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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Meyer Najem

Project Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Research & Development * Special Projects * Innovation * Renderings & Walkthroughs * Clash ... Project Engineer ID: 9925 IN Location: Indianapolis, IN Department: Indiana Operations More about ...

State of Indiana

Highway Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

Design and Research: Assist in the development of programs, research development & technology plans (road maps) to improve product quality. Review research proposals and report to ensure their ...

State of Indiana

Highway Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

$75K/yr

Design and Research: Assist in the development of programs, research development & technology plans (road maps) to improve product quality. Review research proposals and report to ensure their ...

Meyer Najem

Internship - Project Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Research & Development * Special Projects * Innovation * Renderings & Walkthroughs * Clash ... Internship - Project Engineer ID: 995769 IN Location: Indianapolis, IN Department: Internship More ...

State of Indiana

Highway Engineer

Greenfield, IN

$75K/yr

Design and Research: Assist in the development of programs, research development & technology plans (road maps) to improve product quality. Review research proposals and report to ensure their ...

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All JobsResearch Development Engineer JobsResearch Development Engineer Jobs in Indiana

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 9, 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:
Research Development Engineer jobs near you
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.
Global Technical Director, Wallcovering

Global Technical Director, Wallcovering

Versa Designed Surfaces

New Albany, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY

The Global Technical Director plays a critical role in shaping the future of wallcovering innovation at Versa Designed Surfaces. As the company’s senior technical leader, this position is responsible for advancing product innovation, sustainability initiatives, manufacturing capabilities, and technical excellence across a global portfolio of wallcovering solutions.


Working cross-functionally with Product Management, Research & Development, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sales, and Marketing, the Global Technical Director drives the technical strategy that transforms ideas into commercially successful products. This role provides leadership across materials science, product development, compliance, quality systems, and process advancement, ensuring Versa continues to deliver industry-leading solutions that support global growth and strengthen its position as a premium design and manufacturing partner.



Job Summary: The Global Technical Director, Wallcovering serves as the company’s senior technical authority across all sites and regions. Working in close partnership with the Research & Development/Technical Director and Product Management, this individual drives the development of innovative products and processes by determining, applying and leading the company’s worldwide technical strategy across product development, production processes, quality systems, compliance, and sustainability for all wallcovering products. Specifically, the role entails providing functional leadership to R&D, product engineering, product assurance/testing, technical services, and quality systems, while supporting production process improvements and representing the company’s technical capabilities to internal stakeholders and external customers worldwide, all in support of achieving global growth objectives and premium brand positioning.


Focus areas include the following:

  • Developing and maintaining the global technical strategy and multi-year technology roadmap by aligning product innovation, materials science, and process capability with the company’s commercial objectives.
  • Ensuring that the company’s commitment to innovation produces tangible outcomes that position the company as a recognized technical leader in the industry.
  • Functioning as the company’s technical/environmental/sustainability expert in supporting the Product Management, Sales Service, and Sales and Marketing teams in communications with customers.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Apply knowledge of materials science and production processes to develop products consistent with the global technical strategy for wallcovering products across hospitality, healthcare, contract, luxury, and residential market segments.
  • Direct product engineering, formulation development, substrate technologies, coatings, inks, adhesives, and specialty finishes.
  • Work in conjunction with the Research & Development/Technical Director, the Director of Engineering, and the Operations organization to develop converting processes for the production of new products.
  • Drive innovation in gravure and digitally printed, sustainable, performance, and decorative wallcovering solutions.
  • Oversee technical validation of new products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
  • Ensure and maintain the use of a suitable quality assurance system, product testing protocols, and compliance with applicable regulatory, environmental, fire, and performance standards globally.
  • Establish, document, and maintain technical specifications for the company’s global product line.
  • Identify, manage, and maintain all certifications relating to environmental and technical performance, including Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations, and carbon-neutral compliance.
  • Identify and lead sustainability initiatives including material selection, recyclability, VOC reduction, environmental compliance, and lifecycle improvements to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
  • Support Product, Marketing, and Sales leaders by providing technical, environmental, and sustainability expertise to customers.
  • Interact regularly with company personnel, including Executive Management, to communicate status, outlook, and challenges with all areas of responsibility.

Qualification Requirements:

  • Required
    • B.S. or M.S. in Engineering or a Materials Science discipline.
    • Experience with materials science, including polymer films or natural substrates, coatings, adhesives, and inks.
    • Ability to communicate to the management team on process feasibility, resourcing, financial planning, and project execution.
    • Strong project management skills, with the ability to design, communicate, and execute project plans within an aggressive timeline.
    • Ability to travel, including occasional international, up to 30%.

  • Preferred
    • Proven success leading and managing others.
    • Experience in an industrial manufacturing setting, preferably web converting.


  • Desirable:
    • Product development, validation, and commercialization experience.
    • Understanding of Phase-Gate, Six Sigma, and Lean practices.



Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.


Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works at a computer and uses a keyboard and other hand-operated equipment.


The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.