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Research And Development Mechanical Engineer Jobs

None If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required ...

POSITION SUMMARY The R&D Project Engineer-Mechanical will lead the design, development, and testing of major sub-systems related to firetrucks. R&D MechanicalEngineering is responsible for turning ...

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, empowered R&D organization that leverages deep expertise in materials science, polymer science and engineering, chemistry, and chemical, mechanical ...

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Research And Development Mechanical Engineer information

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$72K

$112.2K

$141K

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development mechanical engineer in the United States is $112,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectResearch And Development Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLabs, R&D departments, innovation-focused settingsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Industry UsageResearch institutions, product innovation, prototype developmentProduct design, manufacturing, engineering firms

Research And Development Mechanical Engineers focus on creating new products and improving existing ones through experimentation and innovation. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on designing and developing mechanical components and systems for manufacturing. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, their work environments and objectives differ significantly, with R&D engineers emphasizing innovation and prototyping, and design engineers focusing on detailed product development.

What does a research and development mechanical engineer do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new mechanical devices or systems. They use engineering principles to create prototypes, improve existing products, and solve technical challenges. Their work often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to enhance product performance and efficiency. R&D Mechanical Engineers play a key role in driving innovation within industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.

What are some common challenges faced by research and development mechanical engineers during the product development cycle?

Research and Development Mechanical Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative designs with manufacturability and cost constraints, meeting tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. They may also need to iterate prototypes quickly based on feedback from cross-functional teams, including design, testing, and manufacturing. Collaboration and effective communication are essential for addressing unexpected technical issues and integrating new technologies into existing systems.

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

To thrive as a Research and Development Mechanical Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools (like ANSYS), and knowledge of prototyping and testing methodologies are essential. Creativity, effective communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for innovating and collaborating on complex projects. These skills and qualities enable engineers to develop innovative solutions, improve products, and maintain a competitive edge in technology-driven industries.
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Cities with the most Research And Development Mechanical Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs?

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

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

Infographic showing various Research And Development Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $112,200 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

ROSENBAUER STATEMENT
At Rosenbauer we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line fire apparatus, created with state-of-the-art technology, for more than 150 years. When lives are at stake, anything less is unacceptable. As the world's largest manufacturer of fire equipment, we make sure our vehicles, production teams, and service personnel are ready to do what is necessary to keep communities safe.
POSITION SUMMARY
The R&D Project Engineer-Mechanical will lead the design, development, and testing of major sub-systems related to firetrucks. R&D Mechanical Engineering is responsible for turning ideas for products into functional prototypes and production-ready designs. The position will support advanced engineering design optimization, design for manufacture and assembly, and issue evaluation and resolution using engineering tools with efficient and affordable processes. The R&D Project Engineer-Mechanical will achieve these goals by working cross functionally with other sub-system engineers, purchasing, production, service, and our sales team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
All employees are required to support Rosenbauer's Mission, Vision, and Values. The following are the essential duties of this position and do not include marginal functions that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. The scope and duties of a given position may change or be temporarily altered based on the business needs of Rosenbauer.
  1. Manages one or more medium-term product improvement projects for the engineering team from start to finish, including product research, planning timelines, breaking milestones down into achievable tasks, technical documentation, and keeping management informed on the project status and trajectory.
  2. Understands and applies vehicle regulatory requirements and standards, such as FMVSS, SAE, NFPA, etc., to ensure product designs are compliant. Ensures engineering designs meet other requirements, such as corporate, customer, and performance requirements. May maintain regulatory agency approvals.
  3. Develops test plans, performs tests, and analyzes data to ensure designs meet requirements and project objectives.
  4. Develops internal standards for applying new engineering designs to customized product configurations in an efficient manner.
  5. Reviews analyzes service records related to vehicles in the field to assess product performance over time, ultimately finding and implementing opportunities for improvement.
  6. Evaluates opportunities for improvements in production efficiency by reducing product variants and implementing improvements in design for manufacture and assembly. Works with purchasing to evaluate new components and suppliers for improved cost or performance.
  7. Collaborates with design engineers, production teams, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and implement corrective actions. Acts as a technical resource for other departments including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Service, and Sales & Marketing to address and resolve inquiries and problems.
  8. Performs other duties and responsibilities as required by management to meet the needs of the company.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA's): The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
K
Knowledge, Education, and/or Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an additional 3 years of experience in a mechanical engineering role required.
  • Experience with design experiments, data collection, and data analysis. Hands-on experience with data acquisition systems preferred.
  • Experience with SolidWorks preferred.
  • Experience in heavy truck and/or automotive systems preferred.
  • Experience with design for manufacturing, assembly, and service preferred.
  • Knowledge of firefighting processes and equipment preferred.

