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Research Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary HII is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Research Development Engineer to support the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Energy Academic Group in Monterey, California. The ...

Senior Research & Development Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

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 ...

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Research Development Engineer information

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$20K

$96.6K

$151K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in the United States is $96,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $117,000.00 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 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.
More about Research Development Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Research Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Research Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Development Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,571 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer

Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer

Motorola

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.


Department OverviewSilvus Technologies, a leading provider of advanced MANET and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical applications - on the ground, in the air and at sea. Its battle-proven StreamCaster family of MANET radios and proprietary MN-MIMO waveform provides the vital communications link for defense, law enforcement and public safety agencies around the world, and in the toughest operational environments.
With deep roots in DARPA research, Silvus Technologies develops world-class advanced communications technologies that are reshaping the tactical communications landscape. From pure line-of-sight to extreme non-line-of-sight, Silvus radios form a self-healing, self-forming mesh network, enabling secure and reliable connectivity, including video and high-bandwidth data.
Silvus Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Job Description

Would you like to join an incredibly talented group of people, doing very challenging work, with the prime directive of "Keeping Our Heroes Connected"?

THE OPPORTUNITY

Silvus is seeking a Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer who will report to the Vice President of Research & Development on the R&D team. The successful individual in this role will oversee and participate in the planning, design, implementation, prototyping, and verification of wireless technology projects.

This position is based at Silvus Technologies' headquarters in the heart of vibrant West Los Angeles, CA, and is on a hybrid schedule. A minimum of 3 days onsite per week is expected. On-site days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The following is a list of at least some of the current essential job functions of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Technical management of Research and Development projects and programs to include:

    • Responsibility for overall system design and requirement specification.

    • Setting and tracking development schedules and tasks.

    • Participating in the hands-on design, simulation, and verification work.

    • Overseeing relevant simulation, software, FPGA, and testing efforts.

    • Customer-facing engagement and technical material preparation when needed.

    • Reporting to management, as required for strategic planning and assessment.

  • Participate in Research and Development business development and capture efforts to include:

    • Whitepaper and proposal preparation.

    • Understand current technology and pitch future enhancements and strategies.

    • Communicate (telephone/email/in-person) engagement with government and industry.

  • Work collaboratively within the senior Research and Development team on the following:

    • Executing larger, team-wide projects.

    • Setting a comprehensive team-wide technology portfolio and pipeline.

  • Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

    • Supervise a team of engineers to fulfill functions or project needs.

    • Participate in the drafting of job descriptions and screening/ interviewing engineering candidates.

  • Travel Requirements - Infrequent travel to support customer interactions, test and demonstration events, or for team meetings at Los Angeles, CA headquarters or other locations.

  • Perform other related duties of which the above are representative.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related communication and/or engineering technology field (i.e., wireless communications, signal processing, networking, RF design, etc.).

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and development of wireless systems.

  • 5 years of demonstrated experience in technical project leadership (i.e., principal investigator, technical program management, etc.).

  • Participation in the complete technology development cycle: design to field testing.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.

  • All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Simulation and prototyping software: C/C++, MATLAB, Python, etc.

  • Radio frequency propagation, channel modeling, digital communication.

  • Wireless ad-hoc mesh networking, medium access, and routing algorithms.

  • Signal processing algorithms, MIMO, OFDM, beam-nulling, etc.

  • Cognitive radio congested and contested spectrum, interference mitigation.

  • Radio frequency sensing, signal detection, classification, etc.

  • Technical writing, proposal preparation, and technical presentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Office environment.

  • Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and allergens while performing tests or demonstrations in the field.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do the following:

- Lift equipment up to 20 lbs. for the set-up of demonstrations and testing.

- Perform bending and reaching movements to place items on lower and higher shelves.

- Kneeling or squatting to access lower shelves.

- Walking/Moving in the labs

#silvuscareers

COMPENSATION: $180,000 - $250,000 / annually

Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.

NOTE - As a US Federal Contractor, Silvus Technologies requires that ALL candidates being considered for employment for any position (regardless of level) MUST be a U.S. Person (permanent resident or citizen). Stricter U.S. Citizen ONLY requirements (needed for some Engineering or R&D roles) will be included in the Required Qualifications section of the posted position. This does NOT apply to international positions; only job postings for positions located in the US.


Basic Requirements
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related communication and/or engineering technology field (i.e., wireless communications, signal processing, networking, RF design, etc.).
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and development of wireless systems.
  • 5 years of demonstrated experience in technical project leadership (i.e., principal investigator, technical program management, etc.).
  • Participation in the complete technology development cycle: design to field testing.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.

Travel Requirements10-25%
Relocation ProvidedDomestic
Position TypeExperienced
Referral Payment PlanYes

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • GenerousPaidTime Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • PaidParental & Family Leave

  • and more!


EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete thisReasonable Accommodations Formso we can assist you.


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About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928