ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Grande Cheese

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Research & Development Intern The Custom Ingredients Group team is seeking a Research & Development ... Student in Sophomore or greater status working towards a degree in a science or engineering related ...

New

Grande

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Student in Sophomore or greater status working towards a degree in a science or engineering related ... Interest in Research & Development, New Product Development, Sensory Analysis, and/or Microbiology.

Grande

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Student in Sophomore or greater status working towards a degree in a science or engineering related ... Interest in Research & Development, New Product Development, Sensory Analysis, and/or Microbiology.

New

GoMacro

R&D Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Innovation, FSQA, Procurement, Project ... Lead the R&D Organization * Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Food Scientists and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch And Development Engineer JobsResearch And Development Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Research And Development Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$20.2K

$97.5K

$152.4K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development engineer in Wisconsin is $97,474.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,200.00 and $118,100.00 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 and knowledge of engineering principles. It can offer good job stability, opportunities for advancement, and involvement in cutting-edge projects, making it a promising career choice for those interested in innovation and problem-solving.

What does a research and development engineer do?

A research and development engineer designs, develops, and tests new products, processes, or technologies to improve existing offerings or create innovative solutions. They often work with scientific principles, use tools like CAD software, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring concepts from idea to prototype or production. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering fundamentals are essential in this role.
More about Research And Development Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research And Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,474 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Research and Development Engineer

Reynolds Consumer Products

Appleton, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Reynolds Consumer Products rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Join Reynolds Consumer Products...and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!
We currently have an opportunity for a Research and Development Engineer at our Manufacturing Facility in Appleton, WI.
Responsibilities
The Research & Development Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and commercialization of new products, equipment, and manufacturing processes. This role coordinates and executes product and process development projects from concept through implementation, working closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, Sales & Marketing, and external suppliers.
The successful candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on problem solving, data analysis, and project execution skills. This individual will lead laboratory and manufacturing trials, support process scale-up activities, develop innovative solutions, and apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to create practical, cost-effective designs that can be successfully implemented in production.
You Will Have the Opportunity to Make Great Things Happen!
Product & Process Development
  • Lead and support product and process development projects to meet business, customer, manufacturing, and quality objectives.
  • Design and develop mechanical components, tooling, equipment modifications, and manufacturing solutions using CAD software.
  • Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, test methods, and technical documentation.
  • Evaluate new technologies, materials, equipment, and manufacturing methods to improve product performance and operational efficiency.
  • Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to develop reliable, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions.

Trial Planning & Execution
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing-scale trials.
  • Analyze trial and production data to identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and product improvement.
  • Support product launches and process scale-up activities at manufacturing facilities.
  • Work closely with Production Scheduling and Operations teams to coordinate trials and equipment modifications while minimizing production disruption.
  • Assist with the design, implementation, and analysis of statistically designed experiments and process controls.

Technical Support & Collaboration
  • Provide engineering support to manufacturing facilities during startup, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Procurement, Sales & Marketing, and external suppliers to solve technical challenges and implement improvements.
  • Research and evaluate supplier technologies, equipment, and materials to support product and process development efforts.
  • Develop and deliver training, procedures, and documentation for new equipment, processes, and operating practices.

Innovation & Documentation
  • Ensure technical work, trial results, and project findings are properly documented and communicated.
  • Support intellectual property development through idea generation, documentation, invention disclosures, and patent activities.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging manufacturing technologies, materials, design methods, and industry best practices.

Safety & Compliance
  • Perform all work in a safe manner that protects employees, consumers, and the environment.
  • Support compliance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

You Will Love It Here If...
  • You listen, learn, and evolve
  • You thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • You put safety first, always
  • You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals
  • You believe in treating all people with respect, operating ethically, and growing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
  • You are committed to improving our impact on local communities and creating positive experiences

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related Engineering discipline.
  • 2-5 years of experience in product development, manufacturing, process engineering, equipment design, or related engineering roles.

Experience
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred
  • Experience in plastics, packaging, extrusion, converting, consumer products, or manufacturing environments.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing trials, process scale-up, and equipment implementation.
  • Experience with flow simulation, finite element analysis, or other engineering analysis tools.
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and process control methodologies.
  • Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
  • Experience with PDM/PLM systems and technical documentation control.

Competencies
  • Results Driven - Effectively executes projects and achieves business objectives while balancing quality, timing, and cost considerations.
  • Critical Decision Making - Uses technical expertise, data analysis, and sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.
  • Customer Focus - Understands consumer and customer needs and incorporates those insights into product and process development.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration - Builds strong working relationships across functions and collaborates effectively to achieve shared goals.
  • Communication - Communicates complex technical information clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Innovation - Demonstrates curiosity, creativity, and initiative in identifying opportunities and developing new solutions.
  • Ownership & Accountability - Takes responsibility for project outcomes and proactively drives work to completion.
  • Strategic Thinking - Balances immediate project needs with long-term product, technology, and business objectives.

Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!
Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!
Not a good fit but know someone who is? Please refer them!
Local candidates only, no relocation assistance available
Join Reynolds Consumer Products and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!
For applicants or employees who are disabled or require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may request assistance by emailing us at Recruitment@ReynoldsBrands.com.
No recruiter calls or emails please.
RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

What Reynolds Consumer Products employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply