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Research And Development Design Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Eaton

Senior Design Engineer

Glenolden, PA · On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

The design engineering position will primarily focus on product design layout, modeling, and ... internal research and development projects. Qualifications: BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor ...

Chromalox

Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Confers with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and develops design, design ... changes and developments in industry. * Completes work 'on-time' and within budget. * Ensures ...

Chromalox, Inc.

Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Confers with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and develops design, design ... changes and developments in industry. * Completes work 'on-time' and within budget. * Ensures ...

Chromalox

Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Confers with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and develops design, design ... changes and developments in industry. * Completes work 'on-time' and within budget. * Ensures ...

Chromalox, Inc.

Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Confers with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and develops design, design ... changes and developments in industry. * Completes work 'on-time' and within budget. * Ensures ...

The Pennsylvania State University

We support the mission of SERP by executing the research, design and application of engineering development and manufacturing methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter ...

Chromalox, Inc.

Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Confers with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and develops design, design ... changes and developments in industry. * Completes work 'on-time' and within budget. * Ensures ...

Chromalox, Inc.

Design Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Confers with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and develops design, design ... changes and developments in industry. * Completes work 'on-time' and within budget. * Ensures ...

Clopay

Design Engineer

Mountain Top, PA · On-site

Activities range from R&D, conceptual design, prototyping, sourcing, testing, manufacturing integration, and engineering change order execution. Come join us and get your design juices flowing!

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Research And Development Design Engineer information

How does a research and development design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

A Research and Development Design Engineer often works closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing, to ensure that new products meet both technical specifications and market needs. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to discuss project progress, address challenges, and integrate feedback from different departments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the engineer must balance innovative design ideas with practical considerations such as cost, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance.

What does a research and development design engineer do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Design Engineer is responsible for creating and improving products, processes, or technologies through innovative design and engineering practices. They conduct research, develop prototypes, test new concepts, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring ideas from concept to production. Their work often involves problem-solving, technical analysis, and staying updated on industry trends to ensure products meet both market demands and regulatory standards.

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

AspectResearch And Development Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering; often requires experience in R&DBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; focus on design skills
Work EnvironmentInnovative labs, R&D departments, testing facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, testing labs
Industry UsagePrimarily in R&D-focused companies, tech firms, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, product design, engineering firms

Research And Development Design Engineers focus on creating new products and improving existing ones through innovative research, often working in labs. Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on designing mechanical components and systems for production, working mainly in design offices and manufacturing settings. Both roles require strong engineering credentials but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research and development design engineer?

To thrive as a Research And Development Design Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in engineering principles, and a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with CAD software, prototyping tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as Six Sigma are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills for generating innovative solutions and working within multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for driving product innovation, ensuring technical feasibility, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania? For Research And Development Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Research And Development Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Research And Development Design Engineer job openings:
Research And Development Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Design Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution.

Mechanical Research & Development Engineer

Penn State University

State College, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a high motivated Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to join our Advanced Design & Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will involve designing, analyzing, and testing structures and systems, including multi-material assemblies, including fiber-reinforced polymer composite structures and other advanced materials.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Perform analytical and computational modeling to evaluate system and structural behavior, component interactions, and overall design performance
  • Develop detailed mechanical designs and assemblies using mechanical CAD software
  • Conduct laboratory testing to validate analytical models
  • Flexibly to adapt across a variety of technical tasks, including CAD modeling, scripting in MATLAB/Python, analytical modeling, and supporting experimental testing
  • Collaborate closely with senior engineers, receiving mentorship in modeling, design methodologies, and interdisciplinary engineering practices
  • Support system and subsystem integration efforts by analyzing interfaces, ensuring compatibility, and contributing to the development of fully integrated system architectures
  • Perform detailed finite element analysis of multi-material systems as part of broader design and integration activities, supporting structural evaluation, system modeling, and engineering decision-making

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
  • Support research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government-furnished data
  • Participate in technology transition activities, including system integration, operational demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing support, and field implementation
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness
  • Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planning
  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students
  • Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community

Required Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Finite element analysis (FEA) modeling and structural analysis of multi-material systems
  • CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Creo, or NX
  • Programming skills (MATLAB/Python)
  • Ability to quickly adapt to diverse engineering tasks and changing project priorities
  • Demonstrated collaboration within a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Abaqus or similar advanced FEA software
  • Past success with multi-material assemblies and integrated system architectures
  • Mechanical testing methods and laboratory experiments
  • Modeling, subsystem integration, or interface analysis

Your working location will be full on-site located in State College, PA.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $200,808.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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