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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Materials engineer collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop new products from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials. Activities ...

Job Summary Materials engineer collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop new products from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials. Activities ...

Job Summary Materials engineer collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop new products from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials. Activities ...

Director of R&D Location: Newark, Delaware _____ Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled mechanical engineer to join our R&D group, designing and improving our water-testing ...

Mechanical Engineer

Wilmington, DE · Hybrid

$78K - $123K/yr

... research, development, test and evaluation, acquisition, engineering, systems integration, in ... service and fleet engineering with cybersecurity, comprehensive logistics, and life-cycle savings.

The R&D Technologist will work closely with scientists, engineers, and technologists in a collaborative, team-driven environment to support product development, troubleshooting, and continuous ...

SR Electrical Engineer, R&D, NPD

Newark, DE

$105K - $136K/yr

The Senior Electrical Engineer designs, develops, modifies and evaluates components and processes ... transfer from R&D to sustaining and leading design reviews. * Leads and performs design ...

Packaging Operator

Newark, DE · On-site

$35K - $44K/yr

Company Description R&D Partners is a national staffing firm focused in the areas of: Scientific, Clinical Research and Engineering. Our team offers well over 200 years of combined staffing ...

R&D Software Security Officer

Wilmington, DE · On-site +1

$143K - $240K/yr

Lead R&D security training and awareness programs for engineering teams. AI-Era Security & Risk Management * Assess and integrate AI-aware security practices, including: * Risk assessment of AI ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Development Engineer information

See Delaware salary details

$20K

$96.7K

$151.1K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in Delaware is $96,654.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,600.00 and $117,100.00 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 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.
What job categories do people searching Research Development Engineer jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Engineer jobs in Delaware are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Delaware as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,654 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

Materials engineer collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop new products from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials.  Activities include hands-on prototyping, continuous improvement of processes, testing, reporting, and interfacing with vendors, customers and various internal departments.  Work functions are broad and can include design, mold production, fabrication of fixtures, processing of materials (powder processing, mixing, furnacing, other), materials testing (in-process measurements, post-fabrication properties, other), process optimization (cycle time, quality, yield), and data collection.  In addition, work with external sources will leverage internal capabilities in the areas of toll processing, materials characterization, plating/coating and application tests.  All results will be documented (data summaries, Work Instructions, reports).  Successful new products will be transferred to manufacturing (specifying equipment, training personnel, monitoring results).  Position includes participation in Lean, Six-sigma, Kaizen, FMEA, 6S, and yield enhancement activities.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Engineering prototyping with advanced composite materials, including design input, equipment programming, equipment operation, powder processing, furnacing, and inspection
  • Develop and improve production methods for ceramic-based composite materials
  • Perform materials characterization for microstructure, composition, mechanical behavior and thermal properties
  • Generate PC-based outputs on standard platforms (Office, Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo, Solidworks, others)
  • Continuous improvement via participation in Lean/Kaizen, ISO, 8D and other related activities
  • Interface with outside entities (customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors, toll manufacturers and test labs)
  • Transfer successful products to Manufacturing, including writing documentation, specifying equipment, conducting training, and monitoring results

Education & Experience

  • BS in Materials Engineering (or equivalent engineering education)
  • 0 to 5 years of experience in advanced materials field

Skills

  • Experience processing advanced materials (ceramics, metal matrix composites, other)
  • Background with materials processing equipment (powders, furnaces, mixers)
  • Knowledge of materials characterization methods (SEM, PSD, wet chemistry, thermal properties, mechanical properties)
  • Aptitude for external interfacing with both vendors and customers

Working Conditions

  • Position requires on-site activities for prototype fabrication (this is not a work from home position).
  • Work schedule is 5 days, 40 hrs per week, first shift.

Physical Requirements

Hands-on, lab-based job environment:

  • Required to frequently lift/push/pull a minimum of 35 lbs
  • Must be able to sit, bend, squat and walk about facility
  • Depending on project assignment, may be required to walk/stand for entire 8 hour day

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards.  This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.  They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.