ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research And Development Process Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Mastermold LLC

Paint Process Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products--from lab trials to full production ... Collaborate with Maintenance/Engineering on equipment upgrades, nozzle/robot changes, and oven ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsResearch And Development Process Engineer JobsResearch And Development Process Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Research And Development Process Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$45.8K

$102.4K

$153.7K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development process engineer in Madison, WI is $102,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is research and development process engineer a good career?

A research and development process engineer is a valuable role focused on improving manufacturing processes, developing new products, and applying technical skills such as process optimization and data analysis. It offers opportunities for innovation, technical growth, and often requires collaboration across teams, with job prospects in various industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

What is the difference between Research And Development Process Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectResearch And Development Process EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing new products and processesImproving and maintaining manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentLabs, R&D departments, design teamsProduction floors, factories, assembly lines
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, chemistry, or related field; often advanced degreesBachelor's in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial engineering
Industry UsageResearch institutions, product development firms, tech companiesManufacturing plants, industrial companies, OEMs

Research And Development Process Engineers focus on creating and refining new products and processes, often working in labs and design environments. Manufacturing Engineers optimize existing production processes to improve efficiency and quality on the factory floor. While both roles require engineering credentials, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

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

As a Research and Development Process Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with teams from quality assurance, manufacturing, product design, and marketing. This collaboration ensures that new processes or products are not only innovative but also feasible for large-scale production and meet market needs. Regular meetings, prototype reviews, and process optimization discussions are common, and your role often involves translating technical findings into actionable improvements for other departments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as your input helps bridge the gap between research concepts and practical, manufacturable solutions.

What does a research and development process engineer do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in product manufacturing or service delivery. They work on creating new processes or improving existing ones to increase efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. R&D Process Engineers often collaborate with other scientists, engineers, and production teams to bring new products from conception to full-scale production while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their role is crucial in driving innovation and maintaining a company's competitive edge.

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

To thrive as a Research and Development Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, process design, and problem-solving, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools, and Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications is typically required. Standout candidates excel in creativity, collaboration, and effective communication to translate research into scalable solutions. These skills are vital for innovating new processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring successful product development in competitive industries.
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? For Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
Research And Development Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Process Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,387 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Paint Process Engineer

Mastermold LLC

Johnson Creek, WI • On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Job description


We’re looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating processes. This role is less about “babysitting the line” and more about building robust processes that run right the first time, every time.

You’ll define standards, dial in parameters, reduce defects, and lead continuous improvement so production, quality, and maintenance have a repeatable, capable process to work with.


What You’ll Do

Process Engineering & Standardization

  • Develop, document, and maintain paint process standards (parameters, recipes, and work instructions) for existing and new products.

  • Define and optimize: gun settings, atomizing air, film build targets, flash/bake times, oven profiles, line speeds, and booth balance.

  • Build and maintain control plans, standardized work, and process check sheets for paint operations.

  • Use data (SPC, Pareto, capability studies) to identify variation and tighten up the process.

Defect Reduction & Root Cause Analysis

  • Lead structured problem-solving for paint defects (runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, fisheyes, adhesion issues, color shifts, etc.).

  • Perform root cause analysis using tools like 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA, and implement permanent corrective actions.

  • Partner with Quality to monitor scrap, rework, and first-pass yield, and drive projects to reduce defects.

Launches, Trials & Process Changes

  • Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products—from lab trials to full production.

  • Plan and run process trials and DOE to evaluate new materials, equipment, and parameter changes.

  • Support PPAPs and customer approvals by preparing data, documentation, and sample runs as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to ensure the paint process is understood, stable, and repeatable.

  • Train supervisors, leads, and operators on proper application techniques, defect recognition, and process controls.

  • Collaborate with Maintenance/Engineering on equipment upgrades, nozzle/robot changes, and oven/booth improvements.

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure paint processes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

  • Support safe storage, handling, and usage of paints, solvents, and chemicals used in the process.


What You Bring

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
    OR equivalent hands-on experience in paint/coatings process engineering.

  • Direct experience with industrial painting or coating operations (automotive, heavy truck, agriculture, metal finishing, composites, etc.).

  • Strong process engineering mindset: comfortable with data, parameters, standardized work, and root cause analysis.

  • Ability to operate on the production floor, communicate with operators, and present clearly to leadership.

  • Proficiency with Excel and basic data analysis for reporting and process monitoring.

Preferred

  • Experience with powder coating, liquid paint, or gel coat systems, including pretreatment and curing ovens.

  • Familiarity with DFT measurement, gloss/color measurement, adhesion testing, and cure verification.

  • Experience with robotic application equipment and/or automated paint lines.

  • Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, PFMEA, control plans, and CI projects in a manufacturing environment.


What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunity.

  • Comprehensive benefits package ([health/dental/vision/401(k)/etc.]).

  • Paid time off and holidays.

  • Opportunities for growth into senior process engineering, project engineering, or leadership roles.

  • A visible impact: you’ll see your process changes show up directly as better quality, less scrap, and smoother production.