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Research Development Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive salary and equity package Benefits include: Family Health, Dental, Vision; Flexible PTO, FSA Benefits ...

This role collaborates closely with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Research & Development, Operations ... The Process Engineer is responsible for supporting product scale-up activities, evaluating ...

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This role collaborates closely with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Research & Development, Operations ... The Process Engineer is responsible for supporting product scale-up activities, evaluating ...

New

... and manufacturing processes * Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including ... R&D within a regulated industry (medical device preferred) * Experience working under design ...

Summary: The Qorvo Process Development R&D team is looking for a process engineer specializing in physical characterization and metrology to support next generation Bulk Acoustic Wave device ...

Summary: The Qorvo Process Development R&D team is looking for a process engineer specializing in physical characterization and metrology to support next generation SAW Acoustic Wave device ...

As a Development Support Process Engineer on our team, you will support a customer Program Management Office (PMO) overseeing a large multi-organizational agile software development project. You will ...

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Research Development Process Engineer information

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$45.5K

$101.6K

$152.5K

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

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development process engineer in the United States is $101,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $119,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Research Development Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Development Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Research Development Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Research Development Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Development Process Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Process Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Process Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,612 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

R&D Process Development Engineer

Numat

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Summary
Title: R&D Process Development Engineer
Location: Chicago, IL
Compensation: Competitive salary and equity package
Benefits include: Family Health, Dental, Vision; Flexible PTO, FSA Benefits, 401K Savings Plan, Paid Parental Leave, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Reports to: R&D Director
The Company
Numat is a global leader in the field of precision chemistries. Numat's solutions are changing the way industries around the world capture and separate hazardous chemicals that negatively impact human health and the environment.
Numat has been at the forefront of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) research and production for over a decade, and is the first company to successfully commercialize MOFs. The company's world-class platform integrates MOFs into existing products and processes, merging chemistry innovation with manufacturing at industrial scale.
Through bold and transformative chemistry, Numat helps its global customers and partners make meaningful progress toward their net zero and innovation objectives. Be a part of something bigger, join our team.
Position Overview
This is an early-career R&D role for an engineer who wants to learn how new materials become real products - by owning problems and solving them. You'll join our development group, working across both of our technology areas - fabrics and adsorbents - alongside the scientists and engineers building Numat's current and next-generation products.
The work is experimental at its core. You'll design and run experiments and DOEs that reduce product and process variability, work out how process settings and raw-material variation drive each product's critical quality attributes (CQAs), and help carry our technology from lab and pilot scale toward robust, repeatable processes ready for commercial production.
You'll work hands-on with our pilot and process equipment. Expect to design experiments, run the equipment, interpret the data, and build the technology transfer packages that carry your findings forward.
Responsibilities
You will work on a varied set of instrumentation/projects and have a diverse set of responsibilities including:
Design and run experiments that move the technology forward
  • Plan, design, and execute experiments and DOEs that reduce product and process variability across fabrics and adsorbents.
  • Develop and mature our processes from lab and pilot scale toward robust, repeatable commercial production; contribute to demonstration runs and process-capability assessment.
  • Identify sources of variation, form and test hypotheses, and drive corrective and improvement actions.
  • Analyze the data and turn it into clear conclusions - including how process settings and raw-material variation drive each product's critical quality attributes (CQAs): the few measurable properties that determine whether the product performs.
  • Help define and hold the process windows and specifications that keep output consistent.
  • Document processes and findings so they transfer cleanly out of R&D and into manufacturing.

Run the pilot line equipment
  • Support running Numat's pilot processing equipment - the pilot spunbond and pilot meltblown nonwoven lines and the lamination machine - including setup, development runs, changeovers, and routine adjustments.
  • Support producing in-house nonwoven and laminated material on this equipment for current- and next-generation development.
  • Cut, prepare, and condition swatches and test articles to defined, repeatable methods.
  • Run our in-house performance proxy test; capture, record, and report results cleanly.
  • Perform small-scale lamination property testing, and prepare and support material for pilot and external production runs.

Manage samples, data, and inventory
  • Prepare, document, and ship samples to external testing partners, and receive and reconcile samples coming back from external trials.
  • Build and improve the workflows, data capture, and methods that make the group's development work faster and more repeatable.
  • Enter test and run data accurately and on time so the engineers and technologists work from clean information.

Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in chemical, materials, or mechanical engineering, or a related physical science; recent graduate or early-career (~0-5 years).
  • R&D experience highly preferred - an internship, co-op, or industry role in a research & development or product/process development environment, where you designed experiments and learned from the results.
  • Demonstrated self-direction - clear evidence you've owned something end to end (an internship or capstone project, something you built, a problem you chased without being told to).
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a working foundation in statistics, DOE, or data analysis.
  • Genuine interest in hands-on experimental work - comfortable on the floor around process equipment, not only at a desk.
  • A clear communicator who documents and organizes work well, with good judgment about when to decide and when to ask.
  • Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Exposure to any of: nonwovens, textiles, membranes, lamination, or coating; or particle/granulation, chemical synthesis, or adsorbent materials.
  • Familiarity with DOE / data-analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP, Python).
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to external production and testing partners.

Work Authorization
This position is not eligible for immigration support now or in the future (including filing employment-based visa petitions or permanent residence sponsorship).
NOTE: NO AGENCIES
Numat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or an unfavorable discharge from military service. We at Numat are committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.