Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalaryResume

Skills

What They DoEducationCertificationsDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesRemote JobsJob OutlookCompareFAQsPart Time jobsEntry Level jobsFull Time jobsWork From Home jobsLocations
zippia ai icon

Automatically apply for jobs with Zippi

Upload your resume to get started.

Research and development engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted experts
Charles Jenckes,
Mike DeVore Ph.D.
Research and development engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical research and development engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for research and development engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 6.7% of research and development engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a research and development engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 research and development engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how research and development engineers use python:
  • Streamlined deployment process by developing continuous integration tools using Java Script and python.
  • Used Python to developed translators to standardize customer documentations and libraries.

2. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how research and development engineers use r:
  • Constructed a R &D Laboratory.
  • Developed a data extract validation application utilizing R that incorporates XML files to dynamically generate SQL statements for data reconciliation.

3. Solidworks

Here's how research and development engineers use solidworks:
  • Revised and replaced drawings for gas turbine engine components and existing tooling for documentation purposes using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
  • Managed test method development and execution activities; identified equipment, designed fixtures and generated drawings via SolidWorks.

4. CAD

Here's how research and development engineers use cad:
  • Developed and maintained medical device CAD models/designs and analysis in support of meeting all design requirements.
  • Designed mechanical equipment required for completion of assigned capital projects and developed CAD drawings for fabrication.

5. Data Analysis

Here's how research and development engineers use data analysis:
  • Developed software for data acquisition, real time data analysis and graphical display of control system parameters.
  • Performed data analysis, generated technical documents, and administered external evaluation studies with key opinion leaders.

6. Patients

Here's how research and development engineers use patients:
  • Helped manufacture and provide Emergency Use (EU), Compassionate Use (CU) or Custom Made devices for patients.
  • Trained physicians and patients on function and operation of device for MRB-approved clinical trial.

Choose from 10+ customizable research and development engineer resume templates

Build a professional research and development engineer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your research and development engineer resume.

7. Project Management

Here's how research and development engineers use project management:
  • Developed many other database applications including freight service management, professional time and project management, and a version control system.
  • Lead the development and project management of an innovative electric actuation system focused on hydraulic assemblies.

8. Prototype

A prototype is a model or sample of a product, created prior to its release with the goal of testing the product and observing its behavior and effectiveness in use. The results of this testing are then used to further alter and improve the product in question, often redesigning it, fixing any issues which may have come up, and otherwise upgrading the already existing design.

Here's how research and development engineers use prototype:
  • Participated in the initial prototype phase of new products; developed required process and procedures tooling of preliminary test equipment.
  • Delivered potential customers with prototypes for their needs that resulted on placing long-term contracts and developed long term business relationships.

9. DOE

DOE, DOX, or design of experiments is a term used to refer to a part of applied statistics whose main focus is to conduct and observe controlled tests with the ultimate goal of understanding and explaining how information and results might vary under different hypotheses and circumstances and how such variables affect the results and tests. Design of experiments is used in marketing, politics, various sciences, and, of course, experiments.

Here's how research and development engineers use doe:
  • Work on DOE, characterization and implementation of projects into currently existing protocols.
  • Designed and execute DoE for trouble-shooting and new formulation performances.

10. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how research and development engineers use java:
  • Developed entire back-end in Java using Springs-Hibernate Framework and MySQL database.
  • Modified web-based Java code communicating status/control to SONAR system.

11. Medical Devices

Medical devices refer to apparatus for use in medical procedures.

Here's how research and development engineers use medical devices:
  • Contributed to research and development of new medical devices including a proprietary blood analyzer and a glucose management system.
  • Developed protocols, executed, and created reports for design verification and validation of medical devices.

12. Product Development

Product development is the complete procedure of creating a product from concept until release of the final product. Product development has many stages after which a product is released into the market. Identifying the need, creating the opportunity, conceptualizing a product, and providing a solution, all are different stages of product development.

Here's how research and development engineers use product development:
  • Led new product development teams on vascular therapy systems, Intellectual Property development, and assimilation of acquired business technical assets.
  • Support Product Development and Manufacturing projects with development of manufacturing procedures, cost of goods and capital estimations and production coverage.

