research and development engineer technology

Research and Development Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the era of technological innovation, the emphasis on research and development engineers has never been greater.

As technology continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for creative thinkers who can advance, refine, and protect our technological foundations.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a research and development engineer?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
A hiring manager constructing the ideal candidate profile,
Or simply fascinated by the intricate dynamics of research and development engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable research and development engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Research and Development Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Development Engineers are primarily responsible for designing, developing, and testing new products and technologies in various fields.

They use their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to create innovative solutions to complex problems.

The duties and responsibilities of a Research and Development Engineer include:

Conducting thorough research on industry-related topics and trends to identify areas for new product development and innovation
Designing and developing new products using engineering principles
Creating detailed product designs and specifications using computer-aided design (CAD) tools
Testing and validating new products to ensure they meet required specifications and performance standards
Working closely with other engineers and cross-functional teams during the product development process
Ensuring all product development procedures are in compliance with industry standards and regulations
Preparing and presenting detailed technical reports and product presentations to stakeholders
Identifying and resolving product issues and limitations
Keeping abreast of latest developments in engineering and scientific fields to enhance innovation
Applying for patents to protect intellectual property rights

Research and Development Engineer Job Description Template

We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Research and Development Engineer to join our team.

The responsibilities of the R&D Engineer include working on various projects, collaborating with internal teams, and conducting thorough research and analysis.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in engineering, excellent problem-solving abilities, and is deeply invested in research and development.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new products, improving existing ones, and contributing to the growth and success of our company.

Responsibilities

Conduct and lead research and development activities
Identify and oversee the development of new products or improvements to existing products
Create concepts, performance specifications, and cost estimates for new product development
Perform detailed calculations to establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
Conduct feasibility studies and testing on new and modified designs
Collaborate with internal teams, partners and customers to evaluate and identify technology and product opportunities
Prepare and present technical and program information to team members and management
Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Research and Development Engineer or similar role
Strong knowledge of engineering principles and practices
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to lead projects and work collaboratively with other team members
Strong communication and presentation skills
Experience with CAD software and other engineering tools
BSc degree in Engineering or relevant field
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Research and Development Engineer
Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Research and Development Manager.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Research and Development Engineer Do?

Research and Development Engineers, often referred to as R&D Engineers, typically work in industrial or scientific companies.

They also work in research institutes or governmental agencies.

Their main task is to conduct research and development activities to create new products, improve existing products, or develop better ways to produce those products.

They are often involved in all stages of product development, from initial concept to final testing and production.

R&D Engineers work closely with a team of other engineers and scientists, using their expertise in a specific field to contribute towards the overall project.

This could involve designing and building prototypes, conducting experiments, or running simulations to test the performance and reliability of their designs.

Part of their role involves analyzing and interpreting the results of their tests, troubleshooting any issues that arise, and making improvements to their designs based on these findings.

They also need to document their work and keep detailed records of their research.

Research and Development Engineers must also consider the financial implications of their work, working within budget constraints and ensuring that their designs are cost-effective to produce on a large scale.

Finally, they often liaise with other departments within their company, such as manufacturing, marketing, and sales, to ensure that the products they develop meet the company’s needs and can be successfully brought to market.

Research and Development Engineer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Research and Development (R&D) Engineer should have skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:

Sound knowledge of engineering principles, methodologies, and tools to design, develop, test, and refine prototypes and products.
Strong analytical skills to evaluate the design and performance of products or systems, identify issues, and develop solutions.
Excellent problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot technical issues, improve product design, and optimize production processes.
Proficiency in using computer-aided design (CAD) and other software tools to create designs and simulations.
Creativity and innovation to develop new ideas, technologies, and products that meet market demands.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly explain complex technical ideas and findings to colleagues, stakeholders, and clients.
Exceptional project management skills to plan, coordinate, and oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with others in cross-functional teams.
Continual learning ability to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field of engineering and technology.

Research and Development Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Research and Development Engineer candidates are generally expected to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or co-op programs within engineering-focused companies or research institutions.

In the early stages of their careers, these individuals gain experience in areas such as product development, material testing, data analysis, and the use of various engineering software tools.

They may also be involved in prototype creation, design modifications, and the performance of technical research.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually hold a more profound understanding of the product development lifecycle, including problem identification, solution generation, prototyping, testing, analysis, and refinement.

They may have also gained experience in project management, leading small teams, and presenting technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

Research and Development Engineers with over 5 years of experience are often considered highly skilled professionals.

They may have extensive experience in managing large-scale projects, supervising technical teams, and liaising with other departments to ensure the smooth development and launch of new products.

At this level, the engineer may also be required to have experience in securing patents, publishing research, and keeping abreast of latest industry trends and technological advancements.

Research and Development Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Research and Development Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, depending on the industry they plan to work in.

These programs provide aspiring engineers with the fundamental principles of engineering and problem-solving strategies, which are crucial in a research and development setting.

Many companies prefer candidates with a master’s degree or PhD in a specialized field of engineering.

This advanced education allows them to dig deeper into the complexities of design, testing, and analysis.

Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, data analysis programs, and simulation tools is also highly desirable in this role.

Some positions may require Research and Development Engineers to have a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally involve a combination of education, work experience, and a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams.

Continuing education is crucial for Research and Development Engineers, as they need to stay updated with the latest technology and industry trends.

This can be achieved through advanced courses, workshops, or conferences.

Certifications in project management or a specific area of engineering, such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing, can also enhance a candidate’s career prospects and illustrate their commitment to professional development.

Research and Development Engineer Salary Expectations

A Research and Development Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $87,594 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary greatly based on factors such as level of education, years of experience, the industry in which they are employed, and the geographical location.

Research and Development Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills are necessary for a research and development engineer.

A Research and Development Engineer should have strong analytical skills to conduct thorough research and interpret results effectively.

They should also have excellent problem-solving abilities to find solutions to complex technical issues.

Proficiency in various engineering tools and software is also vital.

Additionally, they need to possess strong communication skills to present their findings and collaborate effectively with other team members.

What qualifications does a Research and Development Engineer need?

Typically, a Research and Development Engineer needs a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or Ph.D., especially for more advanced roles.

They might also prefer candidates with prior experience in a research and development role.

What do I look for in a Research and Development Engineer’s resume?

In a Research and Development Engineer’s resume, you should look for a degree in an engineering field and evidence of experience in research and development.

This could include internships, co-op roles, or full-time positions.

Also, look for specific projects they have worked on and their outcomes.

Skills in relevant engineering software and tools should be highlighted too.

What qualities make a good Research and Development Engineer?

A good Research and Development Engineer is naturally curious, always seeking to understand how things work and how they can be improved.

They are creative thinkers who can come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.

They also need to be persistent, as research and development often involve trial and error.

Being detail-oriented is also important to ensure accurate and thorough research.

What are the typical duties of a Research and Development Engineer?

A Research and Development Engineer’s duties typically include designing, developing, and testing new products or systems, conducting research to solve complex engineering problems, analyzing data and presenting findings, collaborating with other team members on project development, and keeping up-to-date with latest engineering trends and technologies.

They may also be involved in the creation of technical reports and documentation.

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the intriguing world of the research and development engineer .

It’s not just about conducting experiments.

It’s about pioneering solutions that shape the future, one innovative idea at a time.

Armed with our detailed research and development engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop here?

Delve further with our job description generator . It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job postings or enhancing your resume to perfection.

Every experiment conducted, every idea developed, is a piece of a larger puzzle.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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Research and Development Engineer Job Description

Research and development engineers, also known as R&D engineers, design and test product concepts and also redesign existing products. They may work in a variety of industries where they collaborate with R&D staff on product design concepts, develop new products, and redesign existing products according to industry standards.

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R&D Engineer Job Description Template

We are seeking a talented R&D engineer to assist with the design and testing of our new range of products. In this role, you will be working closely with the R&D team to create functional design concepts, test existing designs, and oversee the implementation of development projects. You may also be spearheading the redesign of existing products.

To ensure success, you should have exceptional mathematical skills, a talent for design, and experience with team management. Top R&D engineers use their technical design skills to create functional and attractive products that are cost-effective and user-friendly.

