real-world solutions.

What does a design and development engineer do?

A design and development engineer creates and improves products, systems, or components by applying engineering principles and technical skills. They conduct research, develop prototypes, analyze performance, and collaborate with teams using tools like CAD software, often working within project deadlines and quality standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology and energy sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design and Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design and Development Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, a background in engineering (such as a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or related disciplines), and proficiency in product design principles. Familiarity with CAD software (like SolidWorks or AutoCAD), project management tools, and relevant industry certifications (such as Six Sigma or PMP) is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills that set top professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure the successful design, prototyping, and launch of innovative products that meet both technical and market demands.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Design and Development Engineers can start their careers at any age, as the profession values skills, experience, and continuous learning. Many engineers successfully transition into the field later in life by gaining relevant education, certifications, and practical experience. Age is generally not a barrier to entering engineering roles if the necessary qualifications are met.

What is the difference between Design And Development Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign And Development EngineerMechanical Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing new products or systemsApplying principles of mechanics to analyze, design, and improve mechanical systems
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or related engineering; often includes CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsManufacturing plants, testing labs, design offices
Industry UsageProduct development, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

The main difference is that Design And Development Engineers focus on creating and refining new products and systems, while Mechanical Engineers apply mechanical principles to analyze and improve existing mechanical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping industries, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How does a Design and Development Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product lifecycle?

Design and Development Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing, throughout a product’s lifecycle. They are often responsible for translating design concepts into prototypes, gathering feedback from stakeholders, and incorporating changes to ensure the final product meets both technical and customer requirements. Regular meetings, design reviews, and collaborative problem-solving sessions are common, making strong communication skills essential for success in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Design And Development Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Design And Development Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design And Development Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Design And Development Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Design And Development Engineer jobs near you
Product Development Engineer (Contractor)

Product Development Engineer (Contractor)

RentACoop

Germantown, MD • On-site

Contractor

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Product Development Engineer (Contractor)
About RentACoop
RentACoop is a rapidly growing small business with roots on a working farm in Germantown, Maryland. As we continue to expand nationally and globally across multiple product lines and sales channels, we remain grounded in the values that shaped our founding: innovation, integrity, and a deep respect for animals and their caregivers.
Our mission is to design and manufacture practical, high-quality solutions that simplify and enhance the experience of raising chickens and small animals. From hands-on product development to daily operations, our team is united by a shared passion for creating tools that are both functional and thoughtfully designed.
We are proud to lead with purpose across our expanding family of brands:
  • RentACoop - Innovative, durable solutions for backyard chicken keepers
  • RAC Paws by RentACoop - Enrichment and care products for small animals

Our products are inspired by real-world use and tested in real environments. We believe that raising animals can be a transformative experience for families and communities, and we actively support schools, youth programs, and nonprofits across the U.S. through product donations and educational partnerships.
Position Overview
RentACoop is seeking a hands-on Product Development Engineer (Contractor) to help bring new product ideas and product improvements from concept through Golden Sample approval and into production.
This role is ideal for a technically strong, execution-oriented engineer who enjoys turning consumer product concepts into real, manufacturable, and well-tested physical products. While a Product Manager will lead idea generation and product strategy, the Product Development Engineer will be responsible for how those ideas become reality, owning CAD development, prototyping, testing, tooling refinement, and technical communication with manufacturers.
The ideal candidate is both analytical and practical, comfortable working with domestic and overseas factories, and excited by the challenge of building durable, functional, and appealing products for animals and their caregivers. This is a long-term contractor role (approximately 10 hours per week on average) for someone who enjoys being deeply involved in the full product development lifecycle.
Because real-world testing is core to our culture, this role requires access to backyard chickens (or a willingness to keep a small flock, with RentACoop providing support and equipment).
Key Responsibilities
  • Translate approved product concepts and requirements into detailed CAD models and technical specifications.
  • Develop and iterate physical prototypes using 3D printing and other rapid prototyping methods.
  • Design for manufacturability (DFM), ensuring parts are optimized for tooling, durability, and assembly, as we designed for cost effectiveness.
  • Lead functional, durability, and usability testing in real-world environments (including testing with chickens and small animals).
  • Own tooling feedback and revision cycles with mold makers and manufacturers.
  • Serve as RentACoop's technical representative in communications with overseas factories, working closely with the Product and Supply Chain team.
  • Review and approve pre-production samples and Golden Samples against functional and quality standards.
  • Participate in early product concept and review meetings to understand customer needs, use cases, and performance goals.
  • Document test results, design revisions, and lessons learned for future product generations
  • Support timeline management by flagging technical risks and ensuring development milestones are met.

Qualifications
  • Proven experience as a Product Development Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or similar role focused on consumer physical products.
  • Strong proficiency in 3D CAD. (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Creo, or similar). Company currently utilizes Fusion 360 as part of Auto Desk
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping (3D printing, sample fabrication, materials testing).
  • Working knowledge of injection molding and basic metal fabrication processes, sufficient to lead technical discussions with mold makers and manufacturers and guide tooling revisions.
  • Practical understanding of tooling, tolerances, and factory production processes.
  • Experience communicating directly with manufacturers and mold makers
  • Ability to evaluate and test third-party components (e.g., electrical, heating, materials) against performance requirements.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple development timelines simultaneously.
  • Clear, professional communicator able to work cross-functionally with Product and Supply Chain teams
  • Passion for building products that are not only functional, but also intuitive and well-designed for end users.
  • Access to backyard chickens (or willingness to establish a small flock with company support) for real-world product testing.

Engagement & Working Style
  • Contractor role (approximately 10 hours per week on average).
  • Long-term partnership model, with involvement across multiple product cycles.
  • Remote role
  • Primarily aligned with standard business hours with occasional evening availability requested for real-time communication with overseas manufacturers.
  • Close collaboration with:
    • Product Manager (for product vision and requirements)
    • Supply Chain Manager (for factory coordination, costing, tooling, logistics)
    • Executive Leadership (for company strategy)

Why Work with RentACoop
  • Play a direct role in building and improving products used by animal owners worldwide.
  • Work in a mission-driven company that values thoughtful engineering, real-world testing, and customer trust.
  • Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your designs move from concept to prototype to production and into customers' hands.
  • Collaborate with a small, highly engaged team that values craftsmanship, practicality, and continuous improvement.
  • Build a long-term relationship with a growing brand where your technical leadership will shape the next generation of products.

Apply