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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Supporting the development of operational dashboards, data visualization tools, and performance ... Collaborating with program management, engineers, logisticians, and mission partners to ensure ...

They are seeking a Software Engineer (AI Focus) to develop user-facing applications that leverage ... AI researchers. Responsibilities : • Lead full-stack feature development from ideation to ...

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Research Development Engineer information

See Hawaii salary details

$20.8K

$100.3K

$156.9K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in Hawaii is $100,333.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $121,600.00 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 are popular job titles related to Research Development Engineer jobs in Hawaii? For Research Development Engineer jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Engineer jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Engineer jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,333 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
ENGINEER IV AND V - MAUI (WIKIWIKI)

ENGINEER IV AND V - MAUI (WIKIWIKI)

State of Hawai'i

Honolulu, HI

$8.9K - $11K/mo

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Recruitment Information Recruitment Number 23-0545 Engineer IV - $8,299 to $9,504 per month (EN 24, Step D to I ) Engineer V - $8,963 to $10,265 per month (EN-26, Step D to I ) Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors. A continuous recruitment may be closed at any time. The notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the State of Hawaii's Civil Service Job Opportunities Listing page of our website.

WIKIWIKI HIRE PILOT PROJECT Wikiwiki Hire is an additional and faster way you may be considered for specific job vacancies. To participate, you must meet the minimum qualification requirements and public employment standards of the class of work or position. You must be an active candidate on the eligible register in order to be interviewed and considered for an appointment.

If you qualify for Wikiwiki Hire, more information about this program will be included with your Notice of Examination Results and Eligibility. Duties Summary The Engineer IV performs difficult and complex professional engineering work in the planning, design, construction, maintenance and/or operation of specialized engineering projects; or plans and conducts research, development or other work in a specialized engineering field for the purpose of improving, extending or validating precedents, data, methods or techniques; and performs other related duties as assigned. The Engineer V supervises the planning, design, construction, maintenance and/or operation of a number of major and complex engineering projects; or works independently on advanced planning, design or research projects involving elements of a highly critical or unprecedented nature; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Engineers at the V level perform work characterized by many, varied complex features due to the breadth, diversity, or intensity of assignments. They plan and conduct work for which precedent criteria or techniques are inadequate or are controversial. They work as specialists in a technical field, and may perform staff advisory services for an engineering organization.

They apply intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices in a broad area of assignment and related fields. They perform advanced work in their engineering field and provide technical guidance on critical problems or projects of a highly specialized nature. As a supervisor, the engineer reviews work prepared by other professional engineers or by contract architect-engineer firms.

Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants will be placed on the eligible list for ALL levels for which they are qualified. To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements: Legal Authorization to Work: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States. Professional License: Applicants MUST POSSESS a valid State of Hawaii Professional Engineer license AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, as required in the Minimum Qualifications Requirements.

For information on obtaining a State of Hawaii Professional Engineer license, please visit the following website: http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/pvl/boards/engineer Basic Education: A bachelor's degree from a school of engineering from an accredited four-year college or university. Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements will apply. Note: Applicants who will graduate within three months and will meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements upon their graduation will be accepted for examination

If you are graduating within three months with Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university or a Master's degree in pertinent engineering field from a school of engineering in an accredited college or university, please submit a copy of your official transcript of coursework completed thus far and a letter from your department head or registrar verifying your current enrollment in school, your expected graduation date and major with your application. Engineering Experience: Three (3) years for Level IV; and for Level V, four (4) years of progressively responsible professional engineering experience. At least one (1) year of Engineering Experience must have been comparable to the next lower level.

Supervisory Aptitude Experience: For the Level V, applicants must possess Supervisory Aptitude as described in the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements (click link below). Driver's License: Some positions may require a valid driver's license. Special Requirements: Some positions require the ability to lift and carry items of various weights with or without reasonable accommodation.

Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Clearance - Federal Criminal History Records Check: In accordance with Federal regulations, persons who are being considered for employment in positions which require unescorted access to secured areas at the airport must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint-based criminal history record check. In order to be granted the SIDA clearance, prospective employees must not have been convicted, or found "not guilty by reason of insanity," of a disqualifying criminal offense within ten years from the date of the application. Upon recommendation for hire, prospective employees will be required to successfully undergo the fingerprint-based criminal history record check and be found free of disqualifying convictions during the preceding ten years.

The cost for the records check will be the applicant's responsibility. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Clearance - Federal Criminal History Records Check: In accordance with Federal regulations, persons who are being considered for employment in positions which require unescorted access to secured areas at the harbor must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint-based criminal history record check. In order to be granted the TWIC clearance, prospective employees must not have been convicted, or found "not guilty by reason of insanity," of a disqualifying criminal offense within seven years from the date of appointment.

Upon recommendation for hire, prospective employees will be required to successfully undergo the fingerprint-based criminal history record check and be found free of disqualifying convictions during the preceding seven years. The cost for the records check will be the applicant's responsibility. However, upon hire, the employee will be reimbursed provided he/she submits the TWIC receipt to his/her supervisor.

Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements (click link below), will apply. The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.

To view WIKIWIKI Engineers and department opportunities, please CLICK HERE. 07004-07005:011712:13-23:AK Other Information The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-1111 for assistance.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs

Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.

TESTING INFORMATION The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held. In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency.

If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in-person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of the application.

CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Office's Levels of Review.