Research and Development Engineer Responsibilities:

Meeting with business management, marketing, and the R&D team to discuss product ideas.
Conducting market research and evaluating similar products and their functions.
Collaborating with the engineering and marketing department on product feasibility.
Redesigning existing products to enhance functionality or reduce costs.
Creating design projects and specification sheets.
Presenting product designs to management and stakeholders.
Overseeing the engineering of product prototypes.
Testing prototype products for functionality, ease-of-use, and longevity.
Resolving product issues.
Overseeing the production process.

Research and Development Engineer Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mechanical engineering, biotechnology, or relevant field.
3+ years' experience as an R&D engineer.
Advanced analytical and mathematical skills.
In-depth knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering.
Marketing and design experience preferred.
Proficient with computer design software including AutoCAD.
Excellent communication skills.
Experience with project management.
Ability to translate design concepts into physical objects.

Design consultant job description, design engineer job description, product designer job description, research and development engineer interview questions, design consultant interview questions, design engineer interview questions, product designer interview questions.

What They Do

What does a Research And Development Engineer do?

Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.

Responsibilities
Skills And Traits
Comparisions
Types of Research And Development Engineer

Research and development engineer responsibilities

Research and development engineers play a crucial role in driving innovation and growth within an organization. They are responsible for conducting product research, including FDA requirements, patient/physician requirements, industrial design, cost model, and system requirements. Their duties involve managing key operational functions, developing entire back-ends using frameworks like Java and MySQL, and focusing on manufacturing plant production problems related to product design and technical specifications. They also lead continuous improvement programs, work on Design of Experiments (DOE), and contribute to the research and development of new medical devices. Furthermore, they design packaging and mechanical PCB layouts, develop test methodologies, and improve RF nonlinear measurement systems. Their responsibilities also extend to the development of prototypes for new products, managing SPC systems, and providing production support.

Here are examples of responsibilities from real research and development engineer resumes:

Manage, design, and assist in development of product family reusable code libraries, visualization and GUI components.
Manage test suite jobs for the team creating configurations and building binaries for C++ code using Jenkins and bash shell.
Charge with managing a range of key operational functions in support of 3D visualization studio with $1.3M in annual contracts.
Lead a team of software QA test engineers in the prioritization and assignment of tasks and the solving of technical problems.
Manage quality issues during development/production and ensure ISO compliance.
Manage and maintain production equipment, including conformance to ISO calibration requirements.
Utilize knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, DOM, and CSS to deliver advance user interfaces and controls.
Perform test fixture cad design, prototyping, test method development and test report generation in support of applicator development.
Participate in the initial prototype phase of new products; develop required process and procedures tooling of preliminary test equipment.
Code runs on DOD supercomputer.
Administrate Linux file, web and database servers.
Modify and update BOM during project as needed.
Create MySql database schema and establish connections with python libraries.
Implement protocols using C++ (socket programming) in Unix environment
Develop prototype systems for use by primarily intelligence and DoD clients.

Research and development engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7 % of Research And Development Engineers are proficient in Python , R , and Solidworks . They’re also known for soft skills such as Mechanical skills , Creativity , and Listening skills .

We break down the percentage of Research And Development Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Streamlined deployment process by developing continuous integration tools using Java Script and python.

Constructed a R &D Laboratory.

Revised and replaced drawings for gas turbine engine components and existing tooling for documentation purposes using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

Developed and maintained medical device CAD models/designs and analysis in support of meeting all design requirements.

Developed software for data acquisition, real time data analysis and graphical display of control system parameters.

Helped manufacture and provide Emergency Use (EU), Compassionate Use (CU) or Custom Made devices for patients.

Common skills that a research and development engineer uses to do their job include "python," "r," and "solidworks." You can find details on the most important research and development engineer responsibilities below.

Mechanical skills. One of the key soft skills for a research and development engineer to have is mechanical skills. You can see how this relates to what research and development engineers do because "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Additionally, a research and development engineer resume shows how research and development engineers use mechanical skills: "analyzed electrical component specifications to enable new product design; redesigned mechanical components to uncover new efficiency. "

Creativity. Another essential skill to perform research and development engineer duties is creativity. Research and development engineers responsibilities require that "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." Research and development engineers also use creativity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "invented new methods for pcb low temperature desorption from soil. "

Listening skills. This is an important skill for research and development engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how research and development engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a research and development engineer: "communicated with suppliers to compile latex, dehp, and phthalates information for fda. ".

Math skills. research and development engineer responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." This resume example shows what research and development engineers do with math skills on a typical day: "perform engineering calculations using mathcad for new product design through laminate theory and other formulas. "

Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for a research and development engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what research and development engineers relies on this skill, since "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." How this skill relates to research and development engineer duties can be seen in an example from a research and development engineer resume snippet: "provided technical support for fda recalls identifying root-causes and implementing solutions. "

Most common research and development engineer skills

The three companies that hire the most research and development engineers are:

Ansys 122 research and development engineers jobs
Sandia National Labs 102 research and development engineers jobs
Honeywell 58 research and development engineers jobs

Choose from 10+ customizable research and development engineer resume templates

Compare different research and development engineers

Research and development engineer vs. engineer.

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a research and development engineer are more likely to require skills like "patients," "prototype," "doe," and "medical devices." On the other hand, a job as an engineer requires skills like "cloud," "aws," "troubleshoot," and "javascript." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Research and development engineer vs. Staff engineer

Staff engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and inspecting various products, equipment, or structures. These professionals may perform varied duties depending on their specialization that includes overseeing the design and construction of buildings, bridges, sewer systems, and other infrastructure, estimating the financial costs of construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations. Other duties include designing and developing machinery, tools, and engines, solving design problems, and building the manufacturing equipment needed to create their products.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that research and development engineer responsibilities requires skills like "c #," "solidworks," "patients," and "prototype." But a staff engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "architecture," "software development," "ongoing development," and "system design."

Research and development engineer vs. Tool engineer

A tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from research and development engineer resumes include skills like "c #," "data analysis," "patients," and "prototype," whereas a tool engineer is more likely to list skills in "ruby," "continuous improvement," "lean manufacturing," and "ui. "

Research and development engineer vs. Manufacturing engineer

Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.

Types of research and development engineer

Project Engineer
Design Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Process Engineer

Updated April 25, 2024

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.

What a Research And Development Engineer Does FAQs

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Research and Development Engineer Salary in the United States

research and development engineer technology

Research and Development Engineer Salary

How much does a Research and Development Engineer make in the United States? The average Research and Development Engineer salary in the United States is $119,844 as of April 24, 2024, but the range typically falls between $105,972 and $135,251 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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What skills does a Research and Development Engineer need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.

Computer Vision: Designing and utilizing digital systems process, analyze, and interpret visual data.

Deep Learning: Analyzing, developing, and applying big data and algorithms to imitate how humans think and learn.

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Job Description for Research and Development Engineer

Research and Development Engineer conducts research and development activities for an organization. Applies research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities. Being a Research and Development Engineer summarizes research results and communicates findings to internal and external bodies. Assesses the scope of research projects and ensures projects are on time and within budget. Additionally, Research and Development Engineer develops technical documentation for all projects. May require an advanced degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Research and Development Engineer work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Research and Development Engineer typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

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Software Development Engineer WALGREENS - Bellevue, WA Job Summary. This role performs and implements activities that impact components / processes of specified functional areas of the pharmacy platform operati... - 2 Days Ago
Software Development Engineer In Test ASML - Wilton, CT Job ID: J-00297897. Summary. We are looking for hardworking and results-oriented software engineers with a passion for writing test & verification code, wh... - 1 Month Ago
Sr. System Development Engineer Amazon Data Services, Inc. - Cupertino, CA The AWS Hardware Engineering team creates server designs for Amazon’s innovative web services. Our designs are industry-leading in frugality and operationa... - 5 Days Ago
Principal, Development Engineer - Remote in Tennessee Constellation Energy - Nashville, TN COMPANY OVERVIEW. As the nation's largest producer of clean, carbon-free energy, Constellation is a company purposely-built to meet the challenges of the c... - 4 Days Ago

Career Path for Research and Development Engineer

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Research and Development Engineer, the first career path typically starts with a Human Factors Researcher IV position, and then progresses to Human Factors Researcher V.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Research and Development Manager position, and then progresses to Research and Development Director.

