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Principal R&D Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

The Product Research and Development Engineer drives advancements that will lead to the improvement of existing products as well as the development of the next generation of products. This position ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Product Research and Development Engineer drives advancements that will lead to the improvement of existing products as well as the development of the next generation of products. This position ...

Fulton researches, engineers, manufactures, sells, and services complex thermal fluid, steam, and hydronic equipment along with engineered systems for a wide range of commercial and industrial ...

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65 - $96/hr

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.

Sr. Principal Engineer - Wet The Sr. Principal Engineer role leads the R&D delivery of high stakes ... Drives knowledge management & functional capability building for Wet R&D. Collaborates with Supply ...

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 ...

R & D Manager

El Monte, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline required; Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred. Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or a ...

New

He/she leads the engineering team for the Americas and works collaboratively with a global R&D team based in Liege Belgium, to drive the development of new products and platforms to maintain BEA ...

R & D Fabricator

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, engineers, and fabrication staff to support development objectives. * Ensure all components meet NASCAR technical and quality standards prior to and during ...

R D Technician II US

Mansfield, MA · On-site

$35 - $44.50/hr

An engineering background is a plus but is not required. Key Responsibilities * Prepare, monitor, and execute laboratory tests in accordance with established protocols. * Perform hands-on testing to ...

Collaborate closely with engineering, validation, manufacturing, and test teams to support vehicle development, build readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives. Location & Travel * In-Person ...

R & D Scientist

Woodbridge, NJ · On-site

$100 - $110/hr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field required.Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the flavor, fragrance, chemical, or related industry required.

New

Re-engineer existing products * Ensure that product aesthetics and other physical attributes are consistent with our customer's expectations. * Ensure label compliance to AAFCO standards * Define and ...

INTERN-R&D Lab Tech

Union City, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

INTERN-R&D Lab Tech Category: Hourly 1st shift • Location: Tennessee (Union City) Titan Tire ... Engineering co-op student to join our Rubber Compounding Development Lab in Union City, TN. This ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal R D Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

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

As of Aug 21, 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 a Principal R&D engineer?

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.

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 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 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.

More about Principal R D Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Principal R&D Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal R&D Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Principal R&D Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal R&D Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Principal R&D Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

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. Olson Construction, we're not just building projects - we're building careers. If you're early in your construction career and hungry to grow, we've built a Project Engineer role designed to accelerate you into a leadership path.
You'll be deeply embedded in the construction of major hotel and multifamily developments, where your coordination, communication, and hustle will directly impact the success of $20M-$40M projects. This is where the learning curve is steep, the standards are high, and the potential is real.
Why This Role Matters
As a Project Engineer, you'll be at the heart of it all - tracking RFIs and submittals, coordinating with top-tier subcontractors, and ensuring every material delivery and meeting runs like clockwork. You'll be the link that keeps the site running smoothly and the team aligned.
But this isn't just a checklist job - it's your first step toward becoming a Project Manager. You'll be learning directly from experienced leaders, earning trust through results, and taking on more responsibility every month. We've built the ladder. You just have to climb it.
Why Top Performers Choose R.D. Olson
You'll grow fast.
From day one, you're part of our Project Manager Career Ladder - supported by RD Olson University and mentors who've been in your shoes.
You'll make an impact.
You'll support signature construction projects across Southern California, representing the next generation of innovation in hospitality and housing.
You'll be part of something real.
This isn't a job where you push paper. It's a job where you walk job sites, solve real problems, and see your work come to life - day after day.
What You Bring
  • A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or hands-on experience as a Project Engineer
  • Confidence using Microsoft Project, Excel, and Procore or similar tools
  • A Southern California base and willingness to travel to job sites
  • A mindset for growth, grit, and detail - not just checking boxes

Your Career, Engineered for Impact
Whether you're fresh from school or bringing a few years of field experience, this role is built to grow with you. Within your first year, you'll:
  • Master RFIs, submittals, and procurement coordination
  • Support $20M-$40M projects with real impact
  • Build the relationships and reps you'll need to lead
  • Explore how to use AI and automation to do it smarter and faster
This is a role where high performers thrive - and where those who show initiative are never held back.
Let's Build What's Next - Together
If you're ready to turn your potential into a plan and your ambition into action, we want to talk. At R.D. Olson, we don't just offer jobs - we offer careers worth building.
What You'll Receive
Salary of $65,000 to $96,000 plus construction bonus. 100% associate health insurance. 401k plan with matching. Paid time off. Volunteer opportunities.
Apply www.rdolson.com/culture-and-careers/#jobs