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Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kraft Heinz Company

Sci, R&D - Product Dev

Glenview, IL · On-site

$77K - $97K/yr

Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering and scientific techniques, processes, and criteria. Scientist, R&D Product Development - Cream Cheese Are you passionate about Food ...

Rhaeos

R&D Engineering Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

400 N Aberdeen St, STE 575 R&D Engineering Chicago, IL 60642 Intern Contact: info@rhaeos.com Position Overview We are seeking motivated and talented interns to join our team for an internship. The ...

Broadcom

R&D Engineer Software 3

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

People who do well on this team are self-motivated engineers with a passion for our business and for technology innovation. This position is concentrated on the mainframe platform, with development ...

Medical Murray

R&D Quality Engineer II

Barrington, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Title: R&D Quality Engineer II Location: North Barrington, IL Employment Type: Full-Time About Us Founded in 1996, Medical Murray is a privately owned medical device company specializing in the ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Engineer JobsResearch And Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Research And Development Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.6K

$99.6K

$155.7K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development engineer in Chicago, IL is $99,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $120,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 Chicago, IL? For Research And Development Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Research And Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,561 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Senior R&D Engineer - Fire and Explosion

UL Solutions

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

UL Solutions rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description


The UL Solutions Research and Development team is seeking a driven and team-oriented person to work with us on research, testing, and simulation of emerging fire and explosion safety problems. Many of these problems will focus on the energy and fire protection industries, including lithium-ion battery thermal runaway and fires in the built environment. Practical laboratory projects and robust application of theoretical knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and combustion are central to this role. A successful candidate will be creative, curious, adaptable to a fast-paced and multi-disciplined environment and willing to work collaboratively with a team of other engineers and scientists to solve complex problems.
Responsibilities
  • Work independently and with a team to conduct laboratory testing for client projects and research programs for UL safety testing service development and fundamental scientific advancement.
  • Apply fundamental and practical understanding of the relevant physics, chemistry, and engineering principles to create test programs and engineering judgments with sound assumptions and reasoning.
  • Carry out engineering analyses using combinations of numerical simulation and test data inputs.
  • Efficiently scope, plan, and execute projects from start to finish, including hands-on testing, detailed technical analysis and reporting of results.
  • Complete formal technical reports of work completed, including all information and details about strategy, approach and outcome.
  • Communicate with internal and external clients to develop and manage projects from start to finish.
  • Work across industries / segments, collaborate with key stakeholders, and provide timeline communications to both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Stay ahead of changing technologies in the field by reading journals and scientific publications, attending academic conferences, writing, and collaborating on original publications, and delivering presentations on research engineering topics.
  • Collaborate with industry, academics and other research and development staff to apply the results of R&D efforts to development of new techniques, products, practices, and UL Standards.
  • Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services.
  • Present project results and findings at academic and industry conferences.

Qualifications
  • Degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, fire protection engineering, explosion protection engineering or other relevant disciplines is required. MS or PhD preferred.
  • MS or PhD requires 1-2 years of relevant work experience. BS requires 3-4 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience working in a laboratory and/or physical testing environment is required.
  • Excellent communication and technical writing skills are required.
  • Experience in modeling and simulation of fluid flows, fire flows, combustion and heat transfer is preferred.
  • Certified fire and explosion investigator (CFEI) certification and experience in fire forensics is preferred.
  • Skills in Python programming, machine learning techniques and workflow efficiency software tool development are preferred
  • Experience with analytical laboratory techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography is preferred
  • Ability to work independently but also has a team player mindset, giving priority to team goals and maintaining good team relationships.

What you'll experience working for ULS
UL Solutions has been pioneering change since 1894 and we're still leading the way. From day one, we've blazed a trail protecting the planet and everyone on it. Our teams have influenced billions of products, plus services, software offerings and more. We break things, burn things and blow things up. All in the name of safety science.
That's where you come in - because none of it could happen without you. It takes passion to protect people, problem-solving to safeguard personal data and conviction to make the world a more sustainable place. It takes bold ideas and brilliant minds to build a better world for future generations across the globe.
This is more than a job. It's a calling. A passion to use our expertise and play our part in creating a more secure, sustainable world today - and tomorrow. As a member of our safety science community, you'll use your ideas, your energy and your ambition to innovate, challenge and ultimately, help create a safer world.
Everyone here is unique. But we're also a global community, working together to help create a safer world. Join UL Solutions and you can connect with the brightest minds in the business, all bringing their distinct perspectives and diverse backgrounds together to deliver real change.
Empowering our customers to keep the world safe means thinking ahead. It means investing in training and empowering our people to learn and innovate. At UL Solutions, we help build a better future - one where everyone benefits.
Join UL Solutions to be at the center of safety. To learn more about us and the work we do, visit UL.com
Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $105,000 to $125,000 USD and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 10% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday and personal days (totaling 12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).
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About Us
A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

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