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Research and Development Engineer Pay Difference by Location

Research and Development Engineer salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Research and Development Engineer, the highest Research and Development Engineer salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Research and Development Engineer salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Research and Development Engineer salary is in Miami, FL, where the Research and Development Engineer salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

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Level of education for research and development engineer.

Jobs with different levels of education may pay very differently. Check the Research and Development Engineer salary of your education level.

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Research and Development Engineer Salary by Global Country

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Research And Development Engineer Job Description Template

The Research and Development Engineer job description template outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications for individuals interested in working in the field. Candidates for this role typically possess a strong technical background and are responsible for conducting research on innovative technologies or materials, designing and testing new products or prototypes, and collaborating with other teams and stakeholders to develop the most effective and cost-efficient solutions. The template provides a comprehensive overview of the skills, experience, and attributes required to succeed in this challenging and rewarding role.

Job Description

A Research and Development Engineer is responsible for leading research, design, and development activities to improve and innovate products and processes. They apply engineering principles and techniques to develop and test new ideas and products, and ensure that these meet both customer and business requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct research and experiments to develop new products or improve existing ones, and evaluate their performance and feasibility.
Design and develop prototypes and models, using 3D printing, CAD software or other tools.
Test and validate new or improved products and processes, using testing and verification methods such as simulations, lab tests, and field trials.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, scientists, designers, and manufacturing engineers, to ensure alignment with customer needs, product specifications, and production requirements.
Stay up-to-date with trends and emerging technologies in engineering and related fields, and apply this knowledge to improve processes and provide innovative solutions.
Write technical reports and documentation, and present findings and recommendations to management and stakeholders.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related field.
Proven experience in research and development, preferably in a manufacturing or consumer goods industry.
Strong knowledge of engineering principles and design methods, and proficiency in CAD software and other relevant tools.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present technical information clearly and concisely to a range of audiences.
A passion for innovation and continuous learning.

Introduction

As an employer, creating an effective job posting is crucial to attracting qualified candidates for your open positions. A well-constructed job posting can help you stand out from your competitors and communicate the key responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements of the position. In this article, we’ll discuss how to create a Research and Development Engineer job posting that can help you find the right candidate for the job.

Position Overview

Define the role

The first step in creating your job posting is to define the role of the Research and Development Engineer. What are the key responsibilities of the position? What specific skills and experience are required to perform the job? Be sure to list all of the key duties and requirements you’re looking for in a candidate.

Include required qualifications

It’s important to be specific about the qualifications required for the job. Include any necessary education or experience, as well as any required certifications, licenses, or other special skills. This will help ensure that you attract qualified candidates who meet your specific requirements.

Highlight any relevant software or tools necessary for the job

If there are any specific software programs or tools that are necessary for the position, be sure to list them in your job posting. This will help ensure that candidates with the necessary technical expertise apply for the job.

Job Responsibilities

Specify key responsibilities

Your job posting should also include a detailed list of the key responsibilities of the Research and Development Engineer role. These should be in order of importance, with the most critical responsibilities listed first. Be sure to explain the scope of the job, as well as any special projects, initiatives, or research that the candidate will be responsible for.

Include work environment and team description

Add some detail about the work environment, such as the team size and any other pertinent information about the office or location. This can help potential candidates get a sense of what it would be like to work at your company.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Define technical skills and knowledge

In this section of your job posting, you’ll want to list the specific skills and knowledge that are required for the position. This can include things like programming languages or platforms, research methodology, and technical expertise in a specific field. Be sure to be as specific as possible, so that candidates can determine whether they meet the requirements for the job.

List soft skills

In addition to technical qualifications, you should also list any soft skills that are necessary for success in the role. These might include communication skills, creative problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Application Process

Explain the application process

Finally, your job posting should include information on how candidates can apply for the position. This might include a link to an online application form or instructions for submitting a resume and cover letter by email or postal mail. Be sure to provide a deadline for applications, as well as any other important details about the process.

Creating a Research and Development Engineer job posting that attracts the right candidates requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the position. By following these guidelines and being as specific as possible about the duties, requirements, and qualifications of the job, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect candidate for your organization.

Frequently Asked Questions on Creating Research and Development Engineer Job Posting

What is a research and development engineer.

A Research and Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new products or technology to improve current products or processes. They conduct research and experiments, analyze data, and make recommendations for improvements.

What are the requirements for a Research and Development Engineer job posting?

A Research and Development Engineer job posting should include the following requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field
Experience in research and development
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in CAD software and other engineering tools
Excellent communication and teamwork skills

What should be included in the job description?

The job description should include information about the company, the responsibilities of the position, the qualifications required, and the benefits offered. It should also mention any specific projects or technologies the engineer will be working on.

How can I make the job posting stand out?

To make your job posting stand out, you can include information about the company culture, mission and values, and any special perks or benefits offered. You can also highlight the company's commitment to innovation and investment in research and development.

Can I include salary information in the job posting?

Yes, you can include salary information in the job posting. However, you may choose to omit it to promote negotiation.

What should I do after posting the job?

After posting the job, you should be prepared to receive resumes and cover letters from candidates. You should review all applications and select the most qualified candidates for interviews. You should also respond to all applicants, even if they are not selected for an interview.

How can I attract a diverse pool of candidates?

To attract a diverse pool of candidates, you can include language in the job posting that emphasizes the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can also advertise the job opening in targeted publications or job boards that cater to underrepresented groups in the engineering profession.

Related Job Descriptions

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What is a research engineer, research engineer vs. research analyst, research engineer job role, research engineer roles and responsibilities, research engineer skills, research engineer salary, research engineer job outlook, how to become a research engineer description, skills, and salary.

If you think you have what it takes to be a research engineer, then you’re in luck. Research engineers are needed in various industries, including aerospace and defense, communications and electronics, energy, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities.

Research engineers are responsible for developing new products, processes, and technology that are used by businesses. They typically work in an office environment but may travel to visit clients or attend conferences as part of their job duties. The work environment is generally stable and comfortable, with few risks for injury or illness.

In this article, we explore the role of a research engineer.

Do you love research and development?

Do you want to work with today's most innovative companies, organizations, and institutions?

Then a career as a research engineer might be right for you.

Research engineers are responsible for developing new products, processes, or technology for their employers. It can be done by collecting relevant information and data, analyzing it, performing tests, and creating optimal solutions that meet the needs of their employer.

Some industries where this career applies include medical or health care, transportation, military, computer hardware/software development, and product development.

With so many options available to you as a research engineer, there's no doubt this is an exciting time in your professional life!

Research engineers and analysts provide an essential service to their company by helping to develop or improve new products, processes, and technologies. Research engineers are responsible for the design of new products and technologies, whereas research analysts collect financial data, analyze it and prepare a research report.

Research engineers must have strong mathematical skills to be successful in their roles. They must also be able to work independently on projects that require a high level of technical knowledge. Research engineers may travel to different sites to oversee specific projects or meet with clients about new product development.

Research analysts must also have strong analytical skills to prepare accurate reports on financial data that companies can use as they make critical business decisions. A strong background in math is required for this role, as well as an understanding of accounting principles such as depreciation and amortization.

Research engineers are highly educated professionals who use their knowledge and expertise to help develop the latest products and technology.

Research engineers primarily work with an understanding of technical processes, machines, and systems. They improve existing methods, develop new technologies and processes, and help make new innovative technologies. In addition to working theoretically and analytically, research engineers perform studies, experiments, and analyses on technical systems or components.

As their name suggests, research engineers also research a particular topic or idea. It involves collecting relevant data from sources such as experiments or simulations. They evaluate this data using mathematical formulas to transparently present their findings to clients.

