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Research Development Process Engineer Jobs in Huntsville, AL

GE Appliances

Senior Plastics Process Engineer

Decatur, AL · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

Join our team as a Senior Plastics Process Engineer and lead the development, optimization, and standardization of molding processes that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. In ...

PPG

Process Engineer, Aerospace

Huntsville, AL

$109K/yr

As a Process Engineer, Aerospace, you will cover all areas of Safety, Quality, Manufacturing ... Collaborate with quality team, design engineering team, new product development team, safety team ...

Leidos

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Serve as the Lead Manufacturing Engineer on the SLCM-N Team assisting Design for Manufacturing (DFM) activities during the product development phase. * Define manufacturing processes needed for the ...

Hexcel

Staff Manufacturing Process Engineer

Decatur, AL · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Do you want to be developed into a leader within a world‑class manufacturing environment? This ... As a Staff Manufacturing Process Engineer in our Decatur, AL facility, you will play a critical ...

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All JobsResearch Development Process Engineer JobsResearch Development Process Engineer Jobs in Huntsville, AL

Research Development Process Engineer information

See Huntsville, AL salary details

$44.8K

$100.1K

$150.3K

How much do research development process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development process engineer in Huntsville, AL is $100,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $117,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research development process engineer do?

A Research Development Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes in research and product development settings. They work to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability of new products or technologies by bridging the gap between research and manufacturing. Their role often involves collaborating with scientists, engineers, and production teams to ensure that innovative concepts can be effectively and safely produced at a larger scale. They also analyze data, troubleshoot problems, and implement improvements to meet regulatory and business requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research development process engineer?

A Research Development Process Engineer requires a solid background in chemical or process engineering, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), statistical analysis tools, and industry-specific certifications like Six Sigma are often expected. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure successful innovation, efficient process optimization, and seamless collaboration in research-driven engineering environments.

What are the main challenges research development process engineers face when transitioning projects from R&D to full-scale production?

One of the primary challenges Research Development Process Engineers encounter is ensuring that innovative processes developed in the laboratory can be effectively scaled up for manufacturing without compromising quality or efficiency. This often involves troubleshooting unforeseen issues, optimizing process parameters, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain. Navigating regulatory requirements and managing tight project deadlines are also common hurdles. Successful engineers leverage strong problem-solving skills and clear communication to bridge the gap between research concepts and practical, large-scale implementation.

What is the difference between Research Development Process Engineer vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development Process EngineerResearch Scientist
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing manufacturing processes and workflowsConducting scientific research to generate new knowledge or products
Work EnvironmentIndustrial labs, manufacturing facilitiesAcademic or industrial research labs
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields; certifications in process improvementMaster’s or PhD in Science or Engineering
Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesAcademic, R&D departments, biotech, pharmaceuticals

Research Development Process Engineers focus on translating research into scalable manufacturing processes, while Research Scientists primarily conduct experiments to advance scientific knowledge. Both roles require strong technical skills but differ in application and environment.

What are popular job titles related to Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL?

For Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL are:

What cities near Huntsville, AL are hiring for Research Development Process Engineer jobs?

Cities near Huntsville, AL with the most Research Development Process Engineer job openings:

Research Development Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Process Engineer job openings in Huntsville, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,120 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

R&T Polymerization Process Engineer

Hexcel Corporation

Decatur, AL

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Hexcel rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Ready to Shape the Future of Advanced Materials?

Are you a polymerization expert looking to make a real impact in aerospace, defense, and clean energy? Do you thrive at the intersection of innovation and industrial scale-up? If you're ready to lead transformative projects that push the boundaries of composite materials, this is your boarding pass to a career that matters.

Hexcel is seeking a R&T Polymerization Process Engineer to join our team in Decatur, AL.

Why This Role Matters

This isn’t just another engineering job. You’ll be driving the development of scalable, sustainable polymerization processes that fuel the next generation of aircraft, wind turbines, and space exploration. Your work will directly influence how high-performance materials are made and used across industries that shape our world.
 

At Hexcel, your ideas won’t sit on a shelf—they’ll be piloted, scaled, and launched into production.
 

What You Will Do

  • Lead polymerization process from lab to pilot to full-scale production, ensuring safety, compliance, and performance.
  • Develop scalable manufacturing solutions for PAN polymer with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
  • Accelerate Time-to-Market: Streamline technology development to bring new products to life faster.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to integrate innovations into production and drive continuous improvement.
  • Apply advanced polymerization methods and stay current with technical literature to fuel ongoing development.
     

Your Boarding Pass

To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

  • Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field. Ph.D. preferred.
  • 5+ years in chemical process development, with direct experience in industrial solution polymerization.
  • Expertise in polymer chemistry, structure-property relationships, and scaling R&D to production.
  • Hands-on experience with pilot equipment and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
  • Strong team leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Familiarity with Process Safety Management environments.
     

Why Decatur, AL?

It all starts here. Decatur is more than just a manufacturing site—it’s a community of innovators that sets the stage for precision downstream processes at other Hexcel sites. Nestled along the Tennessee River, Decatur offers a blend of Southern charm, outdoor adventure, and a growing tech scene. With a lower cost of living and access to nature, it’s a place where you can build both a career and a life. Relocation assistance available.

About Hexcel

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advanced composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs, and additive manufactured parts. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices, and R&T centers around the globe. Become a part of the “strength within.”

Eligible candidates must be a:  U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum. Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.

Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.

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