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Research Development Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Englewood Lab

Process Engineer

Totowa, NJ · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Title: Process Engineer Reports to: Sr. Process Engineer Department: Operations - Manufacture ... Coordinate of lab activities to include customer involvement in new products first production, R&D ...

Englewood Lab, Inc.

Process Engineer

Paterson, NJ · On-site

Title: Process Engineer Reports to: Sr. Process Engineer Department: Operations - Manufacture ... Coordinate of lab activities to include customer involvement in new products first production, R&D ...

Freeform

Process Engineer (Advanced R&D)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

PROCESS ENGINEER (ADVANCED R&D) Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By ...

Freeform

Process Engineer (Advanced R&D)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

PROCESS ENGINEER (ADVANCED R&D) Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By ...

CND Life Sciences

Process Engineer II

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$84.40K - $87.25K/yr

... across laboratory, research, and operations workflows. This engineering role builds upon ... Process Optimization & Workflow Development * Independently leads small-to-mid-scale process ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 6

Fremont, CA · On-site

Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems. * Review and enhance processing techniques and methods applied ...

Perdue Farms

Process Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

The Process Engineer facilitates technology transfer from pilot plant to manufacturing by ... Lead moderately complex R&D projects and support complex projects with some supervision. Conduct ...

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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 Jun 3, 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 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 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 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.

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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:
Research Development Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 89% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,612 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Engineer/Principal Research Development Engineer Level 2/3

Engineer/Principal Research Development Engineer Level 2/3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Clearfield, UT • On-site

$79.30K - $118.90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 515 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Engineer/Principal Research and Development Engineer Level 2/3 (Mechanical Testing) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Clearfield, UT. Our Research and Development team works to support process development and automation of composite aerospace structures. We engineer the latest composite structures for military/commercial aircraft and launch structures, and are leaders in next-generation composite development. We operate as principal investigators over IRAD and Process Service project schedules and budgets. Would you like to work on the cutting edge of aerospace? Come join our team!

This role will mostly focus on MECHANICAL TESTING of composite materials but there will be some overlap with execution of test article fabrication and machining.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Author, modify and audit procedures for the manufacture of composite test articles
  • Execution to ASTM standards
  • Hands on experience with Instron and MTS load frames and software
  • Develop unique test methods and procedures when ASTM standards are not applicable
  • Oversee and/or perform mechanical testing
  • Support execution of the project requirements to cost and schedule objectives
  • Direct and/or execute instrumentation (e.g. strain gaging)
  • Solve technical issues using root cause methodologies based on underlying scientific principals and an understanding of chemical processes
  • Provide technical reports, decisions and recommendations based on test data
  • Work with internal and external testing partners to ensure success of R&D projects

Secondary Responsibilities:

  • Develop processes and optimize material solutions for pilot scale fabrication of complex composite materials.
  • Plan and execute the transition to production scale manufacturing and assist in defining equipment and floor plan needs.
  • Lead development efforts to reduce cost, increase process efficiency, and ensure consistent quality in support of current and future programs
  • Resolve production issues in process working closely with manufacturing personnel
  • Support manufacturing of composite structures
  • Oversee and/or machining composite materials and machine programming.

Basic Qualifications:

Research Development Engineer Level 2:

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 1 years of engineering experience or Masters in a STEM field and 0 years of engineering experience
  • Material and Process Engineering experience in composite material systems
  • Aerospace composite manufacturing methods
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Clearance per company and business needs
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) per company and business needs

Principal Research Development Engineer Level 3:

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 4 years of engineering experience or Masters in a STEM field and 3 years of engineering experience OR; PhD in STEM with 0 years of experience
  • Material and Process Engineering experience in composite material systems
  • Aerospace composite manufacturing methods
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Clearance per company and business needs
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) per company and business needs
  • Experience in Project Engineering/Principal Investigator experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active DoD Clearance
  • Active Special Program Access (PAR)
  • Digital Image Correlation
  • Specimen instrumentation and data acquisition. i.e. strain gage, LVDT, or extensometers
  • Statistical analysis methods
  • Able to navigate Catia V5 and NX
  • Knowledge of honeycomb core types
  • Design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA)
  • Design of Experiments training
  • Basic knowledge of hand-tools & safety
  • Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences
  • Basic knowledge of LabView
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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