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Principal R&D Engineer Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

... Control, Engineering and Sales departments on a regular basis to resolve potential schedule ... , R & D, Operations and production to ensure new product launches are accurate and new product ...

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Differing combinations of experience ... Expertise with statistical software for analyzing large datasets (e.g., JMP, R, Minitab, etc.

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Differing combinations of experience ... Expertise with statistical software for analyzing large datasets (e.g., JMP, R, Minitab, etc.

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Principal R D Engineer information

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$140.4K

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How much do principal r&d engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal r&d engineer in Nebraska is $140,367.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $164,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal R&D Engineer vs Senior R&D Engineer?

AspectPrincipal R&D EngineerSenior R&D Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Engineering or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's/Master's in Engineering; significant experience
Work EnvironmentLeads complex projects, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationExecutes projects, supports design and development tasks
Industry UsageUsed in advanced R&D departments, innovation teamsCommon in product development teams, R&D labs

The Principal R&D Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, focusing on strategic innovation and leading complex projects, whereas the Senior R&D Engineer primarily supports project execution and technical development. Both roles require strong technical expertise, but the Principal position involves more leadership and vision-setting within R&D teams.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal R&D Engineers in high-tech industries, such as aerospace, semiconductor, or software development, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, reflecting their expertise in innovation, project management, and technical leadership.

What are Principal R&D Engineers?

Principal R&D (Research and Development) Engineers are senior-level professionals who lead and oversee complex engineering projects focused on innovation and the development of new products, technologies, or processes. They are responsible for guiding research initiatives, setting technical direction, and mentoring junior engineers within their teams. Principal R&D Engineers often collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure that technical solutions align with business goals. Their expertise is crucial for driving technological advancements and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.

How much money do R&D engineers make?

R&D engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, industry, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in areas like materials science or software development can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal R&D Engineers in high-tech industries, such as aerospace, semiconductor, or software development, can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting their seniority and impact on product innovation.

What does a principal R&D engineer do?

A principal R&D engineer leads research and development projects to innovate and improve products or technologies. They oversee technical teams, develop prototypes, and apply advanced engineering skills, often using tools like CAD software and testing equipment, to drive strategic technical goals within an organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal R&D Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal R&D Engineer, you need deep expertise in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a master's or PhD in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, project management systems, and sometimes certifications like Six Sigma or PMP are common requirements. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are soft skills that help drive innovation and guide multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure successful development of cutting-edge solutions, efficient project delivery, and sustained competitive advantage for the organization.

What are some common challenges faced by Principal R&D Engineers when leading cross-functional innovation projects?

Principal R&D Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse technical teams, balancing innovation with project timelines, and managing resource constraints. Coordinating input from various departments—such as product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance—requires strong communication and leadership skills. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with regulatory standards while fostering creative problem-solving within their teams. Successfully navigating these challenges is crucial for delivering breakthrough products and advancing company goals.
What are popular job titles related to Principal R&D Engineer jobs in Nebraska? For Principal R&D Engineer jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal R&D Engineer jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Principal R&D Engineer jobs in Nebraska are:
Production Planner

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Michael Foods rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 381 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.


Location Description

Wakefield is one of the largest production facilities within Michael Foods.  We serve as a flex plant and are able to produce everything from a whole pasteurized egg to liquid, dried, hardboiled and curds. 


Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Production Scheduler is responsible for developing daily production schedules to meet customer and distribution center’s demand while meeting overall departmental inventory objectives, communicating egg needs and maintaining egg availability. S/he will place purchase orders, facilitate meetings, resolve raw material challenges, plan and forecast for seamless movement of raw materials into production. The Production Scheduler is a critical position with support to the overall production and materials network within MFI, and functional responsibility for the material supply, to production requirements within the Wakefield plant. Not including egg procurement.


This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to Food Safety & Quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Develops, publishes and maintains the master production schedule, balancing inventory, resources and capacity.
•Ability to manipulate orders in SAP and communicate changes to the production floor.
•Facilitates teams, training and functional interaction meetings for direction, decision making, information sharing and consensus building.
•Participates in daily production meetings and advises management of the status of work in progress, material availability and potential production problems.
•Communicates with the Demand and Supply Planning, Customer Service, Marketing, Production, Quality Control, Engineering and Sales departments on a regular basis to resolve potential schedule interruptions.
•Manages raw, in-process and finished inventory levels, consistent with business objectives and requirements.
•Partners with Purchasing, Quality and Production to ensure all new products are implemented flawlessly.
•Supports and leads various plant/company teams, and goals. Actively participates in cross-functional continuous improvement teams.
•Updates and maintains accurate master data information in the SAP system and engages QA, R & D, Operations and production to ensure new product launches are accurate and new product trials and scheduled and communicated to all involved parties.
•Maintains raw egg inventory in-house and in-transit in order to accurately request volume needed for production.

•Able to work outside of normal workday to ensure production schedule is met.
•Monitors Work in Progress daily.
•Assists with system implementation issues relative to the master scheduling process.
•Assumes personal responsibility to ensure safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adheres to all safety policies and procedures and, incorporates safety and health in all jobs and tasks.

•Adheres to Quality work practices, follows GMP’s, maintains sanitary conditions and ensures that product quality is maintained. Reports to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.
•Ensures regulatory compliance at all times.

•Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
•Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
•Experience with Microsoft Office; Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
•2+ years of experience in Supply Chain Purchasing.
•Experience with client-server enterprise resource planning systems (preferably SAP).
•Food industry exposure and/or experience a plus.
•Ability to lead and work on projects in a team environment and across functions.
•Strong planning and analysis skills coupled with results orientation.
•Highly motivated individual able to work in fast-paced environment.
•Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interaction at all levels of the organization.
•Ability to adapt to and work well in an environment of change.
•Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups, customers/vendors or employees of the organization. Ability to respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels including management.
•Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work and may not include all the duties associated with this position.

#firstinfood

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS:


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
•Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
•Experience with Microsoft Office; Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
•2+ years of experience in Supply Chain Purchasing.
•Experience with client-server enterprise resource planning systems (preferably SAP).
•Food industry exposure and/or experience a plus.
•Ability to lead and work on projects in a team environment and across functions.
•Strong planning and analysis skills coupled with results orientation.
•Highly motivated individual able to work in fast-paced environment.
•Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interaction at all levels of the organization.
•Ability to adapt to and work well in an environment of change.
•Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups, customers/vendors or employees of the organization. Ability to respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels including management.
•Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work and may not include all the duties associated with this position.

#firstinfood

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Michael Foods employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


Michael Foods logo

About Michael Foods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

While our Michael Foods name has only been around since 1987, our true origins date all the way back to 1908 on a small family farm in New England. Over the past century, our capabilities have grown into innovative food offerings that reduce food safety risk, naturally extended shelf life and simplify food preparation and processing for foodservice kitchens and food manufacturers alike. Today, Michael Foods is a multi-billion-dollar supplier of foodservice, food ingredient and retail offerings that specializes in value-added eggs, and refrigerated potatoes. What’s our secret recipe? Great people, make real great food. Not only in our farms, facilities and offices across the country, but in the communities where we live and work. Explore more about who we are and how we strive to be First in Food for you by clicking below.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minnetonka, MN, US

Year founded

1908