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Research Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Hardware Design Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description Gardetto Engineering, an SAIC company is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer in College ... Conduct research, design, development, and testing of information processing hardware. * Analyze ...

Hardware Design Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$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 ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... On-site R&D Lab, (*No Telework/hybrid arrangements available) * Work hours: 0600-1430, with some ...

Design Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$63K - $108K/yr

Conduct research and create design proposals for projects. * Help define and implement "best practice" rules for product engineering documentation and activities to promote standardization across ...

Design Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$63K - $108K/yr

Conduct research and create design proposals for projects. * Help define and implement "best practice" rules for product engineering documentation and activities to promote standardization across ...

Design Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$63K - $108K/yr

Conduct research and create design proposals for projects. * Help define and implement "best practice" rules for product engineering documentation and activities to promote standardization across ...

Design Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$63K - $108K/yr

Conduct research and create design proposals for projects. * Help define and implement "best practice" rules for product engineering documentation and activities to promote standardization across ...

The Role As a Mechanical Design Engineer on our team, you will support the design, prototyping, and ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve research and development goals. * Contribute to ...

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Research Design Engineer information

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 Washington are hiring for Research Design Engineer jobs?

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

Hardware Design Engineer

College Park, MD

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2613093

Location: College Park, MD, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Hardware Engr

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

Gardetto Engineering,  an SAIC company is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer in College Park, MD

This position requires an active TS/SCI with poly.

Job responsibilities include: 

  • Conduct research, design, development, and testing of information processing hardware.
  • Analyze hardware configuration and processing solutions.
  • Test hardware conformance to specifications. 

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI with poly.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering with 5 years or more experience; Masters and 3 years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience.
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) experience or background.
  • Experience with demodulation and modulation algorithms, waveform development, multi-rate processing, and/or digital filters.
  • C and C++ programming experience.
  • Python programming experience.
  • Machine learning experience a plus, including knowledge of PyTorch, Rust or equivalent.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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