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Job outlook for research and development senior engineers in the United States
Research and development senior engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected research and development senior engineer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for research and development senior engineers are projected over the next decade.
Research and development senior engineer salaries have increased 7% for research and development senior engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 13,017 research and development senior engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 174,953 active research and development senior engineer job openings in the US.
The average research and development senior engineer salary is $106,636.
Are research and development senior engineer jobs in demand?
Research and development senior engineer job and salary trends over time
Research and development senior engineer jobs over time
Research and development senior engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13,017 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 13,753 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 14,362 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 14,196 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 13,628 | 0.00% |
Average research and development senior engineer salary over time
Research and development senior engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $106,636 | $51.27 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $104,590 | $50.28 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $103,336 | $49.68 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $101,574 | $48.83 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $99,575 | $47.87 | +0.7% |
Research and development senior engineer jobs by state
Most common states for research and development senior engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 461 | 66% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 3,814 | 52% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,396 | 43% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,628 | 39% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 387 | 37% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,473 | 36% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 385 | 36% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 464 | 35% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 341 | 35% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 13,277 | 34% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 645 | 34% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 254 | 34% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,811 | 33% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 206 | 33% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 279 | 32% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 2,180 | 31% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,734 | 31% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,802 | 30% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 597 | 29% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 842 | 27% |
Most common cities for research and development senior engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $109,552 |
| 2 | Danvers | 1 | 4% | $109,523 |
| 3 | Santa Rosa | 6 | 3% | $133,607 |
| 4 | Boulder | 3 | 3% | $101,314 |
| 5 | Broomfield | 2 | 3% | $101,210 |
| 6 | Irvine | 6 | 2% | $120,511 |
| 7 | Redwood City | 2 | 2% | $133,222 |
| 8 | Aliso Viejo | 1 | 2% | $120,132 |
| 9 | Brea | 1 | 2% | $121,437 |
| 10 | Santa Ana | 3 | 1% | $120,815 |
| 11 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $91,051 |
| 12 | Cedar Rapids | 1 | 1% | $108,963 |
| 13 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $109,669 |
| 14 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $102,352 |
| 15 | Cleveland | 1 | 0% | $92,613 |
Research And Development Senior Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of research and development senior engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of South Alabama
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Wichita State University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Research And Development Senior Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What Research And Development Senior Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Senior Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Research And Development Senior Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
What will help Research And Development Senior Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat will help Research And Development Senior Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Research And Development Senior Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Senior Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What Research And Development Senior Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What will help Research And Development Senior Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Senior Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What Research And Development Senior Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Denn: 1. The time needed to progress from an idea to a quality prototype is continually decreasing. That trend will likely continue. Skills that support short development times, such as computer modeling, simulations and rapid prototyping, will continue to be valued. 2. One skill that will always be valuable is the ability to acquire new knowledge and apply it to the task at hand.
What will help Research And Development Senior Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Research And Development Senior Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.
What will help Research And Development Senior Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mohammed Daqaq: It depends on what aspect of the job they are hired to do. Some graduating MEs work in industrial plants where they are expected to deal with and fix engineering related problems, or work on the design and testing of innovative industrial solutions. Many MEs end up in the sales and maintenance departments of companies that manufacture specialized machinery and equipment. Some ME graduates are hired by the research departments of companies and federal labs where they participate in the research and development of new technologies, etc. A recent trend that we have been observing with our graduates is that they are being sought after by major consulting companies especially in business development and finance. Such companies like the versatility of the engineering education, and the logical/structured way of thinking that engineers are trained to follow during their studies.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
What Research And Development Senior Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: 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 will help Research And Development Senior Engineers increase their earning potential?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: 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.
Mike DeVore Ph.D.
Professor & Program ChairCincinnati State Technical & Community College
Mechanical Engineering Technology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Research And Development Senior Engineers?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: -Computer-Aided Design
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes
-A good mathematics foundation
-Technical communication
-Problem solving
What skills will help Research And Development Senior Engineers earn the most?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: The most successful engineers have good technical skills, can follow instructions, pay attention to detail, are good problem solvers, and have good communication skills.
What experience really stands out on Research And Development Senior Engineer resumes?
Dr. Mingshao Zhang: Internship and Co-op (Cooperative Education) experiences that related to the industry.
Charles Jenckes
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte
Mechanical Engineering
What skills stand out on Research And Development Senior Engineer resumes?
Charles Jenckes: 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
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWichita State University
School of Accountancy, Barton School of Business
What experience really stands out on Research And Development Senior Engineer resumes?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: Employers are looking for people who can integrate in multi-disciplinary environments to solve complex problems. They are looking for resumes that show quick learning. Such resumes will permanently be in great demand. Because the world is interconnected much more than it ever was, employees today will deal with customers, supply-chains, and fellow employees who are spread all over the world. It means that an experience that showcases the global perspective will be in demand over the long-term.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Research And Development Senior Engineers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Daisy Huang: Above average, but you won't be a millionaire easily (you can with some effort, saving, and investing well). It is very unlikely you'll ever be *super* wealthy, but it's also very unlikely you'll ever not find employment in your field. You'll have a solid ticket to a modestly comfortable life, with some luxuries, too.