13. Test Methods

Test methods are the steps in which thorough testing is conducted in a laboratory setting.

Here's how research and development engineers use test methods:
  • Test method development including development of test rationales, documentation of test methods, and development and documentation of test protocols.
  • Collaborated with quality, manufacturing, regulatory and document control for initiation and approval of test methods.

14. Prototyping

Here's how research and development engineers use prototyping:
  • Stream-lined company design and prototyping activities and managed transitions between internal and subcontracted manufacturing with clear, referenced, design filing.
  • Process and technology development of new ballistic fiber and fabric, from idea generation to prototyping and commercialization.

15. RF

Here's how research and development engineers use rf:
  • Improved RF nonlinear measurement systems by lowering test system-generated nonlinear passive inter-modulation (PIM) signal floor.
  • Collaborated with Senior RF Engineer to optimize electrical properties in concept development process.
top-skills

What skills help Research And Development Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on research and development engineer resumes?

Charles Jenckes

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

For new graduates
1.Where the candidate went to school and what was studied
2.GPA
3.Any successful internships
4.Projects completed by the student

What hard/technical skills are most important for research and development engineers?

Mike DeVore Ph.D.

Professor & Program Chair, Cincinnati State Technical & Community College

-Computer-Aided Design

-Knowledge of manufacturing processes

-A good mathematics foundation

-Technical communication

-Problem solving

What research and development engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Uises Gonzalez-Valle

Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.

What type of skills will young research and development engineers need?

Kerry LunneyKerry Lunney LinkedIn profile

President of INCOSE, INCOSE

I don't believe it has largely changed from previous years. A new graduate needs to build experience on the foundational learning they have received in their domain through their education. This needs to be supplemented with their own investment in continuing to learn their "craft" and supplemented with skills in teamwork, written and oral communication, time management, design thinking, and risk management. In summary, a graduate must be adaptable and have the ability to show they can keep learning. You can argue this is more important today because of the speed of technology change, and the competition worldwide for roles, but this has always been the case, it is perhaps just more visible and evident now.

What soft skills should all research and development engineers possess?

Song Choi Ph.D.

Assistant Dean, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Critical thinking - logical, problem-solving methodology... I'm not quite sure to categorize this as soft/professional skills or hard/technical skills, but probably one of the most necessary assets.

Communication - written, verbal, and overall listening (helps focus on the problem statement and requirements). Most, if not all, projects/tasks are worked in large groups; thus, listening and expressing correctly is important.

Time management - scheduling of tasks and deadlines are important in all levels of engineering, from small fabrication projects/tasks to medium-sized manufacturing projects/tasks to large development/research endeavors. In Hawaii, one of the most important has been the transportation of materials, parts, components, etc., as most items are flown or shipped to us, and the overall project schedule is dependent on the availability of sub-units.

Collaboration - as most if not all engineering projects are dependent on multiple sub-categories. Due to the collaborative nature of engineering, communication is of importance again.

Creativity, innovation, and initiative - it's really about making our future better, more convenient, safer, cleaner, etc. Think outside of the box or live outside of your comfort zone.

Detail-oriented - it is about replicating results. Everything an engineer performs should be documented and clear.

Honesty and integrity as there have been too many fabricated claims and fraud as well as engineering espionage.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about research and development engineer

List of research and development engineer skills to add to your resume

Research and development engineer skills

The most important skills for a research and development engineer resume and required skills for a research and development engineer to have include:

  • Python
  • R
  • Solidworks
  • CAD
  • Data Analysis
  • Patients
  • Project Management
  • Prototype
  • DOE
  • Java
  • Medical Devices
  • Product Development
  • Test Methods
  • Prototyping
  • RF
  • C
  • C++
  • Product Design
  • FDA
  • Catheter
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Technical Support
  • Linux
  • ISO
  • LabVIEW
  • Test Equipment
  • Windows
  • Test Results
  • FEA
  • Visualization
  • Sigma
  • UL
  • Data Collection
  • Data Acquisition
  • Minitab
  • Design Verification
  • Technical Reports
  • Embedded Systems
  • Test Data
  • Test Procedures
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Debugging
  • SPC
  • FMEA
  • Failure Analysis
  • PCB
  • IP

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse architecture and engineering jobs