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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

DivIHN Integration Inc

R&D Engineer

Round Lake, IL · On-site

Nithiya at 224 507-1292 Title: R&D Engineer Location: Round Lake, IL Duration: 12 Months Shift 9AM-5PM * Performs routine engineering assignments of related tasks which provide experience and ...

Linde

R&D Engineer - Campus 2026-2027

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$85/hr

R&D Engineer - Campus 2026-2027 Tonawanda, NY or Burr Ridge, IL, United States req32163 What you will enjoy doing* Linde is a technology-driven, R&D intensiveorganization with a leading role in all ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Senior R&D Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$66 - $83/hr

... engineering, such as design, incoming material, process control, product evaluation, product reliability, inventory control, metrology, automated testing, software, research and development, and ...

Vizient

Principal, R&D Engineer

Chicago, IL

$156K - $290K/yr

Help define how this R&D unit operates as it grows What We're Looking For * Strong software engineering fundamentals and a bias toward shipping * Comfort working on ambiguous problems with real users ...

Linde

R&D Engineer - Campus 2026-2027

Burr Ridge, IL

The R&D team consists of scientists,engineers, technologists and business professionals from various cultures andeducational backgrounds. With thousands of active and pending patents,Linde provides a ...

MonoSol

Senior Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

Process Research and Development Lead and manage significant elements of the organization's process ... Apply fundamental engineering principles and scale-up laws to guide process design and scale-up ...

Koch Industries

Simulation R&D Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

This role bridges product development, finite element analysis (FEA), signal integrity (SI ... Proven ability to translate research concepts into practical, deployable solutions in engineering ...

New

Medical Murray

R&D Senior Engineer

Barrington, IL · On-site

$95K - $160K/yr

Title: R&D Senior Engineer Location: Lake Zurich Employment Type: Full-Time About Us Founded in 1996, Medical Murray is a privately owned medical device company specializing in the development ...

Koch Industries

R&D Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

... engineer to develop and apply artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to accelerate structural and electrical simulations. This role bridges product development, finite ...

New

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All JobsResearch Development Engineer JobsResearch Development Engineer Jobs in Illinois

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 Aug 15, 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?

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:

Research Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,580 per year, or $45 per hour.

Development/Research Engineer II

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Chillicothe, IL

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an Entry-Mid Level candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Development/Research Engineer II

The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff supporting product development, validation, testing, and continuous improvement activities for complex mechanical systems and equipment. Work may include test planning, test execution, data acquisition, analysis, failure investigation, prototype evaluation, and communication of results. Projects may involve engines, power systems, machine components, structural systems, and other products used in industrial, construction, mining, and off-highway applications. The work will be highly collaborative with engineering, validation, manufacturing, laboratory, and supplier teams.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, conduct, analyze, and manage product validation and development testing activities.
  • Create test plans and procedures for mechanical systems, components, and equipment.
  • Coordinate the design and procurement of prototype hardware needed to support testing.
  • Set up test equipment, instrumentation, sensors, and gaging for laboratory, bench, and field testing activities.
  • Use data acquisition systems to collect performance, vibration, stress, strain, and other test data.
  • Analyze test data and evaluate product performance, reliability, and durability.
  • Perform vibration, durability, performance, reliability, and structural testing activities.
  • Support validation of mechanical systems, components, structures, and equipment through laboratory and field testing.
  • Investigate test and field failures and provide technical guidance to support product improvements and corrective actions.
  • Work with design and simulation teams to compare test results with analytical predictions.
  • Manage multiple validation projects, schedules, test resources, and deliverables.
  • Generate technical reports and clearly communicate test conclusions and recommendations.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers, engineering teams, laboratory technicians, and suppliers.
  • Identify opportunities to improve validation methods, testing efficiency, and data quality.
  • Travel to customer, supplier, laboratory, proving ground, or field locations pending project need (up to ~25%).

Requirements

  • Engineering testing, validation, or related experience. Relevant internship and co-op experience will be considered.
  • Basic understanding of mechanical systems, machinery, equipment, or product development processes.
  • Ability to develop and interpret engineering drawings, sketches, schematics, and technical reports.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong initiative and attention to detail.
  • Excellent technical communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan projects, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to evaluate test results and communicate technical conclusions.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams, technicians, customers, and suppliers.
  • Ability to travel up to approximately 25% of the time.

Desired Attributes

  • Experience with product validation, testing, reliability, or durability engineering activities.
  • Understanding of structural dynamics, vibration testing, NVH testing, or structural simulation.
  • Experience using data acquisition systems and test instrumentation.
  • Experience with vibration, durability, performance, or structural testing activities.
  • Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting engineering test data.
  • Experience coordinating prototype hardware, test fixtures, and laboratory resources.
  • Experience with mechanical systems, power systems, industrial equipment, off-road equipment, heavy machinery, or similar products.
  • Experience investigating product or system failures and supporting root cause analysis.
  • Experience managing multiple engineering or validation projects.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, validation, and suppliers.
  • Ability to identify process improvements and champion new testing or validation initiatives.
  • Desire to work in an engineering environment focused on product quality, reliability, durability, and robust design.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $60,000 - $80,000 – Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly