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Research Design Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Tribonet

Staff Geartrain Design Engineer

Valley, AL · On-site

$170K - $235K/yr

... researchers, students and industry professionals We're ALSO, an electric mobility company ... ALSO is looking for a Staff Geartrain Design Engineer to support transmission component design of ...

Pae

Structural Design Engineer (ES5)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Engage in multi-discipline engineering teams in the creation of new designs (CAD models, documents, drawings) and research with a focus on propulsion devices and support hardware. * Use CREO ...

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Research Design Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$30.5K

$86.1K

$111.3K

How much do research design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research design engineer in Alabama is $86,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $84,500.00 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 in Alabama are hiring for Research Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Research Design Engineer job openings:

Research Design Engineer jobs near you

Electrical Hardware Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Starfish
See more jobs at Starfishexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Torch Technologies

Thank you for your interest in employment with Torch Technologies. We are a 100% employee-owned, Certified Great Place To Work and named Best Places to Work in Huntsville/Madison County, headquartered in Huntsville, AL. Our team provides superior research, development, and engineering services to the Federal Government and Department of War. As one of the nation's top 100 defense companies, the services we provide directly support the men and women who serve our country. Our corporate mission sums up the pride our employee-owners take in the work we do: "Lighting the Pathway of Freedom". And, as a Certified Evergreen ESOP, we have made the commitment to grow and sustain our company for the next 100 years! Come grow with us!

Torch Technologies is seeking an Electrical Hardware Design Engineer to join our team and contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex electronic systems for defense and aerospace applications. This role supports a multidisciplinary engineering environment focused on delivering innovative and reliable hardware solutions for mission-critical systems.

As an Electrical Hardware Design Engineer, your duties will include the following, but are not limited to:

  • Design, simulate, analyze, and test analog and digital electronic circuits, including power supplies, sensor interfaces, and control systems.

  • Develop detailed hardware specifications, schematics, and PCB layouts using industry-standard CAD tools.

  • Perform component selection, including identifying obsolescence risks and proposing alternative solutions.

  • Conduct hardware bring-up, debugging, and verification activities, including development of test plans and procedures.

  • Participate in all phases of the product development lifecycle, from concept definition through production support.

  • Collaborate with software, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration and functionality.

  • Generate technical documentation, including design documents, test reports, and manufacturing instructions.

  • Support proposal efforts by contributing technical content and cost estimates for hardware development.

  • Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in electrical engineering.

Qualifications

  • U.S. Citizenship required.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

  • 5+ years of relevant experience in electrical hardware design and development.

  • Active security clearance required (must be able to maintain).

  • Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or similar technical engineering environments.

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Eagle.

  • Strong understanding of analog and digital circuit design principles, including signal integrity and power integrity.

  • Experience with microcontrollers, FPGAs, and embedded systems.

  • Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers for testing and debugging.

  • Familiarity with EMI/EMC design considerations and testing.

  • Experience supporting DoD or Federal programs and familiarity with related standards and practices.

  • Strong technical documentation, briefing, and reporting experience.

  • Advanced degree in a relevant field or additional certifications is a plus.

Schedule: M-F; 8-5

Work Location: On-Site, Huntsville, Alabama

Travel: Yes, 0%-10%

Relocation Assistance Available: No

Position Contingent Upon Award of Contract: No

#LI-DK1

Benefits:

Torch Technologies is proud to offer a stable and professional work environment, a competitive salary, and an excellent, comprehensive benefit package including: ESOP participation, 401(k) match and safe-harbor contribution, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Health Saving Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts, EAP, education assistance, paid time off, and holidays.

Applying to Torch Technologies:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at Torch Technologies is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Torch Technologies, Inc. participates in E-Verify.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Careers Link as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by sending an email to HR@torchtechnologies.com. Thank you for your interest in Torch Technologies.

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