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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Site R&D Schedule: Full time Employee Status: Regular Job Type: Permanent contract Job Posting Date ... 000 engineers working in Research & Development - a multi-cultural environment that values ...

Site R&D Schedule: Full time Employee Status: Regular Job Type: Permanent contract Job Posting Date ... 000 engineers working in Research & Development - a multi-cultural environment that values ...

This position will work closely with Customers, Sales, Design Engineers, Project Managers, R&D, Manufacturing and Commercial Development to develop next generation products that will ultimately lead ...

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Research Development Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$19K

$91.9K

$143.7K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in Indiana is $91,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $111,300.00 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 Indiana? For Research Development Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Engineer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,893 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Research Development Engineer

Research Development Engineer

APP Engineering, Inc.

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

$50K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Description

APP Engineering, Inc. is a leading original equipment manufacturer of electrical recording equipment for power companies and large industrial plants. Our recording equipment, disturbance monitoring equipment, is installed in transmission line substations, sub transmission substations, distribution substations, and various types of power plants to record bulk electric system voltages, currents, power, and stream power system telemetry. Our product line of instrumentation performs digital fault recording, sequence of event recording, dynamic disturbance recording, synchro phasor streaming, and power quality recording. With a need for innovative recording products and a need to meet power company requested recording and analyzing functions, APP Engineering needs to grow our Research and Development Department.


Research and Development Engineer (RDE)

The RDE position applies broad based knowledge involving theoretical aspects of power generation, transmission, and distribution; digital signal processing; digital electronics and hardware; basic manufacturing processes; computer hardware, design and develop new and improve features for multifunction recording instruments while understanding bulk electric standards developed by IEEE and IEC.ย 

The RDE in this position should be able to design, implement, and code algorithms for digital signal processing, develop and maintain software for interfacing with hardware, and create testing procedures and documentation for new products and features. They should also be able to configure and troubleshoot the platforms used by the software. They should be able to lead and guide a team of engineers.

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Minimum requirements

Masterโ€™s degree in both electrical engineering and computer engineering with a minimum of two years of experience in design and development.

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Job Duties

1)ย ย ย ย  ย The RDE will research, develop, and test design new recording instrumentation that has been identified by senior management and requested by power company protection and control engineers and power quality engineers.

2)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test, research, develop, and design new recording features for existing products identified by senior management and requested by power company protection and control engineers and power quality engineers.

3)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test, research, develop, and design improvements for existing products that will increase reliability and allow operation in substation and power plant conditions for a period of 20 years.

4)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will define and oversee industry type testing, in-house and with third party laboratories, which must be passed to install such recording equipment on the bulk electric system.

5)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will ensure these newly developed products can be manufactured in a cost-effective way and will demonstrate such processes to senior management.

6)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test, design, and implement computer hardware to be used with recording instrumentation.

7)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test, design, and implement software for network communications and recording, interfacing with hardware to record and analyze signals.

8)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will test and document new features and procedures for installations and deployment of new equipment and improved equipment.

9)ย ย ย ย  The RDE will select and configure operating systems or micro controls or PLCโ€™s that are integral to the operation of the recording and PQ equipment. Such as Windows, Windows Enterprise Iot operating systems, and Linux operating systems.

10) The RDE will test, design, and develop software that analyzes data from our recorders, and such software must be application and web based.

11) ย The RDE will apply mathematical theories to process incoming data, captured or streamed, by recording instrumentation. This mathematical processing will provide meaningful data and analysis for the engineers and technicians working at power companies to remedy problems with power signals.

12) The RDE will seek to identify scientific trends by attending industry conferences such as the Georgia Tech University, Texas A&M University, and Washington State University protective relaying and fault disturbance analysis conferences to research industry needed instrumentation and trends such as cutting edge 61850 digital substation.

13) The RDE will be programming in C++, C#/.NET, Assembly, and CSHARP.

14) The RDE will interface with APP Engineering customers to explain operational theory and functions of our Disturbance Monitoring Equipment as well as assist with any applicable troubleshooting.

15) The RDE will interface with APP Engineering vendors and contractors.

16) The RDE will communicate with senior level management regarding R&D projects and provide road maps with timelines.

17) The RDE will supervise other engineers and provide technical support and improved manufacturing tools and software for various areas with APP Engineering.

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Skills

The RDE will have used programming languages of at least C++ and C#. The RDE will have used AutoCAD and circuit board layout software. The RDE will have excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, deductive reasoning ability, ability to influence and persuade to achieve desired outcomes, ability to multi-task and lead, strong organizational skills, and be proficient with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Comments

Signing an employment agreement is required. APP Engineering, Inc. is an E-Verify Participant, an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001 Registered Company, and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

APP Engineering, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of recording equipment for power companies. Our disturbance monitoring equipment is installed in transmission line substations and power plants to record bulk electric system voltages, currents, power, and stream power system telemetry. APP Engineering is growing, and we are looking to add team members to our manufacturing area. We offer a pleasant work environment, and growth opportunities are available for qualified candidates