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Senior Research Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$87.40K - $120.50K/yr

Senior R&D Engineers leverage their expertise to solve complex challenges, develop innovative equipment, and mentor the next generation of talented engineers. This position offers the unique ...

Senior R&D Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$113.50K - $155.90K/yr

Job Details Position Summary The role of the Senior R&D Engineer requires an experienced leader with skills in problem-solving, stakeholder management, communication, and aligned autonomy. It is a ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$87.40K - $120.50K/yr

Senior R&D Engineers leverage their expertise to solve complex challenges, develop innovative equipment, and mentor the next generation of talented engineers. This position offers the unique ...

Senior R&D Engineer

Pensacola, FL

$98.80K - $135.70K/yr

The Senior R&D Engineer is responsible for delivering high-quality new membrane designs that meet aggressive customer applications. This role will lead the development of new membrane designs ...

Senior R&D Process Development Engineer

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$106.10K - $137.20K/yr

Are you a highly skilled and motivated Senior R&D Process Development Engineer passionate about bioprocessing and separation technologies? Join our leading research and development team to lead end ...

Senior R&D Engineer

Pensacola, FL ยท On-site

$98.80K - $135.70K/yr

The Senior R&D Engineer is responsible for delivering high-quality new membrane designs that meet aggressive customer applications. This role will lead the development of new membrane designs ...

$106.10K - $137.20K/yr

Are you a highly skilled and motivated Senior R&D Process Development Engineer passionate about bioprocessing and separation technologies? Join our leading research and development team to lead end ...

R&D Engineer

Hartsville, SC

$122.32K - $137.61K/yr

We are seeking a high-caliber R&D Engineer to bridge the gap between applied mechanics and real-world performance. In this role, you will serve as a technical lead in characterizing material behavior ...

Sr R&D Engineer

Spokane, WA ยท On-site

$40K/yr

The Senior R&D Engineer will lead the design, development, and validation of innovative window systems and components for commercial applications. This role is critical to advancing product ...

Sr R&D Engineer

Spokane, WA ยท On-site

$40K/yr

The Senior R&D Engineer will lead the design, development, and validation of innovative window systems and components for commercial applications. This role is critical to advancing product ...

R&D Engineer

Hartsville, SC ยท On-site

$122.32K - $137.61K/yr

We are seeking a high-caliber R&D Engineer to bridge the gap between applied mechanics and real-world performance. In this role, you will serve as a technical lead in characterizing material behavior ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Research Development Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

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

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior research development engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Research Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Research Development Engineer, you need an advanced degree in engineering or a related field, strong problem-solving abilities, and deep expertise in research methodologies. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, data analysis platforms, and knowledge of relevant industry standards or patents is typically required. Exceptional communication, project management, and leadership skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering successful product or technology development outcomes.

What are some typical challenges Senior Research Development Engineers face when transitioning from research to product development?

Senior Research Development Engineers often encounter challenges when moving innovations from the research phase into product development, such as bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical implementation. This process may involve addressing unforeseen technical constraints, aligning project goals with market needs, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a keen understanding of both technical and business priorities. Overcoming these hurdles not only ensures the feasibility of new products but also positions engineers for leadership roles in later-stage development or project management.

What does a Senior Research Development Engineer do?

A Senior Research Development Engineer leads and manages the research and development of new products, technologies, or processes within a company. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. In addition to technical expertise, they often oversee junior engineers, manage project timelines, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Their role is crucial in driving technological advancements and maintaining a company's competitive edge.

What is the difference between Senior Research Development Engineer vs Research Engineer?

AspectSenior Research Development EngineerResearch Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/Ph.D. in Engineering or related field, often with experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, innovation teamsResearch labs, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveTech, academia, industrial research
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Senior Research Development Engineer and a Research Engineer lies in experience level and responsibilities. Senior Research Development Engineers typically lead projects, oversee development processes, and have more advanced expertise, while Research Engineers focus on conducting experiments and supporting research activities. Both roles require strong technical skills and relevant credentials, but the senior role involves more leadership and strategic planning.

What cities are hiring for Senior Research Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Research Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Senior Research Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Research Development Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Research Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Research & Development Engineer

