1

Research Development Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$15 - $19.50/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Cordova, TN

$15 - $19.50/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$14.50 - $19/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$16 - $21/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Cordova, TN

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$15 - $19.50/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$15 - $19.50/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$15 - $19.50/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

R&D Engineering Intern

Memphis, TN

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.  Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 16, 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?

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 Tennessee?

For Research Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,649 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

$24 - $34/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 22 days ago


Medtronic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

177th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

CAREERS THAT CHANGE LIVES

The possibilities at the intersection of medicine and technology are endless, which means endless opportunities to make your mark on the world. Our interns do real work within experienced teams to improve the lives of millions. Careers that change lives start here. Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare technology with a Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Our 95,000 employees work across more than 150 countries to put patients first, developing innovative medical technologies that improve the lives of 72+ million patients each year.

You have learned a lot to get here — and we want you to keep growing. Your unique talents will help shape the future of healthcare while building a career grounded in purpose, growth, and impact.

Our summer internships are full-time (40 hours/week), paid positions lasting 10-11 weeks. We offer competitive compensation, educational and social programming throughout the summer, as well as housing assistance and relocation support for eligible interns.

R&D Engineering interns support experienced teams across research, design, product development, systems, testing, and sustaining engineering to help advance medical technology. Examples of work in each area are listed below.

R&D Engineer

 Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during research or product development.

 Designs studies to investigate specific life science questions within an area of expertise.

Systems Engineer

 Performs technical planning, system integration, verification, and validation.

 Evaluates alternatives including cost, risk, supportability, and total system performance across concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal.

Electrical Engineer

 Researches, develops, designs, and tests electrical components, equipment, systems, and networks.

 Designs electrical equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems.

Biomedical Engineer

 Designs, develops, and provides safety testing, repair, and maintenance of biomedical equipment.

 Helps ensure biomedical equipment complies with applicable regulatory requirements and quality control standards.

Mechanical Design Engineer

 Researches, plans, designs, verifies, validates, and develops mechanical or electromechanical products and systems.

 Recommends technology options or approaches to improve safety, performance, efficiency, or cost.

 May support transfer from R&D to manufacturing.

Product Engineer

 Supports production engineering work related to testing methods, procedures, device specifications, yield issues, redesign, customer returns, supplier engineering changes, and production optimization.

 May assume responsibility for devices or components after transfer into high-volume production.

Test Engineer

 Designs, develops, and implements testing methods and equipment.

 Plans labor, schedules, and equipment needed to test and evaluate standard and special devices.

Location and Work Model

Most internship positions are based at primary hubs in Minnesota, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, with additional opportunities available in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas. Candidate location preferences are strongly considered during the interview and offer process; however, flexibility increases the number of potential opportunities available. All interns must reside in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. Medtronic is working a minimum of 4 days a week onsite as part of its commitment to professional growth, cross-functional collaboration, and engineering the extraordinary.

Must Have: Minimum Requirements

To be considered for a Summer 2027 engineering internship, your resume must clearly demonstrate how you meet each of these basic requirements.

 Working toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Biomedical, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering or a related engineering major with an anticipated

graduation date of Winter 2027, Spring 2028, Winter 2028, or Spring 2029.

 Ability to participate full time, 40 hours per week, as part of the intern cohort from June 1-August 13 for semester system programs or June 14-August 20 for quarter system programs.

 Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis and do not require sponsorship now or in the future for an employment visa. The Medtronic Summer Internship Program does not provide work authorization sponsorship for summer intern positions. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for the Medtronic Summer Internship Program.

Nice to Have: Preferred Requirements

 Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.

 Flexibility in geographic location.

 Experience with one or more technical tools or platforms such as C, C++, C#/.NET, SQL, Java, Python, Microsoft Visual Studio, CAD, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Minitab, MATLAB, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, LabVIEW, or similar technologies.

 Academic project, internship, research, laboratory, design team, or work experience related to product development, systems engineering, testing, design verification, validation, mechanical design, electrical design, or medical technology.

 Experience supporting engineering design, testing, data analysis, prototyping, system integration, or product development activities.

 Experience creating technical reports, laboratory documentation, engineering presentations, design documentation, or project summaries.

 Experience with statistical analysis, engineering calculations, experimental design, or data-driven decision making.

About Medtronic:

Together, as one of the largest medical device companies in the country, we can change healthcare worldwide. At Medtronic, we push the limits of what technology, therapies, and services can do to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Help us shape the future and engineer the extraordinary.

Physical Job Requirements:

The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the role, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer and communicate with peers and coworkers.


What Medtronic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom