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Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

R&D Engineer

Waukegan, IL ยท On-site

$68.57K - $102.85K/yr

R&D Engineer Country/Region: United States Job Location: Waukegan Required Travel (%): 5 Work Model: onsite, hybrid R&D Engineer Your Mission As a Research and Development Engineer, you actively ...

Principal R&D Engineer

Waukegan, IL ยท On-site

$106.68K - $160.02K/yr

Principal R&D Engineer Country/Region: United States Job Location: Waukegan Required Travel (%): 5 Work Model: onsite Principal R&D Engineer Your Mission As a Senior Research and Development Engineer ...

Sr. R&D Engineer

Vernon Hills, IL ยท On-site

$101.80K - $139.80K/yr

Sr. R&D Engineer BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of healthTM is our Purpose, and it's no small feat. It takes the imagination and ...

R&D Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

We were previously known under the names of Marsco Manufacturing and Engineered Glass Products ... The Research and Development (R&D) Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of ...

As an R&D Engineer, you will lead technical programs focused on developing next generation thermoformed and flexible packaging products and technologies. You will own all technical activities for ...

As an R&D Engineer, you will lead technical programs focused on developing next -generation thermoformed and flexible packaging products and technologies. You will own all technical activities for ...

Position : R&D Engineer Location : Vernon Hills, IL Duration : 12 Months Contract Total Hours/week :40.00 1st shift Description: * Provide solid technical skill and engineering support for design and ...

Sr. R&D Engineer

Franklin Park, IL ยท On-site

$103.90K - $142.70K/yr

Job Title: Sr. R&D Engineer Job Location: Franklin Park, IL Job Type: Full-Time * Be a subject matter expert in processing of plastic materials for consumer packaging * Provide expertise and ...

Principal R&D Engineer

Waukegan, IL ยท On-site

$106.68K - $160.02K/yr

Your Mission As a Senior Research and Development Engineer, you shape the future of advanced mechanical solutions by turning scientific insight into high-performance products. You drive innovation ...

Sr. R&D Engineer

Vernon Hills, IL ยท On-site

$101.80K - $139.80K/yr

The Sr. R&D Engineer position works cross-functionally to lead research and development efforts of complex medical devices. The position designs, develops and implements new products, focusing on ...

Sr. R&D Engineer

Franklin Park, IL ยท On-site

$103.90K - $142.70K/yr

Job Title: Sr. R&D Engineer - Franklin Park, IL Salary : DOE Location: Franklin Park, IL 60131 (Onsite role) Relocation Package: Full MUST-HAVES : 1, 7+ years of related experience with a strong ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research And Development Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.7K

$100K

$156.4K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development engineer in Chicago, IL is $100,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,300.00 and $121,200.00 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 are Research and Development Engineers?

Research and Development (R&D) Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test new products, processes, or technologies. They work to innovate and improve existing products, often collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and product managers. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring that new developments meet industry standards and customer needs. R&D Engineers play a crucial role in keeping companies competitive by driving innovation and technological advancement.

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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Research And Development Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Research And Development Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,014 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Research & Development Engineer/Scientist

Research & Development Engineer/Scientist

BCforward

Des Plaines, IL โ€ข On-site

$21/hr

Contractor

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Company Description

About BCforward BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel solutions organization. BCforward's headquarters are in Indianapolis, Indiana and also operates delivery centers in 17 locations in North America as well as Hyderabad, India and Puerto Rico. We are currently the largest consulting firm and largest MBE certified firm headquartered in Indiana. With 14+ years of uninterrupted growth, the addition of two brands (Stafforward and PMforward) and a team of more than 1400 resources our teams deliver services for multiple industries from both public and private sectors. BCforward's team of dedicated staffing professionals has placed thousands of talented people over the past decade, with retention rates that are consistently higher than the industry average.

Job Description

Research & Development Engineer/Scientist

Des Plaines, Illinois

6 Months

$21/hr

The candidate will perform elemental analyses using a wide variety of instrumental techniques to measure the composition of catalysts, catalyst supports, and hydrocarbons. Techniques will include elemental analyses by ICP/ICP-MS, speciation analysis by IC-ICPMS, AAS, combustion analysis for C, H, N, O and specialty analyses for trace Hg in LPG and liquid hydrocarbons in support of UOP processes and R&D.

Additional responsibilities will include methods development, instrument calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting. The candidate must have the ability to undertake numerous tests with consistency and accuracy and show good problem-solving skills.

The ability to understand the elements of analytical procedures, evaluate data, participate in technical discussions, perform investigations of unexpected results and develop alternative plans is essential. The candidate will also provide shift coverage as necessary to support the business needs.

Basic Candidate Qualifications:

A minimum BS in Chemistry, or a related science discipline is required.

Minimum of 3-5 years hands-on experience on operating and maintaining ICP, ICP-MS instrument in petroleum industry/analytical science

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Additional Requirements:

5 years of experience in analytical science is preferable

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Knowledgeable and experienced with analytical instrumentation

Familiar with design of experiments and statistical quality control

Able to act within a team environment for analyzing and characterizing materials

Previous experience with analytical techniques such as ICP, IC-ICPMS, ICP-MS and combustion are preferred

Ability to stand on your feet to repair instruments, climbs stairs/ladders, lift up to 30

Pounds, and push up to 50 pounds.

Additional Information

Thanks & Regards,
SR.IT Recruiter
Sandra Taylor
571-267-4186


BCforward logo

About BCforward

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel solutions organization. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, BCforward also operates numerous delivery centers across North America and India. We are currently the largest consulting firm and largest MBE certified firm in Indiana. Our uninterrupted growth has allowed BCforward to deliver uniquely configured IT staffing and project solutions for over years of catering to our customers' specific needs. BCforward currently maintains a team of over 5000 global resources. With our additional brand, Stafforward, together we have the capabilities to deliver services for a variety of industries in both public and private sectors which allows us to address your most challenging needs.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1998

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