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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

Work with a small team on cutting-edge research and development projects. * Design and develop ... Qualifications You Must Have: * BS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical ...

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

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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 Aug 12, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,333 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

(Casual Hire) Research Engineer (Mechanical Engineering)

University of Hawaii

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$35/hr

Part-time, Temporary

PTO

Posted 6 days ago


University Of Hawaii System rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description ****Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University of Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative professional and technical (APT) or Instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees and up to one calendar year for part-time employees.

Title: (Casual Hire) Research Engineer (Mechanical Engineering) Position Number: *****Casual Hire Hiring Unit: College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering Location: Manoa Date Posted: 8/6/2026 Closing Date: 8/7/2026 Salary: $35 per hour Schedule: not to exceed 20 hours per week Full Time/Part Time: Part Time Temporary/Permanent: Temporary Other Conditions: To begin August 13, 2026. This is a temporary position to help with management and research productivity of a materials research and development lab led by Associate Prof. Joseph Brown in the UH Manoa Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Duties and responsibilities for this work are listed below. Duties and Responsibilities Under immediate supervision of the Prof. Brown, assist with the management and research productivity of a materials research and development lab.

Design, model, fabricate and test technical systems, including (but not limited to) pressurized gas systems, high temperature systems, microfabricated parts, mechanical test systems, and characterization equipment. Write, draft, and organize laboratory standard operating procedures and other safety manuals and documentation. Prepare budgets, parts lists, and bills of materials.

Identify vendors, and initiate orders for laboratory equipment and supplies. Interface/communicate with equipment and apparatus vendors. Work with College of Engineering staff to ensure timely placement of necessary orders.

Conduct preliminary development and review of safety compliance of systems constructed in the laboratory. Design and plan operational laboratory space for materials experiments. Provide supervision for graduate students and undergraduate students working in the lab and research group.

Pursue engineering research and design projects under the supervision of Prof. Brown. Develop software models and analysis (e.g

Solidworks, Matlab, Comsol, Fenix) in support of duties described above. Prepare technical communications including graphics, data, and writing for research publications. Establish a productive and positive work environment and provide an example of leadership to the students working in the research group.

Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications A Master of Science (MS) degree in mechanical engineering or related subjects; 1 year experience working in research laboratories; Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in science laboratories or related fields demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts and terminology. Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with science labs or related fields.

Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in a science lab or related field. Demonstrated high-proficiency in use of precision measuring tools such as Vernier calipers, inside, outside and depth micrometers, center gauges, drill point gauges, etc. Demonstrated ability to handle chemicals and perform calculations regarding fluid flow, energy balance, and chemical reactions.

Strong oral and written communication skills; Demonstrated ability to write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing, spreadsheet, and engineering design software.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated. To Apply: Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application through the NEOGOV Online Application portal and submit: 1) CV/resume, 2) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum qualifications 3) transcript, and 4) names of 2 professional references (include title, email and phone number). Note: If this is your first time applying for a position using NEOGOV, you will need to create a profile.

Inquiries: Prof. Joseph J. Brown, jjbrown@hawaii.edu EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status

For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/ Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/


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About University of Hawaii

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907