Discover what a research and development engineer does, how much they earn, who they can work for and how to become one.
R&D engineer : | | | |
What does an R&D engineer do?
A research and development (R&D) engineer creates new, and refines existing, products and technologies through a process of researching, designing, experimenting and testing. Their typical duties include:
- creating and developing new products to meet consumer needs
- contributing towards the planning, execution and monitoring of testing a product
- redesigning and refining existing products
- meeting with other departments to discuss product concepts
- carrying out market research to analyse similar products and their functions
- understanding the marketing requirements for a product
- testing prototypes for functionality and longevity
- creating engineering plans for new products
- leading projects.
Depending on the employer, an R&D engineer may oversee the entire development of a project, or they may work on just one aspect of the research and development process – building a prototype, for example. Job titles can also vary between employers: one organisation’s ‘R&D engineer’ may be another’s ‘verification engineer’ and another’s ‘R&D electrical engineer’, for instance.
R&D engineer salaries
Based on individual job listings we’ve looked at, the typical salary for graduate R&D engineers is between £24,000 and £30,000 per year and reaches £60,000 or above for more experienced R&D engineers. These figures vary depending on field of work, location and professional qualifications.
Read our graduate engineering salary round up to learn more about starting salaries, engineering employers and salary progression.
Typical employers of R&D engineers
- Sports brands.
- Tech companies.
- Large manufacturers.
- Fast-moving consumer goods companies.
- Science-based research companies, such as pharmaceutical companies.
How to become an R&D engineer: training and qualifications needed
There are ways to become an R&D engineer as both a school leaver and a university graduate.
For R&D engineering graduate jobs, most employers require a bachelors degree in a relevant engineering discipline to which you are applying − some of which include:
- mechanical
- chemical
- electrical
- aerospace.
However, some employers require, or at least prefer, you to have a masters or a doctorate. To learn more about your postgraduate options, see our engineering postgraduate study article where we break down the difference between an MSc, PhD and EngD and where this can take your career. We also detail the technical skills, qualifications and knowledge needed for engineering jobs in our how to get a graduate engineering job article.
Relevant work experience (for example, an engineering placement in R&D or another engineering role within your chosen industry) is highly valued. Employers often use internships and placements to recruit graduates – these can help you gain skills that are relevant to graduate positions. Find out more about your engineering work experience options with advice on sandwich placements, summer internships and more.
If you are a school leaver, you can complete an engineering apprenticeship either in R&D or in another field, with a view to moving into R&D later in your career.
When working as an R&D engineer, you will have the option to gain a professional qualification − technician, incorporated or chartered status – with the engineering professional body that is most aligned to your discipline, such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). It is not compulsory, but not doing so may hamper your career progression: employers often require their more senior R&D engineers to be chartered.
For more in-depth advice on professional qualifications, take a look at our article on becoming a chartered or incorporated engineer after starting a graduate job .
Search targetjobs for graduate engineering jobs. You can also find vacancies via careers services, the websites of engineering professional bodies and on individual employer websites.
Key skills for R&D engineers
- Ability to learn and adapt.
- Innovative thinking.
- Collaboration, communication and teamwork skills.
- Analytical and critical thinking.
- Problem solving.
- Programming skills (experience with CAD or C++, for example).
- Detail-oriented.
- Respect and understanding for procedures and standards.
- Time management.
- Organisation.
- Leadership skills.
FAQs
A research and development (R&D) engineer creates new, and refines existing, products and technologies through a process of researching, designing, experimenting and testing. Their typical duties include: creating and developing new products to meet consumer needs.
How to prepare for an R&D engineer interview? ›
Structure your answer by first giving background to the project, then describing why it was successful and how this success was measured. Then talk about how you specifically helped to ensure this success, outlining your roles and responsibilities and any particular decisions you helped make.
What is the role of R&D project engineer? ›
Main Duties: The R&D Project Engineer will be required to: Design, develop and project manage specific electro-mechanical and oilfield tool systems. Capture requirements, write specifications and work with all the technical disciplines to develop project timelines and deliver and report on these.
What is the job description of a RND? ›
Objectives of the Role
The Research and Development Specialist will be responsible for conducting extensive research and analysis to drive product innovation within the organization. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions.
How can I be a good R&D engineer? ›
What important qualities should an R&D engineer possess?
- Critical and analytical thinking.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Attention to detail.
- Problem-solving.
- Leadership.
- Respect for procedures and standards.
- Time management.
- Organization.
A R & D researcher can be employed in the public or the private sector - including academia - to create new knowledge, products, processes and methods, as well as to manage the projects concerned.
What skills do you need to work in R&D? ›
Necessary R&D skills include data analysis, problem-solving and communication, but also more specialized skills such as the ability to use various laboratory equipment, interpret scientific literature and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
What is the highest salary of R&D engineer? ›
R&D Engineer salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.9 Lakhs to ₹ 15.9 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 9.3 Lakhs.
What should I study for an R&D interview? ›
Review Technical and Scientific Knowledge: Ensure that your technical skills and scientific knowledge are sharp, especially in areas that are critical to the company's R&D activities. Be prepared to discuss how you apply this knowledge in a managerial context.
Why do you want to be a R&D engineer? ›
Innovation is the key word
R&D engineers are at the heart of change and innovation is obviously the main task. It is obvious that important results and innovations can set the company apart from others and attract new customers. Indeed, with their research, engineers improve and develop certain aspects of the company.
It is an engaging career path for those interested in modern innovations who wish to devote themselves in different contexts to solve challenges. If you want to become an engineer in R&D, learning about this role can help determine whether this profession suits you.
What are R&D jobs like? ›
An R&D department typically operates by combining basic or pure science research with applied science. For example, computer scientists and mathematicians may develop theories about AI that programmers and developers then turn into commercial services.
What is the role of a senior R&D engineer? ›
Test and evaluate new software before it can be allowed for company use. Validate an idea, strategy, approach, or solution by conducting testing, development, or demonstration. Creates and develops documentation related to the department's work process. Implement process and procedure to ensure efficiency.
How to structure R&D? ›
10 Top Tips For Setting Up An R&D Department
- Determine the Goals and Objectives for the R&D Department: ...
- Develop a Team Structure for the Department: ...
- Create a Process Flowchart. ...
- Establish Quality Assurance Procedures: ...
- Choose Appropriate Technology Stack. ...
- Set Up Internal Communications Procedures.
Explores and develops new processes and products and determines their usefulness and applicability. Chemical engineers working in R&D may work with chemists and other engineers to develop a new process or new product that will better meet customer needs.
Is R&D part of engineering? ›
Engineering focuses on solving technical problems with intelligent solutions. Therefore research and development (R&D) is crucial in the engineering industry for the continuous development of next-generation products, infrastructure and technologies to keep existing assets and systems working.
What is the difference between R&D scientist and R&D engineer? ›
Loosely speaking, if the role of a research scientist is to come up with original ideas, the role of a research engineer is to use their engineering skills to set up and run experiments for these ideas. The research scientist role typically requires a Ph. D. and/or first author papers at top-tier conferences.