Research & Development Engineer

Gibraltar Industries

North Baltimore, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Schedule: Monday through Friday, Day Shift
The Opportunity
Founded in 1890, The D.S. Brown Company, a Gibraltar Industries Company, is a world-wide leader and supplier of engineered products to the bridge and highway industry. Headquartered in North Baltimore, Ohio, the Company actively sells to bridge and pavement contractors, specialty subcontractors, and construction product distributors. The D.S. Brown Company prides itself on its quality workforce and its reputable products. Check us out at www.dsbrown.com and become part of our awesome team!
The Research & Development Engineer is responsible for leading the company's product development and improvement efforts, including generating new and redesigned product ideas. Delivers ideas and helps management create and drive an innovative culture at DS Brown. Influence the sales, estimating, engineering, and operations teams on both large- and small-scale project initiatives, including cost-saving efforts across the entire fabricated product line, to enhance the company's market competitiveness. Leads and owns projects from concept detailing through design, cost analysis, testing, and product launch, including any specification changes required. This is an on-site position located in North Baltimore, OH.
Who We're Looking For
All your life, you've been a thinker - a practical innovator with rolled-up sleeves, a strong sense of purpose and healthy dose of optimist in you. A maker who gets things done. If you dream of using technology to make a difference in the world, we want you with us.
At Gibraltar, we're solving big problems and pushing the boundaries of what's possible, changing lives with smarter products and services in agtech, renewable energy and residential products that will shape a better future for people and the planet. So, we're looking for more than great talent, we're looking for good people with a unique point of view - creators ready to tackle our most important challenges.
If you thrive in a collaborative and inclusive culture, working side by side with talented teammates or hand in hand with customers and communities to solve real-world technology problems, we want to hear from you.
What You'll Do
Primary Accountabilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Leads teams to develop new products or product redesigns from concept to launch, including (but not limited to) mechanical hand tools, new/redesigned core products, and industrial automation
  • Studies existing product portfolio to uncover cost-saving opportunities and execute plans that improve labor efficiency, streamline processes, and reduce material usage
  • Executes engineering and cost analyses to develop data-driven project plans and actionable targets.
  • Manage projects and teams to meet established completion dates
  • Develops, enhances, and ensures compliance with product development standard operating procedures
  • Creates and manages production of product prototypes, including pre-production drawings
  • Tests product concepts and/or final models for functionality, as well as their ability to meet the product specifications. Write test plans and manage test processes
  • Performs competitor product analysis and testing
  • Investigate materials and potential suppliers for new product development and established product improvements and cost reductions
  • Investigates product performance problems and drives design improvements to enhance existing product performance and quality
  • Develops and maintains control documentation including drawings, specifications, and procedures
  • Serves as a technical support lead for sales and manufacturing groups as required
  • Works with the Manager and/or Patent Attorney to determine patent feasibility and provide necessary documentation
  • Reports revenue and profitability from successful new product offerings to upper management
  • Optimizes product portfolio through deployment of 80/20, considering gross margin potential and growth opportunities

In addition to the accountabilities listed above, individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
What We Need
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary accountability satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Additionally, the physical demands and the work environment typically encountered are listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Education / Experience (an equivalent combination of education and experience required to successfully complete the primary accountabilities is indicated below)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Required), Graduate (Preferred) Major: Civil (Structural) or Mechanical
Engineering
Years of Experience: 5+ in bridge design, fabricated structural product design, or equivalent design and testing experience in graduate program.
Competencies / Technical Skills
Core Competencies:
  • Fostering Teamwork
  • Managing Performance
  • Building Collaborative Relationships
  • Customer Orientation
  • Result Orientation
  • Personal Credibility
  • Fostering Innovation
  • Strategic Thinking

Organizational Competencies:
  • Managing performance of product development process requires proactive communication and teamwork
  • Must be self-motivated, independent, highly organized, creative, and have a strong work ethic

Position Competencies:
  • Strong analytical and forecasting skills, including financial statement knowledge and interpretation.
  • Proficient in AutoCAD or SolidWorks, and FEA modeling.
  • Experienced with steel and other material design. Practiced designing bolted and welded connections, understands stress-strain analysis and fatigue design.
  • Knowledgeable or able to follow design standards and prepare general product design calculations.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills and strong influence abilities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).

Licenses/Certifications
  • PE license or intent to acquire
  • Strong preference to having passed the FE exam

Physical Requirements (Approximate time spent to be included in physical demands such as walking, or bending, specific lifting requirements (lbs) and/or other requirements such as vision or hearing.)
This position may require lifting up to 25 pounds. Duties involve extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with regular sitting and walking throughout the day. Must be able to sit, walk, bend periodically, and see and hear.
Work Conditions
Environment: Office, Production / Lab (Testing), and Worksite Travel: Occasional
Special Work Conditions: Production or worksite environment may be loud and dirty.
What We Offer
Health & Welfare
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and dependents
  • Health care & dependent flexible spending plans
  • Free Life and AD&D coverage with supplemental coverage options
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing
  • Competitive compensation
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Generous 401(k) plan

Flexibility & Time Off
  • Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick leave, disability, holidays.
  • On-site & hybrid work opportunities available

Community & Personal Development
  • Donation matching and time off to volunteer
  • Educational reimbursement

About Us
Gibraltar is a leading manufacturer and supplier of products and services for North American agtech, renewable energy, residential, and infrastructure markets. By building solutions that make life better for people and the planet, Gibraltar advances the art and science of engineering, science, and technology to shape the future of comfortable living, sustainable power, and productive growing.
Guided by an inclusive, values-driven culture that celebrates and rewards different perspectives, we work together to create lasting positive impact on everyone our business touches. To learn more about what makes us #GibraltarProud, visit our website: www.gibraltar1.com
Gibraltar is an Equal Opportunity Employer; and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. In addition, Gibraltar will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.