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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. The ideal candidate will ...

Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. The ideal candidate will ...

... the development of Metron tools. Projects typically involve developing advanced algorithms ... Programming experience in Java, C, C++, MATLAB, Mathematica and/or Python * Mathematical modeling ...

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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 Aug 12, 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 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 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, 84% Full Time, 13% 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.

Non-Destructive Evaluation Development Engineer

BWX Technologies

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We require a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.
BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT's innovation hub. BWXT's Lynchburg Technology Center (LTC) consists of five discrete laboratory operations, namely, Nuclear Materials Engineering (NME), Radioisotope & Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (RACL), Nondestructive Evaluation & Inspection Systems (NDE&IS), Metallurgical Laboratory (MET), and Advanced Fuel Development (ADVF). This organization operates under an NRC license with radioactive facilities dealing with special nuclear material as well as by-product materials.
The Non-Destructive Evaluation and Inspection Systems (NDE&IS) group at LTC research, develops, and builds custom non-destructive inspection systems for both internal and external customers. These non-destructive evaluation (NDE) systems are mostly based on ultrasonic testing but can involve electromagnetic (i.e., eddy current and magnetic) testing or vision systems. NDE&IS also supports the development of advanced induction heating applications.
The NDE&IS group is comprised of ten staff members that provide physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, and system build up capabilities. NDE&IS maintains extensive capabilities for modeling ultrasonic wave propagation, ultrasonic inspections, and eddy current inspections. NDE&IS also has enterprise level finite element modeling (FEM) capability for electromagnetics, thermal, and stress analysis. To further support the buildup of these systems NDE&IS has full electrical, electronics, and printed circuit board development capabilities. NDE&IS also has in-house machining capabilities to support rapid buildup of mechanical devices.
If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.
Position Overview:
As a Non-Destructive Evaluation Development Engineer, you will work alongside a team of engineers and technicians to support the research, design, and development of advanced NDE systems. In this role, you will assess customer needs, develop innovative custom system concepts, collaborate with clients on cost proposals, and lead the creation of specialized non-destructive inspection tests.
Location:
The position will be based on site in Lynchburg, VA at LTC.
Your Day to Day as a Non-Destructive Evaluation Development Engineer:
  • Assess candidate non-destructive evaluation needs and develop design concepts for custom system development to meet those needs.
  • Work with potential customers to prepare and submit cost proposals for the development of custom systems.
  • Design and develop non-destructive inspection tests.
  • Perform NDE system design including specifying subsystem components such as scanners, NDE instruments, and data acquisition instruments.
  • Conduct system verification testing of an inspection method or system.
  • Implement modifications to the inspection or testing system as needed to obtain the correct results.

Required Qualifications:
  • A minimum of a bachelor's degree in physics or engineering is required.
  • A minimum of four (4) years of NDE system or inspection development related experience with emphasis on ultrasonic testing is required.
  • Must be a self-starter, capable of working as part of a team, and occasionally independently.
  • Must have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance as required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in numerical modeling for simulating ultrasonic inspections.
  • Experience in robotics and automation to support the development of automated ultrasonic inspection systems.
  • Possession of an NDE Level III certification.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
  • An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
  • The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $86,000.00 - $136,000.00
The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $86,000.00 and $136,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.
BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.
BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid ("Agreement"). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT's Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.

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