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Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Indiana

This position will work closely with Manufacturing Operations, Process Engineering, Tooling, Industrial Design, Design Engineers, Project Managers, R&D, and Product Line Management to develop ...

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Research And Development Engineer information

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$19K

$91.9K

$143.7K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development engineer in Indiana is $91,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research and development engineer?

A research and development engineer is responsible for conducting experiments and analyzing processes to determine better approaches to solving problems or product building. You can have this career in industries such as petroleum, aerospace, and mechanics. Your job duties include analyzing processes to find areas of improvement, conducting experiments to determine better approaches, and documenting findings so they can be shared with others. You may be required to use sophisticated tools such as computer-aided design software to create simulations and advanced microscopes for observing chemical reactions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research and development engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and often an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and project management systems is typically required, along with knowledge of industry-specific standards. Creativity, effective communication, and collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovation and teamwork. These skills enable R&D Engineers to design cutting-edge solutions, efficiently manage projects, and drive technological advancements in their industry.

How does a research and development engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development cycle?

Research and Development Engineers often work closely with teams such as product management, quality assurance, and manufacturing throughout the product development process. They contribute technical expertise during brainstorming sessions, share progress updates in regular meetings, and incorporate feedback from other departments to refine prototypes. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as R&D Engineers must ensure that their designs align with project requirements, regulatory standards, and production capabilities. This collaborative environment helps facilitate innovation while maintaining project timelines and product quality.

What is the difference between Research And Development Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectResearch And Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Primary FocusInnovating and exploring new technologies or conceptsDesigning, developing, and improving specific products
Work EnvironmentLabs, research facilities, early-stage projectsManufacturing, testing, and product launch phases
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, research experience, possibly advanced degreesEngineering degree, practical product design experience

Research And Development Engineers focus on creating new technologies and exploring innovative ideas, often working in labs and research settings. Product Development Engineers concentrate on transforming concepts into market-ready products, working closely with manufacturing and testing teams. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their core objectives and work environments differ significantly.

Is research and development engineer a good career?

A research and development engineer is a valuable role focused on innovating and improving products or processes, often requiring strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of engineering tools. It can offer a challenging and rewarding career with opportunities for advancement in various industries such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Engineer jobs in Indiana?

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What job categories do people searching Research And Development Engineer jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Engineer jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Research And Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Research And Development Engineer job openings:

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For Research And Development Engineer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Engineer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,893 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Civil/Structural R&D Engineer

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

Fort Wayne, IN

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Steel Dynamics rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Manage R&D projects to fruition as new products or procedures.


  • Structural modeling for development of new design procedures
  • Aid in development of design and detailing software by specifying project requirements and testing updates.
  • Aid in obtaining and maintaining various certifications with independent bodies such as ICC-ES, City of LA, UL, FM, etc.
  • Develop testing parameters and write test reports
  • Perform physical testing of products and materials.

Required

  • Thorough understanding of the SJI & SDI specifications and design guides
  • Familiarity with IBC, AISC and AISI steel design specifications
  • Capable of digging into the specifications to provide answers to plant personnel
  • Proficient in use of Excel, MathCAD and AutoCAD
  • Familiarity with structural design software such as STAAD, RISA, or MASTAN
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn ANSYS structural modeling
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn use of testing equipment
  • Understanding of software development and data flow
  • Understanding of engineering department processes
  • Understanding of fabrication techniques for joist / bridging / deck
  • Ability to gather input and earn buy in from plant personnel
  • Current industry involvement, or willingness to get involved (SJI, SDI, etc.)
  • Self-starter, passionate about research, able to work with minimal supervision
  • Balancing economics with sound engineering practices
  • Willing and able to drive projects and produce results
  • Minimum of BS degree in Civil/Structural Engineering
  • This is a non-remote position located in our Fort Wayne, IN office

Preferred

  • Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
  • Ability to understand and perform basic programming
  • Ability to interact with academics in the industry and help with identifying which research and development projects to pursue
  • PhD in Civil, Structural, or Materials Engineering

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.


What Steel Dynamics employees say

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About Steel Dynamics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Steel Dynamics is one of the largest and most diversified domestic steel producers and metals recyclers in the United States, with an estimated steelmaking and coating capacity of approximately 13 million tons, and facilities located throughout the United States and in Mexico. We operate using a circular manufacturing model, producing lower-carbon-emission, quality steel using electric arc furnace (EAF) technology with recycled ferrous scrap as the primary input. Our circular economy is powered by our three primary operating platforms: steel, metals recycling, and steel fabrication. Our steel operations produce steel products, including hot roll, cold roll, and coated sheet steel, structural steel beams and shapes, rail, engineered special-bar-quality steel, cold finished steel, merchant bar products, and specialty steel sections. Our metals recycling operations collect and process ferrous and nonferrous scrap from manufacturing and end-of-life items, such as automobiles, appliances, and machinery. This processed scrap is then sold to end-users for reuse, including our EAF steel mills, which produce new steel from the scrapped material. We sell a meaningful amount of steel to our own steel fabrication operations that in turn produce and sell structural steel joist and deck building systems to consumers.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Wayne, IN, US

Year founded

1993