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Research Development Process Engineer Jobs in Syracuse, NY

R&D Optical Engineer Are you passionate about advancing optical technologies and creating ... Your recruiter can share more about the pay range for this position during the hiring process. You ...

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Research Development Process Engineer information

See Syracuse, NY salary details

$45K

$100.4K

$150.7K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development process engineer in Syracuse, NY is $100,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $117,600.00 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 Syracuse, NY? For Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Syracuse, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Syracuse, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Syracuse, NY are:
What cities near Syracuse, NY are hiring for Research Development Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Syracuse, NY with the most Research Development Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Development Process Engineer job openings in Syracuse, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,395 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

$87K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


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Job description

R&D Optical Engineer

Are you passionate about advancing optical technologies and creating innovative solutions?

Do you enjoy working on complex optical systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver highperformance products?

Partnering with the best

As the world leader in non-destructive testing (NDT), Waygate Technologies offers the broadest portfolio of industrial inspection solutions. Our solutions include radiography and computed tomography (CT), remote visual inspection, ultrasound and eddy current technologies. We ensure safety, quality and productivity for our customers across major industries around the world.

Fueling your passion

As an R&D Optical Engineer, you will be responsible for:

  • Optical Design & Development: Designing and developing optical systems from ideation through implementation, including lens design, optical packaging, prototyping, and validation activities.
  • Engineering Excellence: Adhering to business standards, engineering best practices, and product/program requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Crossfunctional Collaboration: Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure optical components are manufacturable and meet performance expectations.
  • Supplier Collaboration: Partnering with suppliers to optimize designs for cost, manufacturability, and long-term production consistency.
  • Technical Analysis: Performing optical modeling and analysis, including alignment methods, lens selection, modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis, and field of view (FOV) optimization.
  • New Product Introduction: Supporting NPI activities to ensure successful transition from development to production.
  • Innovation & Research: Investigating emerging optical technologies and contributing to innovation efforts and patent development.
  • Documentation: Maintaining accurate design records, test reports, and technical documentation.

To be successful in this role, you will:

  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
  • Have a minimum of 1 year of experience in the design and development of optical products.

Skills:

  • Experience in optical system design.
  • Knowledge of optical alignment methods, lens selection, MTF analysis, and FOV optimization.
  • Handson experience with optical design software such as Code V and/or Zemax.
  • Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks.

Work Environment:

  • This role requires regular onsite presence at the Skaneateles, NY facility.

Work in a way that works for you

We recognize that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone.

Working with us

Our people are at the heart of what we do at Baker Hughes. We know we are better when all of our people are developed, engaged, and able to bring their whole authentic selves to work. We invest in the health and wellbeing of our workforce, train and reward talent, and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other.

Working for you

Our inventions have revolutionized energy for over a century. But to keep going forward tomorrow, we know we have to push the boundaries today. We prioritize rewarding those who embrace change with a package that reflects how much we value their input.

Join us, and you can expect:

  • Contemporary work-life balance policies and wellbeing activities
  • Comprehensive private medical care options
  • Safety net of life insurance and disability programs
  • Tailored financial programs
  • Additional elected or voluntary benefits

This position requires valid work authorization in the country of employment. The employer is unable to sponsor work authorization for this role at any time.

The annual pay scale for this position is between $87,870.00 - $163,120.00.

Candidates for this role (office-based/ hybrid/ remote) must be located in or near the locations displayed above. The pay range/scale displayed above represents Baker Hughes' good faith estimate of the minimum and maximum for this position at the time of this posting and applies to the possible locations for this position. Baker Hughes will issue a non-bias competitive offer; the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hires, full-time salaries in some U.S. locations, not including equity or benefits. Where an applicant will ultimately fall within the pay range/scale depends on a variety of factors, including, for example, geographic work location, skillset, qualifications, internal pay alignment, level of experience, and demonstrated performance over time. Please keep in mind that the range stated above is the full base salary range for the role and does not include other forms of compensation. Your recruiter can share more about the pay range for this position during the hiring process.

You will be eligible to participate in Company-sponsored benefit programs, including health & welfare programs and the Thrift Plan (401k). You will have a choice of coverage options that best suit your needs. Coverage options and contribution amounts are related to your benefit elections, base salary level, and specific requirements of each of these plans.

This position is eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package, which can be found here, and is further eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans or policies.

The Baker Hughes internal title for this role is: Lead Engineer, Physics & Metrology, Product Design and Engineering

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