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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$117K - $226K/yr

AR&E is looking for a Research and Development Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Multi - Disciplinary Engineering) to leverage expertise across the corporation to research, develop ...

$117K - $226K/yr

AR&E is looking for a Research and Development Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Multi - Disciplinary Engineering) to leverage expertise across the corporation to research, develop ...

Development Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

As a Development Engineer in our R&D function within the Spine division, you'll perform implant and instrumentation design work while actively participating on multi-functional teams to support ...

Sr. Development Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

As a Senior Development Engineer - VB Vision in our R&D function within the Spine division, you'll play a key role in the development of advanced VB Vision platforms, working on mechanical and ...

The position will have responsibility as a liaison between R&D and manufacturing with a focus on ... via engineering and administrative solutions * Champion process capabilities and leverage ...

The position will have responsibility as a liaison between R&D and manufacturing with a focus on ... via engineering and administrative solutions * Champion process capabilities and leverage ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Development Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$19.8K

$95.7K

$149.7K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in Virginia is $95,743.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Research Development Engineer jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Research Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,743 per year, or $46 per hour.

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Research and Development Engineer

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

The Pennsylvania State University
Education • 11 - 50 employees

$146K - $318K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking highly motivated Research and Development Engineers to join our Research Artificial Intelligence of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will assist in providing customers with state-of-the-art visualization and decision support. The primary focus will be researching and developing feasible algorithmic solutions to our sponsor's complex problems given large sets of multivariate data.

Located in State College, PA or Reston, VA

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Design and implement machine learning systems, models, and schemes
  • Research and apply state-of-the-art machine learning prototypes to sponsor specific domains
  • Search and select appropriate data sets before performing data collection and data modeling
  • Visualize data for deeper insights
  • Generate and present technical research reports and briefings
  • Perform statistical analysis in support of pattern of life and anomaly detection
  • Perform data fusion and correlation
  • Build high quality software prototypes integrated with our various research and pre-production software environments
  • Collaborate with other ARL staff and sponsors
  • Supervise the work of lower-level staff and undergraduate student
  • Perform tasks of a larger scope and lead specific tasks within the project scope

Required skills/knowledge includes:

  • Data science/algorithm development
  • Data science / Machine Learning languages to include Python
  • Research, development and implementation of machine learning models

Preferred skills/knowledge includes:

  • Active TS/SCI Clearance
  • Master's degree
  • Training and optimizing ML algorithms on GPU hardware architectures, specifically NVIDIA based
  • Working with geo-spatial data
  • Statistics, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra
  • Exploratory data analysis and visualization
  • Data science / Machine Learning tools to include Pandas, PyTorch/TensorFlow, NumPy, MatPlotLib, PostGreSQL, FastAPI
  • Software Development tools to include Git, Docker, Kubernetes, SSH

Your work location will be fully on-site State College PA or Reston, VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Artificial Intelligence (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $146,040.00 - $318,840.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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