R&D Engineer

Safran Group; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Group in Minneapolis is seeking an experienced R&D Engineer to lead planning and execution of research and development projects focused on innovative technologies, new product development, and continuous improvement of existing products within Safran Test Cells.

You will collaborate across aerodynamics, acoustics, mechanical, electrical, software, and controls, evaluate emerging technologies, drive development and testing, and translate research into practical solutions for fast-paced

Qualifications

• Experience with Stage-Gate, New Product Introduction (NPI), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), or similar product development processes preferred.
• Experience leading R&D initiatives involving emerging technologies, advanced materials, automation, digital engineering, control systems, or aerospace applications preferred.
• Proven ability to drive innovation, evaluate new technologies, and translate research into practical engineering solutions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute R&D project strategies, objectives, timelines, and resource plans aligned with business and technology goals.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, coordinating internal stakeholders and external partners to successfully deliver project objectives.
• Conduct and support research, design, development, prototyping, testing, and validation activities throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to define technical requirements, analyze data, develop test plans, and evaluate results to support informed engineering decisions.
• Proactively identify, assess, and manage technical, schedule, and program risks, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.
• Perform market and technology research to evaluate customer needs, industry trends, competitive products, and emerging opportunities.
• Monitor advancements in technology, materials, manufacturing processes, and industry best practices to drive innovation and maintain a competitive advantage.
• Translate research findings and new technologies into practical, value-added solutions that support business growth and product innovation.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in engineering, research and development, product development, technical project management, or a related field

Demonstrated success leading technical projects from concept development through implementation and validation

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field preferred

Job description

R&D Engineer

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Holding leading positions worldwide, Safran Aero Boosters designs, develops and manufactures modules, equipment and test benches for aerospace and space propulsion systems. Based in Belgium, Safran Aero Boosters operates two subsidiaries in the United States and brings together the expertise of 2,000 talented employees.

Reference number

2026-186649

Job details

Domain

Research, design and development

Job field / Job profile

Testing - Test data processing

Job title

R&D Engineer

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Employees / Staff

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

The R&D Engineer at Safran Test Cells is responsible for leading the planning and execution of research and development projects focused on innovative technologies, new product development, and continuous improvement of existing products. This role manages projects from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment with technical requirements, project objectives, budgets, and schedules.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams across aerodynamics, acoustics, mechanical, electrical, software, and controls engineering, the R&D Engineer drives innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, leading development and testing efforts, and translating research into practical solutions. The role also collaborates extensively with external partners, including university, research laboratories, Safran Aero Boosters (SAB), and other Safran companies, to advance research initiatives, share technical expertise, and accelerate technology development. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with project leadership experience and a hands‑on approach to delivering results in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Candidate skills & requirements

• -Develop and execute R&D project strategies, objectives, timelines, and resource plans aligned with business and technology goals.
• -Lead cross-functional project teams, coordinating internal stakeholders and external partners to successfully deliver project objectives.
• -Conduct and support research, design, development, prototyping, testing, and validation activities throughout the product development lifecycle.
• -Collaborate with subject matter experts to define technical requirements, analyze data, develop test plans, and evaluate results to support informed engineering decisions.
• -Proactively identify, assess, and manage technical, schedule, and program risks, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.
• -Perform market and technology research to evaluate customer needs, industry trends, competitive products, and emerging opportunities.
• -Monitor advancements in technology, materials, manufacturing processes, and industry best practices to drive innovation and maintain a competitive advantage.
• -Translate research findings and new technologies into practical, value-added solutions that support business growth and product innovation.

Experience/Education

• -Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline required.
• -Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in engineering, research and development, product development, technical project management, or a related field required
• -Demonstrated success leading technical projects from concept development through implementation and validation required
• -Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, -Systems Engineering, or a related technical field preferred

Experience with Stage-Gate, New Product Introduction (NPI), Product Lifecycle -Management (PLM), or similar product development processes preferred.

• -Experience leading R&D initiatives involving emerging technologies, advanced materials, automation, digital engineering, control systems, or aerospace applications preferred.
• -Proven ability to drive innovation, evaluate new technologies, and translate research into practical engineering solutions preferred.

Annual salary

100,000-115,000

Job location

North America, United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis

City (-ies)

651 Campus Drive , MN 55112 New Brighton

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 5 years

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Yes