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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lead R&D Engineer

Libertyville, IL ยท On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead R&D Engineer is a member of the Hollister Ostomy New Product Development team. The Lead R&D Engineer will lead or participate in new product development project teams to drive and develop ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Libertyville, IL ยท Hybrid

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead R&D Engineer is a member of the Hollister Ostomy New Product Development team. The Lead R&D Engineer will lead or participate in new product development project teams to drive and develop ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Libertyville, IL ยท Hybrid

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead R&D Engineer is a member of the Hollister Ostomy New Product Development team. The Lead R&D Engineer will lead or participate in new product development project teams to drive and develop ...

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, ILโ€ฏ Compensation: Competitive salary and equity package Benefits include: Family Health, Dental, Vision; Flexible PTO, FSA ...

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive salary and equity package Benefits include: Family Health, Dental, Vision; Flexible PTO, FSA Benefits ...

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive salary and equity package Benefits include: Family Health, Dental, Vision; Flexible PTO, FSA Benefits ...

Ragu at (630) 847-0953 Title: R&D Engineer Location: Round Lake, IL Duration: 12 Months Shift: 9 AM - 5 PM Description: * Performs routine engineering assignments of related tasks which provide ...

R&D Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

We were previously known under the names of Marsco Manufacturing and Engineered Glass Products ... The Research and Development (R&D) Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of ...

Sr. R&D Engineer

Franklin Park, IL ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Job Title: Sr. R&D Engineer Job Location: Franklin Park, IL Job Type: Full-Time * Be a subject matter expert in processing of plastic materials for consumer packaging * Provide expertise and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Development Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$19.4K

$93.6K

$146.3K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in Illinois is $93,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $113,400.00 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 Illinois? For Research Development Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,580 per year, or $45 per hour.
Research & Development Engineer/Scientist

Research & Development Engineer/Scientist

BCforward

Des Plaines, IL โ€ข On-site

$21/hr

Contractor

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Company Description

About BCforward BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel solutions organization. BCforward's headquarters are in Indianapolis, Indiana and also operates delivery centers in 17 locations in North America as well as Hyderabad, India and Puerto Rico. We are currently the largest consulting firm and largest MBE certified firm headquartered in Indiana. With 14+ years of uninterrupted growth, the addition of two brands (Stafforward and PMforward) and a team of more than 1400 resources our teams deliver services for multiple industries from both public and private sectors. BCforward's team of dedicated staffing professionals has placed thousands of talented people over the past decade, with retention rates that are consistently higher than the industry average.

Job Description

Research & Development Engineer/Scientist

Des Plaines, Illinois

6 Months

$21/hr

The candidate will perform elemental analyses using a wide variety of instrumental techniques to measure the composition of catalysts, catalyst supports, and hydrocarbons. Techniques will include elemental analyses by ICP/ICP-MS, speciation analysis by IC-ICPMS, AAS, combustion analysis for C, H, N, O and specialty analyses for trace Hg in LPG and liquid hydrocarbons in support of UOP processes and R&D.

Additional responsibilities will include methods development, instrument calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting. The candidate must have the ability to undertake numerous tests with consistency and accuracy and show good problem-solving skills.

The ability to understand the elements of analytical procedures, evaluate data, participate in technical discussions, perform investigations of unexpected results and develop alternative plans is essential. The candidate will also provide shift coverage as necessary to support the business needs.

Basic Candidate Qualifications:

A minimum BS in Chemistry, or a related science discipline is required.

Minimum of 3-5 years hands-on experience on operating and maintaining ICP, ICP-MS instrument in petroleum industry/analytical science

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Additional Requirements:

5 years of experience in analytical science is preferable

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Knowledgeable and experienced with analytical instrumentation

Familiar with design of experiments and statistical quality control

Able to act within a team environment for analyzing and characterizing materials

Previous experience with analytical techniques such as ICP, IC-ICPMS, ICP-MS and combustion are preferred

Ability to stand on your feet to repair instruments, climbs stairs/ladders, lift up to 30

Pounds, and push up to 50 pounds.

Additional Information

Thanks & Regards,
SR.IT Recruiter
Sandra Taylor
571-267-4186


BCforward logo

About BCforward

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel solutions organization. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, BCforward also operates numerous delivery centers across North America and India. We are currently the largest consulting firm and largest MBE certified firm in Indiana. Our uninterrupted growth has allowed BCforward to deliver uniquely configured IT staffing and project solutions for over years of catering to our customers' specific needs. BCforward currently maintains a team of over 5000 global resources. With our additional brand, Stafforward, together we have the capabilities to deliver services for a variety of industries in both public and private sectors which allows us to address your most challenging needs.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1998

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