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Research Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman

FPGA Design Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$96K - $144K/yr

The FPGA Design Engineer role involves full life-cycle product development from system concept and ... Research, design, develops, and tests a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including ...

SAIC

Hardware Design Engineer

College Park, MD

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Hardware Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No ... Conduct research, design, development, and testing of information processing hardware. * Analyze ...

System One

Device Design Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Device Design Engineer Location: Tempe, AZ Type: Contract Work Model: Hybrid Hours: M - F 1st Shift ... Research, design, develop, modify, and verify components and systems for medical devices with ...

System One

Device Design Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Device Design Engineer Location: Tempe, AZ Type: Contract Work Model: Hybrid Hours: M - F 1st Shift ... Research, design, develop, modify, and verify components and systems for medical devices with ...

System One

Device Design Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Device Design Engineer Location: Tempe, AZ Type: Contract Work Model: Hybrid Hours: M - F 1st Shift ... Research, design, develop, modify, and verify components and systems for medical devices with ...

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Research Design Engineer information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do research design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research design engineer in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research design engineer?

A Research Design Engineer is a professional who develops and tests new product concepts, technologies, or processes, often in a laboratory or research environment. They bridge the gap between pure research and product development by applying engineering principles to design experiments, analyze data, and create prototypes. Their work is critical in advancing innovation within industries such as electronics, automotive, biotechnology, and more. Research Design Engineers collaborate with scientists, engineers, and product teams to turn novel ideas into practical solutions. They often document their findings and may contribute to patent applications or academic publications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research design engineer?

To thrive as a Research Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, strong analytical skills, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and common prototyping methods is essential, along with knowledge of industry standards. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing innovative solutions and ensuring successful project outcomes in a competitive and evolving field.

What are some common challenges faced by research design engineers when transitioning prototypes to large-scale production?

A common challenge for Research Design Engineers is ensuring that innovative prototypes can be efficiently and cost-effectively scaled for mass production. This often involves collaborating closely with manufacturing teams to adapt custom or experimental components to standard processes, while maintaining performance and quality standards. Engineers must also address potential issues related to material availability, manufacturability, and compliance with industry regulations. Effective communication and flexibility are key to overcoming these hurdles and successfully bringing new designs to market.

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

AspectResearch Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, specialized research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, design certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, innovation centersDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, aerospace, automotiveManufacturers, engineering firms, product companies
Common Search & ComparisonResearch Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer

Research Design Engineers focus on developing new concepts, conducting experiments, and advancing technology through research. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical components and systems for products. While both roles require engineering backgrounds, Research Design Engineers emphasize innovation and research, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on practical design and implementation.

What cities are hiring for Research Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Research Design Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Research Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Research Design Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Research Design Engineer jobs?

For Research Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Research Design Engineer jobs near you

Intern, Research and Development Hardware Design Engineer (Spring 2027)

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Aviation • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Delta Air Lines, Inc.external

Internship

Posted 25 days ago

Delta Air Lines rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 330 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 26 rated airlines

Job description

We are seeking a R&D Hardware Design Engineer to design and develop systems and components that incorporates the latest technologies. This includes working with the business development and engineering teams to determine and develop feature requirements, rapidly test and iterate features with prospective customers, and present outputs to company leaders and industry partners.
The R&D Hardware Design Engineer conducts research, evaluates potential partners, and builds a sustainable product quickly that gets the details right. He or she is a future-focused expert in technology and ensures that we have the correct technical strategies for our products. The R&D Engineer helps to drive product from idea through to execution, including field and desk research, low-fidelity prototypes, Proofs of Concept and Minimal Viable Products.
The successful candidate will have an established background in researching and developing customer-facing experiences (physical and digital), a strong technical ability, a start-up mentality, excellent project management skills, and great communication skills.
What we have: A diverse team with ...

  • Varying experiences, backgrounds and skillsets 
  • A startup mentality (fail/learn fast and cheap) 
  • Human-centered philosophy 
  • A strong emphasis on research, design, and technology 

What Delta Air Lines employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Delta Air Lines logo

About Delta Air Lines

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, US, is one of the major players in the aviation industry with an official website, delta.com. Established in 1929, the airline is recognized globally for its wide range of airline services, including passenger and cargo transport. Originally envisioned as a crop-dusting service, Delta has progressed over the decades into a globally acclaimed airline, serving more than 200 million customers annually across a substantial international network spanning over 50 countries. Delta’s core values are rooted in honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance, and service and its mission is to connect the world in a safe, reliable, and customer-centric manner.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

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