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Research Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$203K/yr

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 ...

Nwis

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA

$203K/yr

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 ...

Prescient Edge

Head of Research

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title Head of Research Location McLean, VA 22102 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Manager Education Bachelor's Degree Travel None ...

KBR, Inc.

Radar Research Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: Radar Research Engineer KBR is looking for a Radar Research Engineer to join our team in ... Primarily, candidate conducts research SAR and MTI processing and algorithm development * Candidate ...

KBR, Inc.

Radar Research Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... development • Candidate provides technical analyses and support in developing and applying ... (R&D) engineering problems and methods, in resolving important questions, and planning and ...

KBR

Radar Research Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Title: Radar Research Engineer KBR is looking for a Radar Research Engineer to join our team in ... Primarily, candidate conducts research SAR and MTI processing and algorithm development * Candidate ...

KBR

Radar Research Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Title: Radar Research Engineer KBR is looking for a Radar Research Engineer to join our team in ... Primarily, candidate conducts research SAR and MTI processing and algorithm development Candidate ...

Cmu

Business Development Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

The Software Solutions Division (SSD) comprises a large part of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) operated by Carnegie Mellon ...

Williammary

Research Scientist

Gloucester Point, VA

$65K/yr

Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering, Oceanography, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Marine Science ... Support development of seamless creek-to-ocean operational forecasting systems * Conduct model ...

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All JobsResearch Development Engineer JobsResearch Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Jun 9, 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, 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 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:
Research Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,743 per year, or $46 per hour.

Research and Development Engineer Intern

Penn State University

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 535 rated colleges and universities

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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Cyber Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking interns to assist ARL engineers in the areas of data analysis, machine learning, and signal processing. Interns will have the opportunity to develop cutting-edge AI/ML techniques to solve problems in signal processing and anomaly detection.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
Typical duties may include:
  • Design and implement custom algorithmic solutions, specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence, to meet varied sponsor objectives.
  • Support machine learning model development using tools and libraries such as PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, and similar technologies.
  • Support for data analysis and data display
Students studying Math, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Skills:
  • Experience in AI/ML
  • Knowledge of Python, MATLAB, or similar language
  • Knowledge of signal processing a plus
  • Ability to take data in an organized fashion and write a report about their results

The successful candidate will work up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and 40 hours/week over the summer.
These positions will be onsite in Reston, VA or State College, PA.
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
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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