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Research Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HiFyve

R&D Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

HiFyve is hiring a Research & Development Engineer in the Aerospace Manufacturing industry in Wichita, KS! Salary : $60,000-$72,500 Shift : Day Shift Location : Wichita, KS Benefits : Full benefits ...

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Hollister Incorporated

Lead R&D Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead R&D Engineer is a member of the Hollister Ostomy New Product Development team. The Lead R&D Engineer will lead or participate in new product development project teams to drive and develop ...

Hollister Incorporated

Lead R&D Engineer

Libertyville, IL · Hybrid

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead R&D Engineer is a member of the Hollister Ostomy New Product Development team. The Lead R&D Engineer will lead or participate in new product development project teams to drive and develop ...

Endologix

Sr. R&D Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

Join our innovative, patient-focused Research & Development team as a Sr. R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ARE: Endologix LLC is a California-based global medical device company dedicated to ...

Endologix

Sr. R&D Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

Overview Join our innovative, patient-focused Research & Development team as a Sr. R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ARE: Endologix LLC is a California-based global medical device company dedicated ...

Endologix

Sr. R&D Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

Overview Join our innovative, patient-focused Research & Development team as a Sr. R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ARE: Endologix LLC is a California-based global medical device company dedicated ...

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All JobsResearch Development Engineer Jobs

Research Development Engineer information

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$20K

$96.6K

$151K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 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 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.
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Research Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,571 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Process Development Engineer, Pet Research & Development

Process Development Engineer, Pet Research & Development

J.M. Smucker Company

Orrville, OH • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

J.M. Smucker rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Process Development Engineer, Pet Research & Development

Drive process development for innovation from concept through commercialization, resulting in the launch of new pet food and snacks. Support the improvement of existing processes, value engineering, and technology development to enable new product development or cost improvement.

Location: Orrville, OH

Work Arrangements: Hybrid, 60% or more in office presence as business need requiresand travel up to 30%

In this role you will:

  • Lead the development of robust processes to deliver the required finished product attributes, guardrails, and metrics (i.e. design criteria, consumer preference, cost, feasibility, timeline, etc.).

  • Efficiently design, plan, coordinate, and execute experiments from benchtop through manufacturing scale (i.e. creating test plans/experimental design, developing process flow diagrams, designing equipment and tooling, analyze and interpret data, etc.).

  • Lead technical and cross-functional teams to successfully develop and launch new innovation/renovation/business support/value engineering projects at JMS and/or co-manufacturing facilities.

  • Apply fundamental engineering/processing principles in combination with a creative mindset and critical thinking to develop novel process solutions.

  • Communicate project updates, review and summarize experimental results, provide go/no-go recommendations, and provide general technical updates to pet leadership and additional internal and external stakeholders.

  • Participate, and often lead discussions, as an active member of cross-functional project teams comprised of individuals from various disciplines, including Operations, Quality, Marketing, Finance, Procurement, and Co-Manufacturing to successfully commercialize new products or commission new processes.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering

  • 5+ years relevant experience in Research and Development or similar technical role.

  • Experience with experimental design (DoE) and execution.

  • Demonstrates knowledge and expertise; still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills.

  • Strong organizational, critical thinking and creativity skills.

  • Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.

  • Ability to work under moderate supervision within guidelines and processes.

  • Strong time management skills.

  • Strong cross-functional collaboration with technical teams (Operations, etc.) to influence shared goals and objectives.

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

  • Advanced Engineering degree and Chemical/Food Engineering.

  • Experience with rotary molding or baking.

  • Experience with pet food/snack production and/or human biscuit/cookie production.

  • Experience in food manufacturing environment.

  • Experience with statistical analysis/software.

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TheRight Placefor You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in ourBasic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with usonLinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

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