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Research Development Engineer Jobs in California

R&D Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

The R&D Engineer will perform in-depth research on high-performance computing algorithms, evaluate competitive approaches, and help translate complex mathematical concepts into computationally ...

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 3-6 years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

Sr. R&D Engineer, New Products

San Jose, CA · On-site

$136K - $188K/yr

Sr. R&D Engineer, New Products Department: Research & Development Employment Type: Full Time Location: US-California-San Jose Compensation: $136,700 - $188,000 / year Description We are seeking a Sr. ...

The Office of Research Development (OoR) Project Manager provides scientific project coordination ... Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an ...

Staff R&D Engineer-Algorithm

San Jose, CA · On-site

$210K - $288K/yr

Staff R&D Engineer-Algorithm Department: Research & Development Employment Type: Full Time Location: US-California-San Jose Compensation: $210,100 - $288,900 / year Description We are looking for a ...

The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred). * 6 ...

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Research Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$19.7K

$95.3K

$149K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in California is $95,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and experimental design, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, data analysis tools, prototyping equipment, and sometimes certifications like Six Sigma or PMP can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and effective collaboration and communication skills help set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for innovating, efficiently developing new products or processes, and ensuring successful project outcomes in dynamic R&D environments.

What is a Research Development Engineer?

A Research Development Engineer is a professional who combines engineering principles with research skills to design, develop, and improve products, processes, or technologies. They often work in research and development (R&D) departments, collaborating with scientists and engineers to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, prototyping, and overseeing product testing. Research Development Engineers play a crucial role in driving innovation and keeping companies competitive in their industries.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What is the difference between Research Development Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectResearch Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Primary FocusInnovating and developing new technologies or materialsDesigning and improving existing products for market readiness
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centersDesign labs, manufacturing facilities
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, manufacturingConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial products

Research Development Engineers focus on creating new technologies and conducting experiments, while Product Development Engineers work on transforming these innovations into market-ready products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, but their core objectives differ: innovation versus product realization.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative research with practical product development, managing project timelines with evolving requirements, and effectively communicating findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Overcoming these challenges typically involves strong project management skills, a collaborative approach with cross-functional teams, and ongoing professional development to stay updated with new technologies. Building clear documentation and maintaining open lines of communication within the team can also help ensure project objectives are met efficiently.

Do R&D engineers make good money?

Research Development (R&D) engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized skills in engineering, research, and problem-solving, which can lead to higher compensation compared to other engineering roles. Advanced degrees and certifications can also influence earning potential.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

What does an R&D engineer do?

An R&D engineer develops and tests new products, processes, or technologies to improve existing offerings or create innovative solutions. They often work in laboratories or research facilities, utilizing skills in engineering, design, and analysis, and may use tools like CAD software and testing equipment. Their work supports product development, requiring collaboration with cross-functional teams and adherence to safety and quality standards.
What are popular job titles related to Research Development Engineer jobs in California? For Research Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Research Development Engineer job openings:

Lead Mechanical Engineer, Research & Development

Qnity

Sunnyvale, CA

$129K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics.

At Qnity, we're more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries - we're a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics?Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics.

AtQnity, we're more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries - we're a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

Qnity's Silicon Valley Technology Center

The Qnity Silicon Valley Technology Center (SVTC) is a place where customers find end-to-end support solving their most critical and complicated electronic materials challenges. SVTC is Qnity's premier applications development & engineering center of excellence located in the heart of Silicon Valley, with more than 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art application laboratories spanning rapid prototyping, reliability testing, process development, and advanced analytical characterization, the team of engineers working at SVTC has all the resources they need to help customers solve their problems. As a leverage research & development organization, engineers at SVTC get to work with all of Qnity's vast materials portfolio, with a local market focus in emerging domains such as consumer electronics, humanoid robotics, aerospace & defense, next gen automotive, and semiconductor industries.

Lead Research & Development Engineer

Qnity's SVTC is seeking a highly skilled Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our leveraged R&D organization, where we do customer-facing applications engineering work focused on enabling the next generation of technology for local Silicon Valley OEMs. The Lead R&D Mechanical Engineer is expected to be the local Subject Matter Expert (SME) in mechanical engineering and will join a highly skilled team of other local SMEs covering additional areas such as metrology, thermal, optics, and electrical engineering. Together, the SME team works closely with additional local engineering support in the laboratories with the shared common goal of working closely with Silicon Valley customers and delivering solutions to their materials challenges.

Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead applications development projects related to mechanical design and mechanical systems for local customers
  • Drive customer solutions from concept to commercialization
  • Work closely with other SMEs at SVTC to form a close-knit engineering team capable of rapidly solving any customer problem
  • Respond rapidly and with high motivation to customer needs and opportunities as they arise; be comfortable with changing priorities as customer needs evolve
  • Engage with Silicon Valley customers to understand their needs and proactively support their next generation of technology
  • Connect the broader Qnity R&D organization to local Silicon Valley opportunities; be a regional leader in mechanical engineering expertise
  • Represent Qnity SVTC in industry consortium and at conferences
  • Deliver technical training and seminars to internal teams and external partners as necessary
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to their technical and professional development

Required Qualifications:

  • M.S. degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field, with
  • 5+ years of directly applicable engineering work experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in mechanical design, characterization, reliability testing, and process development
  • Proficiency in standard mechanical design and modeling software packages such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.
  • Strong technical curiously, able to learn quickly, and very comfortable working outside core areas of expertise and with cross-functional teams
  • Exposure to and experience working with a variety of fabrication, reliability, and characterization tools relevant to a mechanical engineering SME
  • Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Track record of successful customer engagement and project leadership
  • Familiar with project management best practices such as Agile, Stage Gate, etc.
  • Experience working with national and international testing standards such as ASTM, etc.
  • Able and willing to travel as required to support customer projects (up to 20%)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or closely related field, with
  • 3+ years of directly applicable engineering work experience
  • Experience working with or for local Silicon Valley companies in relevant industries such as consumer electronics, aerospace & defense, automotive, robotics, telecommunications, data center
  • Demonstrated leadership roles in technology projects or platforms, including direct or indirect people leadership experience
  • Active in national, regional, and/or local chapters of professional societies and conferences, such as ASME, SEMI-THERM, etc.
  • Patent and publication history in relevant technical domains
  • Award-winning contributions to R&D organizations

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#Sunnyvale,CA

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Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit ourAccessibility Page for Contact Information.

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