They create presentations and lectures or publish scientific literature to transparently present their findings to clients.

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If you love being a part of the research team but want to make your ideas a reality, you might be interested in becoming a research engineer. Research engineers work with scientists and engineers to develop new products and processes that can be used in many different ways.

Research engineers might be employed by an organization specializing in R&D (research and development) or by the government or military. Some research engineers work for large corporations, where they may help create new technologies for use in manufacturing or medicine. Other research engineers work for research organizations like universities or non-profit foundations.

The duties of a research engineer vary depending on the type of position held but generally include the following:

Laboratory-developed materials are analyzed, implemented, and tested.
Innovative concepts are used to design functional instruments or devices.
Writing research proposals and maintaining contact with sponsors.
The coordination of a project team made up of researchers and staff.

Research engineers are highly skilled professionals who work to develop solutions to complex problems. They gather data and samples, then analyze their research to create the optimal and innovative solutions their employers need.

Research engineers work in various fields, including medical or health care, transportation, military, computer hardware and software, product development (industrial and commercial), and energy (oil & gas, renewable energy, mining).

Some of the skills that a research engineer must have included the following:

Problem-solving skills
Critical thinking skills
Strong math skills, including calculus, trigonometry, and algebra
Knowledge of statistics, probability theory, and data analysis methods

Salary in the US

The average salary for a research engineer is $1,06,581 annually , according to Glassdoor.

But whether you're fresh out of college or a senior research engineer, your pay will vary greatly depending on where you work.

Salary in India

In India, Research Engineers have an average salary of ₹8,00,000 per year . This salary is higher than the national average due to the high demand for Research Engineers across many industries.

Research engineers are tomorrow's experts, and they're in high demand. It is if you're looking for a career with a bright future.

Research engineers work in various fields, from aerospace to manufacturing to software development. They can be found in offices or laboratories, using tools, software, and equipment relevant to their specialized field.

The employment outlook for research engineers is strong and growing—the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment will grow 21% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average.

1. What do you do as a research engineer?

Research engineers are a critical part of any research and development team. They are responsible for preparing cost estimates and analyzing cost parameters, building prototypes, products, and systems for testing, designing testing procedures, coordinating to identify problems and solutions, and collaborating on standards for processes and component requirements.

2. What qualifications do you need to be a researcher?

Becoming a research engineer is more complex than just getting a degree and looking for jobs. You'll need to consider the following steps:

Obtain a bachelor's degree in an engineering field
Gain work experience
Receive a Professional Engineer license
Consider getting an advanced degree

3. How can I become a research engineer in India?

If you want to make a career in research and engineering, it's essential to start with a bachelor's degree in an engineering field. You'll also need at least five years of work experience as a research engineer.

In addition to your bachelor's degree, you'll need to become a Professional Engineer (PE). It will allow you to be licensed in your state and help provide credibility for your job applications.

Consider getting an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science or Doctorate in Engineering (ME/DE). These degrees can provide you with more knowledge in your field and give you the ability to teach others about your work.

4. Is a research engineer a scientist?

Scientists and engineers are often confused with one another but they are two very different disciplines. While a scientist may spend her days studying the world around them and how it works, an engineer is more focused on using those findings to create new solutions.

5. Does a research engineer need a Ph.D.?

To be a research engineer, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering—and you'll probably want to have some professional experience in your field. While it's not strictly necessary, many companies prefer candidates with Master's degrees or other learning experiences that demonstrate their proficiency in the area.

6. What degree does a research engineer need?

You'll need a bachelor's degree in engineering as a professional engineer. However, employers may prefer engineers who have received additional education—such as a master's degree—to hone their skills further. It can be beneficial if you're interested in a specific engineering field and want to expand your knowledge base within that area.

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What Is Research and Development?

Understanding R&D
Types of R&D
Pros and Cons
Considerations
R&D vs. Applied Research
R&D Tax Credits

The Bottom Line

Business Essentials

What Is Research and Development (R&D)?

Investopedia / Ellen Lindner

Research and development (R&D) is the series of activities that companies undertake to innovate. R&D is often the first stage in the development process that results in market research product development, and product testing.

Key Takeaways

Research and development represents the activities companies undertake to innovate and introduce new products and services or to improve their existing offerings.
R&D allows a company to stay ahead of its competition by catering to new wants or needs in the market.
Companies in different sectors and industries conduct R&D—pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and technology companies generally spend the most.
R&D is often a broad approach to exploratory advancement, while applied research is more geared towards researching a more narrow scope.
The accounting for treatment for R&D costs can materially impact a company's income statement and balance sheet.

Understanding Research and Development (R&D)

The concept of research and development is widely linked to innovation both in the corporate and government sectors. R&D allows a company to stay ahead of its competition. Without an R&D program, a company may not survive on its own and may have to rely on other ways to innovate such as engaging in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or partnerships. Through R&D, companies can design new products and improve their existing offerings.

R&D is distinct from most operational activities performed by a corporation. The research and/or development is typically not performed with the expectation of immediate profit. Instead, it is expected to contribute to the long-term profitability of a company. R&D may often allow companies to secure intellectual property, including patents , copyrights, and trademarks as discoveries are made and products created.

Companies that set up and employ departments dedicated entirely to R&D commit substantial capital to the effort. They must estimate the risk-adjusted return on their R&D expenditures, which inevitably involves risk of capital. That's because there is no immediate payoff, and the return on investment (ROI) is uncertain. As more money is invested in R&D, the level of capital risk increases. Other companies may choose to outsource their R&D for a variety of reasons including size and cost.

Companies across all sectors and industries undergo R&D activities. Corporations experience growth through these improvements and the development of new goods and services. Pharmaceuticals, semiconductors , and software/technology companies tend to spend the most on R&D. In Europe, R&D is known as research and technical or technological development.

Many small and mid-sized businesses may choose to outsource their R&D efforts because they don't have the right staff in-house to meet their needs.

Types of Research and Development (R&D)

There are several different types of R&D that exist in the corporate world and within government. The type used depends entirely on the entity undertaking it and the results can differ.

Basic Research

There are business incubators and accelerators, where corporations invest in startups and provide funding assistance and guidance to entrepreneurs in the hope that innovations will result that they can use to their benefit.

M&As and partnerships are also forms of R&D as companies join forces to take advantage of other companies' institutional knowledge and talent.

Applied Research

One R&D model is a department staffed primarily by engineers who develop new products —a task that typically involves extensive research. There is no specific goal or application in mind with this model. Instead, the research is done for the sake of research.

Development Research

This model involves a department composed of industrial scientists or researchers, all of who are tasked with applied research in technical, scientific, or industrial fields. This model facilitates the development of future products or the improvement of current products and/or operating procedures.

The largest companies may also be the ones that drive the most R&D spend. For example, Amazon has reported $1.147 billion of research and development value on its 2023 annual report.

Advantages and Disadvantages of R&D

There are several key benefits to research and development. It facilitates innovation, allowing companies to improve existing products and services or by letting them develop new ones to bring to the market.

Because R&D also is a key component of innovation, it requires a greater degree of skill from employees who take part. This allows companies to expand their talent pool, which often comes with special skill sets.

The advantages go beyond corporations. Consumers stand to benefit from R&D because it gives them better, high-quality products and services as well as a wider range of options. Corporations can, therefore, rely on consumers to remain loyal to their brands. It also helps drive productivity and economic growth.

Disadvantages

One of the major drawbacks to R&D is the cost. First, there is the financial expense as it requires a significant investment of cash upfront. This can include setting up a separate R&D department, hiring talent, and product and service testing, among others.

Innovation doesn't happen overnight so there is also a time factor to consider. This means that it takes a lot of time to bring products and services to market from conception to production to delivery.

Because it does take time to go from concept to product, companies stand the risk of being at the mercy of changing market trends . So what they thought may be a great seller at one time may reach the market too late and not fly off the shelves once it's ready.

Facilitates innovation

Improved or new products and services

Expands knowledge and talent pool

Increased consumer choice and brand loyalty

Economic driver

Financial investment

Shifting market trends

R&D Accounting

R&D may be beneficial to a company's bottom line, but it is considered an expense . After all, companies spend substantial amounts on research and trying to develop new products and services. As such, these expenses are often reported for accounting purposes on the income statement and do not carry long-term value.

