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Principal R&D Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SHIELDTEC LLC

R & D Product Engineer

Buford, GA · On-site

R/D Product Engineer Shielding Technology Department: Tooling Department Functional Area: R/D Classification : Non-Exempt Exempt Reporting Structure: Tooling Director Educational Background Required:

Microporous Products

R AND D ENGINEER

Danville, VA · On-site

Build strong working relationships across R&D, Operations, Engineering, and Quality departments. * Promote effective communication and teamwork during laboratory testing and production trials.

Corteva

R&D Engineer

Johnston, IA

Platform Staffing Group (an STA Group Company) is looking for an R& D Engineer to assist our client in Smart stick V5: Software enhancement, bug fixes, design and implement the groundwork for V6. All ...

Owens Corning

Engineer R & D

Granville, OH · On-site

PURPOSE OF JOB The Materials Engineer is key to securing continued production across Asphalt, Shingles, and Components by qualifying dual raw material sources. This position plays a key role in the ...

Owens Corning

Engineer R & D

Granville, OH · On-site

PURPOSE OF JOB The Materials Engineer is key to securing continued production across Asphalt, Shingles, and Components by qualifying dual raw material sources. This position plays a key role in the ...

RH Sheppard Co Inc

R & D Packaging Engineer

Hanover, PA

$100K - $120K/yr

Description The R & D Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and continuously improving material flow across plant operations to support production efficiency and operational ...

RH Sheppard Co, Inc

R & D Packaging Engineer

Hanover, PA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The R & D Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and continuously improving material flow across plant operations to support production efficiency ...

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer - Construction

Sedona, AZ · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | Sedona, AZ Sedona, AZ | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D. Olson ...

Midmark Corporation

R+D Quality Engineer III

Versailles, OH · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

The R + D Quality Engineer III leads and enforces product development quality initiatives through identifying, investigating, planning, and conducting activities aimed at insuring robust and quality ...

REPKON USA

Sr R&D Engineer

Garland, TX

$101K - $139K/yr

Job Title: Sr R amp;D Engineer Job Family: Engineering Company: Paligen Aerospace and Defense, LLC Location: Garland, TX Job Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative R amp;D Engineer ...

Midmark

R+D Quality Engineer III

Versailles, OH

$66K - $86K/yr

The R + D Quality Engineer III leads and enforces product development quality initiatives through identifying, investigating, planning, and conducting activities aimed at insuring robust and quality ...

R D Olson Construction

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

Pantheon Electric

R & D Design Engineer

Stamford, CT · On-site

The R&D Design Engineer will be responsible for the development, design, validation and continuous improvement of products and engineered solutions from concept through production release. This role ...

Owens Corning

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

PURPOSE OF THE JOB The R&D Process Engineer (MPI) is a hands-on technical role responsible for developing, scaling, and industrializing new materials, formulations, and manufacturing processes for ...

Addison-HVAC

R&D Lab Technician

Orlando, FL

D Engineer. The R amp;D Lab Tech is responsible for building, testing, and troubleshooting prototype heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, rigorously evaluating them for safety ...

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Principal R D Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

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 the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 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.
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Principal R D Engineer jobs near you
R&D Engineer Associate

R&D Engineer Associate

LG Electronics

Clarksville, TN

$63K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

LG Electronics rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

$63,000 Annually

The R & D Engineer needs expertise in the development and manufacturing of Home Appliances to provide better value to its customers, and must be able to conduct research and development based on analytical thinking and market understanding. In addition, various projects are being carried out in R & D, so management ability is also required. The R&D Engineer should be able to share technical advice and advise the project team members to assist in identifying, reviewing and resolving problems from a customer perspective and to understand the flow of production, manufacturing and sales of the developed parts or products. And to make predictions and preventive design of the problems that occur at each stage.

  Responsibilities:

  • Coaching and support to ensure design and performance from the customer's perspective
  • Effective deployment and management of resources needed to achieve project goals
  • Problems occurring from production and customer perspectives are resolved through active mind and statistical analysis
  • Continuous communication and collaboration with internal staff or teams for successful projects
  • Determine product goals and plan/manage resources accordingly to meet deadlines
  • Design and develop products from concept through design, qualification, and production
  • Use CAD models, 3-D Surface Models, and physical prototypes to show design intent and feasibility of concepts
  • Formulate and adhere to standards and procedures for Product Development
    Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's in either Mechanical / Electronics / Electrical engineering required
  • Preferred experience with Washing Machines (not required)
  • In-depth knowledge of Solidworks 3D / 2D CAD software
  • Exposure to a variety of manufacturing processes and designing for manufacturability
  • Knowledge of dimensional and tolerance standards and experience in performing tolerance analysis of complex assemblies

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