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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

This position is responsible for designing, optimizing, and influencing system-level engineering solutions that support product development, testing platforms, process innovation, and R&D initiatives ...

R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

A R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer is expected to have adequate experience, skills and knowledge to develop hydraulic & pneumatic equipment as well as electrical controls for specialty gear used ...

R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

A R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer is expected to have adequate experience, skills and knowledge to develop hydraulic & pneumatic equipment as well as electrical controls for specialty gear used ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

Senior R&D Engineers leverage their expertise to solve complex challenges, develop innovative equipment, and mentor the next generation of talented engineers. This position offers the unique ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

Senior R&D Engineers leverage their expertise to solve complex challenges, develop innovative equipment, and mentor the next generation of talented engineers. This position offers the unique ...

The R&D Engineer should be able to share technical advice and advise the project team members to assist in identifying, reviewing and resolving problems from a customer perspective and to understand ...

Senior R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN

$101K - $139K/yr

As a Senior R&D Engineer , you will play a key role in bringing innovative medical technologies from concept through launch. Based in Memphis, Tennessee , this is an opportunity to lead complex ...

Senior R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

As a Senior R&D Engineer , you will play a key role in bringing innovative medical technologies from concept through launch. Based in Memphis, Tennessee , this is an opportunity to lead complex ...

Create test plans and coordinate in-house R&D testing of both systems and components during product development. * Work with execution engineer to ensure all required component information is ...

The R&D Engineer should be able to share technical advice and advise the project team members to assist in identifying, reviewing and resolving problems from a customer perspective and to understand ...

Create test plans and coordinate in-house R&D testing of both systems and components during product development. * Work with execution engineer to ensure all required component information is ...

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Research Development Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$18.2K

$87.6K

$137.1K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in Tennessee is $87,649.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $106,200.00 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

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.

Do R&D engineers make good money?

Research Development (R&D) engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized skills in engineering, research, and problem-solving, which can lead to higher compensation compared to other engineering roles. Advanced degrees and certifications can also influence earning potential.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

What does an R&D engineer do?

An R&D engineer develops and tests new products, processes, or technologies to improve existing offerings or create innovative solutions. They often work in laboratories or research facilities, utilizing skills in engineering, design, and analysis, and may use tools like CAD software and testing equipment. Their work supports product development, requiring collaboration with cross-functional teams and adherence to safety and quality standards.
What are popular job titles related to Research Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Research Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,649 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Senior Research & Development Engineer

Senior Research & Development Engineer

Asurion

Nashville, TN

$100K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Asurion rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Asurion is the global leader in technology support and protection. Innovation and dedication to delighting customers have made it the preferred provider of technology protection to the world's largest wireless carriers, trusted retailers, and popular device manufacturers. Asurion's 17,000 global employees support its 280 million consumers with an award-winning experience delivered through products and services that have set the standard in the industry.

Summary of Job:

The Engineer 3 role is a senior-level individual contributor within the Global Engineering organization. This position is responsible for designing, optimizing, and influencing system-level engineering solutions that support product development, testing platforms, process innovation, and R&D initiatives across Asurion's operations.

Reporting to an Engineering Manager or Senior Manager, the Engineer 3 operates with strong technical autonomy and broad organizational influence. This role moves beyond feature ownership to system contribution-anticipating cross-functional impacts, improving engineering standards, and ensuring scalable, high-performing solutions across teams and sites.

Engineer 3 serves as a trusted technical authority within their domain, guiding solution architecture, improving engineering practices, and mentoring junior engineers.

This is a full-time, on-site, exempt position.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Design and optimize system-level engineering solutions that integrate processes, tools, data, and workflows across functions.
  • Lead complex cross-functional initiatives that impact quality, performance, cost, scalability, or lifecycle outcomes.
  • Establish and refine engineering standards, validation methods, documentation practices, and process controls.
  • Own key system KPIs and proactively drive improvements through structured analysis and sustainable countermeasures.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in core technical domains, advising leadership and stakeholders on risk, feasibility, and long-term impact.
  • Lead advanced root cause analysis and corrective action strategies across multi-functional systems.
  • Support new product introductions, technology deployments, and process transformations with system-level readiness and validation oversight.
  • Mentor Engineer 1 and Engineer 2 team members, elevating technical depth and structured problem-solving capability.
  • Partner with global teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to align engineering solutions with long-term strategy.
  • Communicate technical direction, tradeoffs, and recommendations clearly to leadership.
  • Remain adaptable to evolving priorities while maintaining accountability for system performance and reliability.

Skills & Knowledge:

  • Advanced knowledge of engineering principles within assigned discipline.
  • Strong system-thinking capability - understands interactions across processes, tools, data, and people.
  • Demonstrated ability to design scalable solutions beyond individual features.
  • Proficiency in advanced problem-solving methodologies (RCA, CAPA, FMEA, DOE, statistical analysis).
  • Ability to influence engineering direction without direct authority.
  • Experience driving standardization and engineering best practices.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, and cross-functional communication skills.
  • Ability to balance short-term operational needs with long-term system optimization.

Behavioral Dimensions

  • System Ownership - Thinks beyond individual tasks; accountable for system performance and sustainability.
  • Technical Influence - Shapes engineering decisions and standards across teams.
  • Strategic Problem-Solving - Anticipates risks and downstream impacts before implementation.
  • Mentorship & Capability Building - Elevates team capability through guidance and knowledge transfer.
  • Continuous Improvement Leadership - Drives structural improvements, not just reactive fixes.

Engineer 3 - Product Engineering Specialty

Specialty Focus - Product Engineering

  • Owns system-level product performance across lifecycle phases
  • Defines and standardizes validation, tooling, and documentation frameworks across sites
  • Anticipates downstream operational impacts of product changes
  • Leads large-scale cost and performance optimization initiatives
  • Serves as domain subject matter expert influencing cross-team decisions

Specialty Focus - Test Engineering

  • Designs and optimizes system-level test platform architecture
  • Owns enterprise test KPIs across throughput, traceability, and reliability
  • Standardizes validation methodologies across regions
  • Leads integration strategy for third-party and internal systems
  • Anticipates scalability risks before deployment

Specialty Focus - R&D Engineering

  • Leads system-level innovation initiatives with multi-team impact
  • Defines validation standards for prototypes transitioning to production
  • Conducts structured risk modeling and long-term feasibility analysis
  • Partners with suppliers to shape capability evolution
  • Drives pilot-to-production transitions across sites

Education and Experience Guidelines:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required.
  • Typically 6-9 years of progressive engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated success influencing system-level engineering outcomes.
  • Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives preferred.

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