There are certain situations where R&D costs are capitalized and reported on the balance sheet. Some examples include but are not limited to:

Materials, fixed assets, or other assets have alternative future uses with an estimable value and useful life.
Software that can be converted or applied elsewhere in the company to have a useful life beyond a specific single R&D project.
Indirect costs or overhead expenses allocated between projects.
R&D purchased from a third party that is accompanied by intangible value. That intangible asset may be recorded as a separate balance sheet asset.

R&D Considerations

Before taking on the task of research and development, it's important for companies and governments to consider some of the key factors associated with it. Some of the most notable considerations are:

Objectives and Outcome: One of the most important factors to consider is the intended goals of the R&D project. Is it to innovate and fill a need for certain products that aren't being sold? Or is it to make improvements on existing ones? Whatever the reason, it's always important to note that there should be some flexibility as things can change over time.
Timing: R&D requires a lot of time. This involves reviewing the market to see where there may be a lack of certain products and services or finding ways to improve on those that are already on the shelves.
Cost: R&D costs a great deal of money, especially when it comes to the upfront costs. And there may be higher costs associated with the conception and production of new products rather than updating existing ones.
Risks: As with any venture, R&D does come with risks. R&D doesn't come with any guarantees, no matter the time and money that goes into it. This means that companies and governments may sacrifice their ROI if the end product isn't successful.

Research and Development vs. Applied Research

Basic research is aimed at a fuller, more complete understanding of the fundamental aspects of a concept or phenomenon. This understanding is generally the first step in R&D. These activities provide a basis of information without directed applications toward products, policies, or operational processes .

Applied research entails the activities used to gain knowledge with a specific goal in mind. The activities may be to determine and develop new products, policies, or operational processes. While basic research is time-consuming, applied research is painstaking and more costly because of its detailed and complex nature.

R&D Tax Credits

The IRS offers a R&D tax credit to encourage innovation and significantly reduction their tax liability. The credit calls for specific types of spend such as product development, process improvement, and software creation.

Enacted under Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code, this credit encourages innovation by providing a dollar-for-dollar reduction in tax obligations. The eligibility criteria, expanded by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, now encompass a broader spectrum of businesses. The credit tens to benefit small-to-midsize enterprises.

To claim R&D tax credits, businesses must document their qualifying expenses and complete IRS Form 6765 (Credit for Increasing Research Activities). The credit, typically ranging from 6% to 8% of annual qualifying expenses, offers businesses a direct offset against federal income tax liabilities. Additionally, businesses can claim up to $250,000 per year against their payroll taxes.

Example of Research and Development (R&D)

One of the more innovative companies of this millennium is Apple Inc. As part of its annual reporting, it has the following to say about its research and development spend:

In 2023, Apple reported having spent $29.915 billion. This is 8% of their annual total net sales. Note that Apple's R&D spend was reported to be higher than the company's selling, general and administrative costs (of $24.932 billion).

Note that the company doesn't go into length about what exactly the R&D spend is for. According to the notes, the company's year-over-year growth was "driven primarily by increases in headcount-related expenses". However, this does not explain the underlying basis carried from prior years (i.e. materials, patents, etc.).

Research and development refers to the systematic process of investigating, experimenting, and innovating to create new products, processes, or technologies. It encompasses activities such as scientific research, technological development, and experimentation conducted to achieve specific objectives to bring new items to market.

What Types of Activities Can Be Found in Research and Development?

Research and development activities focus on the innovation of new products or services in a company. Among the primary purposes of R&D activities is for a company to remain competitive as it produces products that advance and elevate its current product line. Since R&D typically operates on a longer-term horizon, its activities are not anticipated to generate immediate returns. However, in time, R&D projects may lead to patents, trademarks, or breakthrough discoveries with lasting benefits to the company.

Why Is Research and Development Important?

Given the rapid rate of technological advancement, R&D is important for companies to stay competitive. Specifically, R&D allows companies to create products that are difficult for their competitors to replicate. Meanwhile, R&D efforts can lead to improved productivity that helps increase margins, further creating an edge in outpacing competitors. From a broader perspective, R&D can allow a company to stay ahead of the curve, anticipating customer demands or trends.

There are many things companies can do in order to advance in their industries and the overall market. Research and development is just one way they can set themselves apart from their competition. It opens up the potential for innovation and increasing sales. However, it does come with some drawbacks—the most obvious being the financial cost and the time it takes to innovate.

Amazon. " 2023 Annual Report ."

Internal Revenue Service. " Research Credit ."

Internal Revenue Service. " About Form 6765, Credit for Increasing Research Activities ."

Apple. " 2023 Annual Report ."

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The Engineering Research and Development Center of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, headquartered in Vicksburg, routinely develops new technologies and innovations like DamBot, a robotic system that allows inspectors to see inside dams without exposing operators to unknown conditions.

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‘Engineer City’: Vicksburg home to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers research, development sites

By BECKY GILLETTE, Mississippi Business Journal
May 26, 2024

Many people don’t realize that Vicksburg has the largest concentration of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees in the world — engineers, scientists, administrative personnel and technicians.

“For that reason, we like to call Vicksburg ‘Engineer City’ because of the Engineering Research and Development Center on the Vicksburg campus, the USACE Mississippi Valley Division Headquarters (downtown Vicksburg), the USACE Vicksburg District (Clay Street), as well as the U.S. Army 412th Theater Engineer Command Headquarters located next to ERDC,” said ERDC Director Dr. David W. Pittman. “As of the end of fiscal year 2023, ERDC is home to 1,515 engineers and scientists. Those are spread across our laboratories and multiple field sites. Four of ERDC’s seven labs, as well as the ERDC headquarters, are in Vicksburg.”

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IRD Strategic Plan Prepares DHS for Future Homeland Security Challenges

News Release: Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan Prepares DHS for Future Homeland Security Challenges

For immediate release s&t public affairs , 202-286-9047.

Plan will prepare DHS to meet emerging technological needs and maximize strategic impact.

WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the first-ever department-wide Innovation, Research and Development (IRD) Strategic Plan , articulating key investment goals over the next seven fiscal years. Developed at the direction of Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for DHS to keep pace with technology by leveraging research and development to address homeland security challenges.

“This visionary roadmap, informed by scientific efforts, will empower DHS and its components to reduce risks to the homeland through optimized innovation, research and development investments,” said Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “The technologies resulting from our IRD investments play a critical role in equipping the Department’s front-line operators with necessary tools to outpace our adversaries and enhance our preparedness and response capabilities.”

In 2022, Secretary Mayorkas tasked the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) with examining DHS’s execution of research and development (R&D), including through developing a coordinated strategy focused on areas for long-term Departmental research. The resulting IRD Strategic Plan will help the Department and its partners make coordinated, integrated investments. In addition to capturing current IRD efforts already underway – compiling data from every DHS component and office – it provides an overview of complementary efforts led by federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, nongovernmental and private sector entities.

From this analysis of common research fields, the plan highlights eight Strategic Priority Research Areas (SPRAs) and future capabilities that DHS needs across its missions. The SPRAs will enhance the coordination of R&D across DHS while giving a demand signal for industry, interagency, academic, and international communities about future partnership opportunities. The Strategic Priority Research Areas for Fiscal Years 2024-2030 are:

Advanced Sensing – next-generation sensor capabilities to provide enhanced detection performance against a broad spectrum of threats.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Systems – automated technologies to provide predictions, recommendations, or decisions across a wide variety of operating environments, including means to deal with adversarial AI.
Biotechnology – augmented capabilities to predict, detect, and defend against current and emerging bioagents and biotechnologies of concern.
Climate Change – technologies to strengthen climate adaptation/resilience, improve equity, protect critical infrastructure, and reduce carbon emissions.
Communications and Networking – enhanced communications and networking capabilities, while maintaining security and resiliency.
Cybersecurity – enhanced resiliency, protection, and operational assurance across data, software, hardware, and communications networks.
Data Integration, Analytics, Modeling and Simulation – enhanced, integrated data ecosystems, analytics, and modeling to enable better and more accurate data-driven insights, predictions, and decisions.
Digital Identity and Trust – enhanced capabilities to establish and verify both individuals’ identities and the validity, integrity, and privacy of associated data.