S
Skills:
Language:
  • Able to find, read, and interpret relevant scientific and technical documentation and standards.
  • Able to organize and facilitate engineering discussions by listening, asking relevant questions, and suggesting solutions to problems.
  • Able to create and follow written and verbal directions and communicate new information that could affect project trajectories.

Math:
  • Able to solve complex problems using engineering knowledge and calculations, with a high aptitude for accuracy.

Computer:
  • Able to perform intermediate PC functions including the use of spreadsheet tables and formulas.
  • Able to work within SolidWorks or similar CAD program.

A
Abilities:
  • Able to deal with problems involving a variety of variables in non-standard situations.
  • Able to understand and apply an engineering development process.
  • Able to prioritize work and to multitask while adhering to deadlines.
  • Able to work with minimal supervision in a team environment.
  • Able to understand and follow all safety policies to promote a safe working environment for all.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
CHECK IF APPLIES
Give Examples as Necessary
Driving- license
x
May need to travel off site for tradeshows, meetings, or company related events.
Driving- Own Vehicle
x
May need to travel off site for tradeshows, meetings, or company related events
Hours of work- Ability to work evenings and/or weekends occasionally
x
Overtime as needed to meet the needs of the department.
Travel- Local
x
May need to travel for local meetings/tradeshows.
Travel- Overnight
x
May need to travel overnight for meetings, tradeshows, or visiting other Rosenbauer locations.
Travel- Prolonged Periods
x
May need to travel off site for tradeshows, meetings, or company related events
Qualifications- Other
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Lifting Requirements- Team lift required for 50lbs or more.
Weight in pounds
Never
0%
Rarely
1-10%
Occasionally
11-33%
Frequently
34-66%
Continuously
67% or more
1-10
x
11-20
x
21-35
x
35-50
x
51-75
x
76-100
x
100+
x
Vision Requirements
Never
0%
Rarely
1-10%
Occasionally
11-33%
Frequently
34-66%
Continuously
67% or more
Color Vision
x
Close Vision
x
Peripheral Vision
x
Long Distance Vision
x
Movement Requirements
Never
0%
Rarely
1-10%
Occasionally
11-33%
Frequently
34-66%
Continuously
67% or more
Standing
x
Walking
x
Sitting
x
Talking or hearing
x
Feeling
x
Climb/Balance
x
Kneel/Crouch/Squat
x
Bending/Twisting
x
Reaching upward or outward
x
Bending neck side-to-side or front-to-back
x
Typing
x
Pinching/finger manipulation
x
Grasping/turning the wrist
x
Taste/Smell
x
Laying Down
x
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
Never
0%
Rarely
1-10%
Occasionally
11-33%
Frequently
34-66%
Continuously
67% or more
Wet Humid Conditions (non-weather)
x
Humid conditions (weather-related)
x
Work Near Moving Mechanical Parts
x
Work in High Precarious Places
x
Fumes or Airborne Particles
x
Toxic or Caustic Chemicals
x
Outdoor Weather Conditions
x
Extreme Cold (non-weather)
x
Extreme Heat (weather-related) summer months
x
Risk of Electrical Shock
x
Work with Explosive Materials
x
Vibration
x
Noise Level for Typical Environment
x
Moderate Noise: (Examples office with printers, phones, and light traffic
Loud Noise: (Examples: Metal Manufacturing, Construction sites)
Very Loud Noise: (Examples: Jack Hammer Work)
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE
Never
0%
Rarely
1-10%
Occasionally
11-33%
Frequently
34-66%
Continuously
67% or more
Safety boots
x
Safety Glasses
x
Cut resistant Gloves
x
Respirator
x
Face Shield
x
Equal Opportunity Employer/individuals with disabilities/protected veterans. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.