In collaboration with stakeholders from across DHS, S&T is advancing implementation of the Strategic Plan by developing IRD investment roadmaps for each SPRA. These roadmaps will inform the Department’s budget process for FY 2027 and beyond.

More information about the IRD Strategic Plan and its priorities can be found at DHS IRD Strategic Plan FY24-30 | Homeland Security .

Science and Technology
Strategic Plan

SIA Outlines Industry Recommendations for the National Semiconductor Technology Center

by Erik Hadland , Director of Technology Policy

SIA today released a set of recommendations to promote the success of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a critical public-private research consortium established by the CHIPS and Science Act. SIA’s recommendations synthesize the most up-to-date industry consensus and priorities.

The CHIPS & Science Act included the most significant federal investment ever made in chip research and development (R&D), committing a substantial $13 billion across the Departments of Commerce and Defense. The cornerstone of the CHIPS R&D program is the NSTC, a more than $5 billion initiative tasked to “conduct research and prototyping of advanced semiconductor technology and grow the domestic semiconductor workforce to strengthen the economic competitiveness and security of the domestic supply chain” (15 U.S.C. § 4656(c)(1).

Since passage of the CHIPS Act, leading stakeholders have issued several valuable reports detailing recommendations and priorities for the initiation and operation of the NSTC. This body of work represents an emerging industry consensus that should form the guiding basis for the CHIPS R&D Office (CRDO) and Natcast—the new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the NSTC Consortium—in the establishment and operation of the NSTC.

SIA’s key recommendations include:

Industry-Driven Public-Private Partnership: The NSTC should reflect industry technology priorities and ensure alignment with the technology agenda and roadmaps of the U.S. semiconductor industry.
Objectives and Focus: The NSTC research agenda should pursue full-stack innovation, and associated infrastructure should aim to meet piloting, prototyping, and commercial scaling needs.
Operating Structure: The NSTC should be comprised of technology centers focused on industry subsectors (e.g., advanced logic, advanced memory, analog and mixed signal, etc.), cross-cutting R&D priorities (e.g., energy efficiency, security, etc.), and end-market working groups (e.g., auto, edge, emerging tech, etc.). The NSTC should maximize the use of existing facilities to the extent feasible and only construct new facilities where needed to achieve programmatic goals.
Participation Structure: The NSTC should primarily operate on a membership model for participation in R&D projects and facilities access, and a variety of funding mechanisms should be used to provide adequate and sustained support for a diverse set of stakeholders.
Policy Considerations: Where possible, the NSTC should leverage existing, industry-accepted protocols, and when new policies or guidance are needed (e.g., domestic production requirements, research security, and intellectual property rights), it is critical that the NSTC and all CRDO programs provide clear guidance that has been informed from industry engagement.

For an organizational structure, SIA recommends a collection of technology-specific centers as well as a series of cross-cutting priorities and end-market working groups to drive research and technology development.

To achieve the important goals of the CHIPS Act—to promote U.S. global leadership and ensure the next generations of transformative technologies are developed domestically—SIA’s recommendations underscore the importance that the CHIPS R&D program be driven by the priorities of the U.S. semiconductor industry and foster effective collaboration across companies, government agencies, institutions of higher education, and other key stakeholders.

SIA looks forward to working with NSTC leaders to ensure this historic initiative successfully advances American semiconductor innovation for years to come.

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Research on Design and Performance of High-Performance Porous Structure Based on 3D Printing Technology

Original Research Article
Published: 29 May 2024

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Guoqing Zhang 1 ,
Junxin Li 1 ,
Xiaoyu Zhou 1 ,
Yongsheng Zhou 1 ,
Juanjuan Xie 1 &
Aibing Huang 2

To obtain high-performing biological fixation implants with excellent properties, it is necessary to comprehensively characterize the design method and molding process of new porous structures printed using 3D printing technology (selective laser melting). We adopted parametric modeling to design a bionic multi-level porous structure, evaluated the properties of the porous structure with finite element method, and optimized the design parameters. Finally, the properties of the 3D printed porous structure were characterized by a compression experiment and fractal theory. The results indicate that the porous structure designed by parametric modeling exhibits a good modeling effect. When a traditional porous structure is stressed, the stress mainly concentrates on the longitudinal bar, while the transverse bar is less stressed. In multi-level porous structures, the stress distributions of longitudinal and transverse bars are relatively uniform. No obvious molding defects were detected in the prepared porous structures. The interlaminar fracture mechanism of traditional porous structure is brittle fracture, and the fracture mechanism of multi-level porous structure is elastic fracture. The compressive strength and modulus increases with the increase in mean pore size and surface-to-volume ratio, and decreases with the increase in porosity. These results present a foundation for 3D printing of high-performing biological fixation implants.

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Acknowledgments

The study was funded by the Henan Provincial Science and Technology Project (242102311240) and the Open Project of Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Guizai reopened 202202). Also, this work was supported by Analytical and Testing Center of ZKNUC for carrying out analysis.

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School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466000, Henan, People’s Republic of China

Guoqing Zhang, Junxin Li, Xiaoyu Zhou, Yongsheng Zhou & Juanjuan Xie

Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225399, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China

Aibing Huang

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Conceptualization was done by Guoqing Zhang. Funding acquisition was done by Guoqing Zhang. Investigation was done by Guoqing Zhang, Junxin Li, and Xiaoyu Zhou. Formal analysis was done by Guoqing Zhang, Yongsheng Zhou, and Juanjuan Xie. Writing—original draft: Guoqing Zhang and Yongsheng Zhou. Writing—review and editing was done by Aibing Huang.

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Correspondence to Guoqing Zhang .

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Zhang, G., Li, J., Zhou, X. et al. Research on Design and Performance of High-Performance Porous Structure Based on 3D Printing Technology. J. of Materi Eng and Perform (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-024-09607-z

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Published : 29 May 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-024-09607-z

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Taking RNAi from interesting science to impactful new treatments

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There are many hurdles to clear before a research discovery becomes a life-changing treatment for patients. That’s especially true when the treatments being developed represent an entirely new class of medicines. But overcoming those obstacles can revolutionize our ability to treat diseases.

Few companies exemplify that process better than Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Alnylam was founded by a group of MIT-affiliated researchers who believed in the promise of a technology — RNA interference, or RNAi.

The researchers had done foundational work to understand how RNAi, which is a naturally occurring process, works to silence genes through the degradation of messenger RNA. But it was their decision to found Alnylam in 2002 that attracted the funding and expertise necessary to turn their discoveries into a new class of medicines. Since that decision, Alnylam has made remarkable progress taking RNAi from an interesting scientific discovery to an impactful new treatment pathway.

Today Alnylam has five medicines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (one Alnylam-discovered RNAi therapeutic is licensed to Novartis) and a rapidly expanding clinical pipeline. The company’s approved medicines are for debilitating, sometimes fatal conditions that many patients have grappled with for decades with few other options.

The company estimates its treatments helped more than 5,000 patients in 2023 alone. Behind that number are patient stories that illustrate how Alnylam has changed lives. A mother of three says Alnylam’s treatments helped her take back control of her life after being bed-ridden with attacks associated with the rare genetic disease acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). Another patient reported that one of the company’s treatments helped her attend her daughter’s wedding. A third patient, who had left college due to frequent AIP attacks, was able to return to school.

These days Alnylam is not the only company developing RNAi-based medicines. But it is still a pioneer in the field, and the company’s founders — MIT Institute Professor Phil Sharp, Professor David Bartel, Professor Emeritus Paul Schimmel, and former MIT postdocs Thomas Tuschl and Phillip Zamore — see Alnylam as a champion for the field more broadly.

“Alnylam has published more than 250 scientific papers over 20 years,” says Sharp, who currently serves as chair of Alnylam’s scientific advisory board. “Not only did we do the science, not only did we translate it to benefit patients, but we also described every step. We established this as a modality to treat patients, and I’m very proud of that record.”

Pioneering RNAi development

MIT’s involvement in RNAi dates back to its discovery. Before Andrew Fire PhD ’83 shared a Nobel Prize for the discovery of RNAi in 1998, he worked on understanding how DNA was transcribed into RNA, as a graduate student in Sharp’s lab.

After leaving MIT, Fire and collaborators showed that double-stranded RNA could be used to silence specific genes in worms. But the biochemical mechanisms that allowed double-stranded RNA to work were unknown until MIT professors Sharp, Bartel, and Ruth Lehmann, along with Zamore and Tuschl, published foundational papers explaining the process. The researchers developed a system for studying RNAi and showed how RNAi can be controlled using different genetic sequences. Soon after Tuschl left MIT, he showed that a similar process could also be used to silence specific genes in human cells, opening up a new frontier in studying genes and ultimately treating diseases.

“Tom showed you could synthesize these small RNAs, transfect them into cells, and get a very specific knockdown of the gene that corresponded to that the small RNAs,” Bartel explains. “That discovery transformed biological research. The ability to specifically knockdown a mammalian gene was huge. You could suddenly study the function of any gene you were interested in by knocking it down and seeing what happens. … The research community immediately started using that approach to study the function of their favorite genes in mammalian cells.”

Beyond illuminating gene function, another application came to mind.

“Because almost all diseases are related to genes, could we take these small RNAs and silence genes to treat patients?” Sharp remembers wondering.

To answer the question, the researchers founded Alnylam in 2002. (They recruited Schimmel, a biotech veteran, around the same time.) But there was a lot of work to be done before the technology could be tried in patients. The main challenge was getting RNAi into the cytoplasm of the patients’ cells.

“Through work in Dave Bartel and Phil Sharp's lab, among others, it became evident that to make RNAi into therapies, there were three problems to solve: delivery, delivery, and delivery,” says Alnylam Chief Scientific Officer Kevin Fitzgerald, who has been with the company since 2005.

Early on, Alnylam collaborated with MIT drug delivery expert and Institute Professor Bob Langer. Eventually, Alnylam developed the first lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that could be used to encase RNA and deliver it into patient cells. LNPs were later used in the mRNA vaccines for Covid-19.

“Alnylam has invested over 20 years and more than $4 billion in RNAi to develop these new therapeutics,” Sharp says. “That is the means by which innovations can be translated to the benefit of society.”

From scientific breakthrough to patient bedside

Alnylam received its first FDA approval in 2018 for treatment of the polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, a rare and fatal disease. It doubled as the first RNAi therapeutic to reach the market and the first drug approved to treat that condition in the United States.

“What I keep in mind is, at the end of the day for certain patients, two months is everything,” Fitzgerald says. “The diseases that we’re trying to treat progress month by month, day by day, and patients can get to a point where nothing is helping them. If you can move their disease by a stage, that’s huge.”

Since that first treatment, Alnylam has updated its RNAi delivery system — including by conjugating small interfering RNAs to molecules that help them gain entry to cells — and earned approvals to treat other rare genetic diseases along with high cholesterol (the treatment licensed to Novartis). All of those treatments primarily work by silencing genes that encode for the production of proteins in the liver, which has proven to be the easiest place to deliver RNAi molecules. But Alnylam’s team is confident they can deliver RNAi to other areas of the body, which would unlock a new world of treatment possibilities. The company has reported promising early results in the central nervous system and says a phase one study last year was the first RNAi therapeutic to demonstrate gene silencing in the human brain.

“There’s a lot of work being done at Alnylam and other companies to deliver these RNAis to other tissues: muscles, immune cells, lung cells, etc.,” Sharp says. “But to me the most interesting application is delivery to the brain. We think we have a therapeutic modality that can very specifically control the activity of certain genes in the nervous system. I think that’s extraordinarily important, for diseases from Alzheimer’s to schizophrenia and depression.”

The central nervous system work is particularly significant for Fitzgerald, who watched his father struggle with Parkinson’s.

“Our goal is to be in every organ in the human body, and then combinations of organs, and then combinations of targets within individual organs, and then combinations of targets within multi-organs,” Fitzgerald says. “We’re really at the very beginning of what this technology is going do for human health.”

It’s an exciting time for the RNAi scientific community, including many who continue to study it at MIT. Still, Alnylam will need to continue executing in its drug development efforts to deliver on that promise and help an expanding pool of patients.

“I think this is a real frontier,” Sharp says. “There’s major therapeutic need, and I think this technology could have a huge impact. But we have to prove it. That’s why Alnylam exists: to pursue new science that unlocks new possibilities and discover if they can be made to work. That, of course, also why MIT is here: to improve lives.”

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Explained: Why RNA vaccines for Covid-19 raced to the front of the pack

MIT researchers have developed an engineered liver tissue model that can be manipulated with RNA interference (RNAi).

Tissue model reveals how RNA will act on the liver

MIT engineers designed RNA-carrying nanoparticles (red) that can be taken up by endothelial cells (stained blue).

Expanding the power of RNA interference

MIT engineers designed nanoparticles that can deliver short strands of RNA (green) into cells (nuclei are stained blue).

Better RNA interference, inspired by nature

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May 13, 2024

Multifaceted Purdue program focuses on strategic defense technologies and engineering

Online degree and certificates are designed for working professionals in national defense

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A multifaceted, interdisciplinary defense technology- and engineering-oriented program from Purdue University is designed to serve professionals in the field of national defense whether they are seeking an advanced degree or a quick skill set upgrade.

The new program and courses are available in noncredit and degree-seeking pathways. The newest program offering, the noncredit certificate in strategic defense technologies , is now available for learners to take courses individually or to earn the certificate as a whole. A related concentration option is available for professionals admitted into Purdue’s online interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering . A graduate certificate is set to launch in spring 2025.

All the options combine history; strategy; and social, military, and data sciences with engineering and technology in a new way. They provide learners with knowledge and competencies needed to analyze, understand, design and execute defense and civilian strategies that involve technologies supporting the strategic interests of the United States.

“Purdue is uniquely qualified to train military and civilian learners interested in strategic defense technologies,” said Sorin Adam Matei, professor and the associate dean of research and graduate education in the College of Liberal Arts. “While our program examines and explores technologies and engineering solutions, it does it from a policy and social sciences perspective, both calibrated to support and expand practical work in national defense and strategic military planning.”

The program was created by the experts grouped around the FORCES research incubator, a Purdue College of Liberal Arts initiative that brings social sciences and humanities expertise to bear on the nation’s strategic defense needs.

Core courses titled Grand Challenges in Defense Engineering; Space Strategy; Strategic Foresight; Technology, War and Strategy; and Data and AI Storytelling are embedded across the program.

To earn the Strategic Defense Technologies certificate, learners complete the Technology, War and Strategy course and two of the other four core courses, but all the courses can be taken individually outside of the certificate program. The courses are self-paced and there are no prerequisites.

“This allows you to pick up the knowledge that you need when you need it,” Matei said. “We want to provide a just-in-time type of education.”

All students in the strategy and defense engineering concentration of Purdue’s 100% online interdisciplinary engineering master’s degree must take Technology, War and Strategy and either Grand Challenges in Defense Engineering or Space Strategy, and choose two courses from among Data and AI Storytelling, Strategic Foresight, and a course titled Ethical Reasoning in Defense Technology. Master’s students can then draw on an extensive collection of electives to fill out the 30-credit hour program and to customize their educational experience to their interests and needs. Admission to the master’s program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or in another STEM field. Purdue’s online engineering master’s programs are ranked No. 3 nationally by U.S. News & World Report .

The noncredit certificate and courses, master’s degree, and planned graduate certificate are designed for midcareer military and civilian personnel in the Department of Defense ecosystem, including employees of DOD contractors, staff members for policymakers as well as think tanks and other nongovernmental organizations, and graduate students planning to pursue defense-oriented professions.

The anytime, anywhere online format makes it accessible for working professionals looking to boost their careers. Created by expert Purdue instructional designers, the courses are structured to move learners smoothly through the curriculum as they gain new knowledge and skills.

Faculty who teach on Purdue’s flagship campus, rated as a top 10 public university in the U.S. by QS World University Rankings, along with subject matter experts, developed and teach in the program. The instructors have worked or are working in fields as diverse as diplomacy, learning innovation, nuclear military applications and space policy.

“All our instructors are people with vast practical experience who have an ear to the ground,” Matei said. “Our courses are regularly updated and checked against reality.”

One of the country’s leading educational institutions for defense-related research and teaching, Purdue is committed to helping the United States remain a world leader in defense technologies.

For more information on the interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering degree with a concentration in strategy and defense engineering, visit the master’s program website . To learn more about the noncredit certificate in strategic defense technologies, visit the certificate program website .

Writer: Greg Kline, [email protected]

Media contact: Tim Doty, [email protected]

Sources: Sorin Adam Matei, [email protected]

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Army ERDC to Kick Off 4 Military Construction Projects in 2024

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center has secured approval to commence the four key military construction projects in 2024 to help advance the Department of Defense’s critical technology areas.

ERDC said Tuesday that the projects, totaling $43 million, include the expansion of the permafrost tunnel at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Fox, Alaska, and the construction of the Projection Penetration Research Facility and Military Pavements Research Facility at the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

ERDC will also begin the construction of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory’s Watercraft and Ship Simulator for Multi-domain Operations Facility.

Michael Harding, the ERDC master planner, said developing premier facilities is one of ERDC Director David Pittman’s top priorities to accelerate the growth and development of the center’s properties, programs and workforce.

“Our facility requirements are formed by the future programs and needs of our customers,” Harding said. “While much of our research is specialized, we aim to modernize our facilities to have the flexibility to address emerging requirements.”

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ERDC's Director of the Information Technology Laboratory Retires. 5/22/2024 UPDATED. VICKSBURG, Miss. - Dr. David A. Horner, director of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC) Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), has retired after 40 years of civil...
What is Research and Development Engineering?
In conclusion, R&D engineering is a subset of engineering that focuses on research and development. An R&D engineer will be responsible, on behalf of their organization, for performing research that can then be used to develop creative long-term solutions. These engineers use research theories, principles, models, and prototypes to perform ...
What does a Research and Development Engineer do?
Research engineers plan, design, develop, and build innovative equipment and technologies using a research-driven process. They perform investigations, testing, modeling, verifications, comparative analysis, and other forms of research to make educated recommendations. They support and guide organizations or clients in making informed decisions ...
What Is a Research Engineer?
Research engineers come from a variety of engineering disciplines and help develop products, processes and technology in many different industries. Having a comprehensive understanding of what the research engineering field entails will help you decide whether it is the right job for you. In this article, we explore the role of a research ...
Research and Development Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2024]
A Research and Development Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $87,594 (USD) per year. However, the actual salary can vary greatly based on factors such as level of education, years of experience, the industry in which they are employed, and the geographical location. Research and Development Engineer Job Description FAQs
179,000+ Research And Development Engineer Jobs in United ...
Today's top 179,000+ Research And Development Engineer jobs in United States. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. New Research And Development Engineer jobs added daily.
Research and Development Engineer Job Description
Research and development engineers, also known as R&D engineers, design and test product concepts and also redesign existing products. They may work in a variety of industries where they collaborate with R&D staff on product design concepts, develop new products, and redesign existing products according to industry standards. Special Offer.
Research and development
Research and development (R&D or R+D; ... If the development is technology driven, R&D is directed toward developing products to meet the unmet needs. ... Anything over 15% is remarkable, and usually gains a reputation for being a high technology company such as engineering company Ericsson 24.9%, or biotech company Allergan, ...
What does a Research And Development Engineer do?
By Zippia TeamUpdated April 25, 2024. 8 min read. Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work ...
Research and Development Engineer Salary
The average Research and Development Engineer salary in the United States is $119,844 as of April 24, 2024, but the range typically falls between $105,972 and $135,251. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Introduction to Development Engineering
This open access textbook introduces the emerging field of Development Engineering and its constituent theories, methods, and applications. It is both a teaching text for students and a resource for researchers and practitioners engaged in the design and scaling of technologies for low-resource communities. The scope is broad, ranging from the ...
Research And Development Engineer Job Description Template
A Research and Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new products or technology to improve current products or processes. They conduct research and experiments, analyze data, and make recommendations for improvements.
Information Technology Laboratory > Engineer Research and Development
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC) Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) is the premier Department of Defense (DOD) laboratory for development and application of ... Engineer Research & Development Center Information Technology Laboratory 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199. Intro to the OHWM Manual.
Abbott Research and Development Jobs
Research and development jobs include: design/product development engineer, associate, manager and director product development, clinical research associate, software engineer, senior scientist, R&D engineer, software architect, cloud engineer (Azure), product improvement associate, director of systems, and more. 4 REASONS TO CHOOSE ABBOTT.
Research and development
The concept of research is as old as science; the concept of the intimate relationship between research and subsequent development, however, was not generally recognized until the 1950s. Research and development is the beginning of most systems of industrial production. The innovations that result in new products and new processes usually have ...
How to Become a Research Engineer? Description, Skills, and Salary
Research Engineer Salary Salary in the US. The average salary for a research engineer is $1,06,581 annually, according to Glassdoor. But whether you're fresh out of college or a senior research engineer, your pay will vary greatly depending on where you work. Salary in India. In India, Research Engineers have an average salary of ₹8,00,000 ...
ERDC
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is the premier research and development center for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.We discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions to the nation's toughest challenges in military engineering, installations and operational environments, civil works, geospatial research and engineering, and engineered resilient systems.
What Is Research and Development (R&D)?
Research And Development - R&D: Research and development (R&D) refers to the investigative activities a business conducts to improve existing products and procedures or to lead to the development ...
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, abbreviated USD (R&E), is a senior official of the United States Department of Defense.The USD (R&E) is charged with the development and oversight of technology strategy for the DoD. The post (or effectively the same post) has at various times had the titles Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)), or ...
'Engineer City': Vicksburg home to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The Engineering Research and Development Center of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, headquartered in Vicksburg, routinely develops new technologies and innovations like DamBot, a robotic system ...
News Release: Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan
In 2022, Secretary Mayorkas tasked the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) with examining DHS's execution of research and development (R&D), including through developing a coordinated strategy focused on areas for long-term Departmental research. The resulting IRD Strategic Plan will help the Department and its partners make ...
SIA Outlines Industry Recommendations for the National Semiconductor
SIA today released a set of recommendations to promote the success of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a critical public-private research consortium established by the CHIPS and Science Act. SIA's recommendations synthesize the most up-to-date industry consensus and priorities. The CHIPS & Science Act included the most significant federal investment ever made in chip ...
Research on Design and Performance of High-Performance ...
With the development of advanced manufacturing technology, the hierarchy of overall structure, classification of material attributes, integration of functional structure, and multi-functionalization of structure have become important areas of research for the continued development of new structures and materials (Ref 5). Thus, it is important ...
DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies
Outlined in the new DHS Innovation, Research & Development Strategic Plan, eight scientific areas will be research focal points to further solidify U.S. national security posture. The areas listed ...
Taking RNAi from interesting science to impactful new treatments
Still, Alnylam will need to continue executing in its drug development efforts to deliver on that promise and help an expanding pool of patients. "I think this is a real frontier," Sharp says. "There's major therapeutic need, and I think this technology could have a huge impact. But we have to prove it.
Multifaceted Purdue program focuses on strategic defense technologies
Online degree and certificates are designed for working professionals in national defense. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A multifaceted, interdisciplinary defense technology- and engineering-oriented program from Purdue University is designed to serve professionals in the field of national defense whether they are seeking an advanced degree or a quick skill set upgrade.
Army ERDC to Kick Off 4 Military Construction Projects in 2024
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center has secured approval to commence the four key military construction projects in 2024 to help advance the Department of Defense's critical ...