R&D Engineer

Safran S.A.; New Brighton (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Test Cells in New Brighton, MN, seeks an experienced R&D Engineer to lead planning and execution of advanced technology projects from concept to implementation. You will coordinate aerodynamics, acoustics, mechanical, electrical, software, and controls teams, and collaborate with external partners to accelerate development and transfer research to practical solutions.

The role requires strong technical expertise, a track record in project leadership, and a hands-on approach in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field required.
• Minimum of five years of progressive engineering/R&D experience.
• Experience leading technical projects from concept to validation.
• Prior exposure to Stage-Gate or NPI processes preferred.
• Experience with emerging technologies and aerospace applications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute R&D project strategies, timelines, and resource plans.
• Lead cross-functional teams with internal and external partners to achieve objectives.
• Conduct research, design, prototyping, testing, and validation across the lifecycle.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

R&D planning

Prototype testing

Risk management

Technology evaluation

Aerospace applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Job description

Published 08.31.2026 Company : Safran Test Cells Job field : Testing Location : New Brighton , Minnesota , United States Contract type : Permanent Contract duration : Full-time Required degree : Bachelor's Degree Required experience : More than 5 years Professional status : Employees / Staff Salary range : 100,000-115,000 ITAR : ITAR Controlled positionPublished 08.31.2026Job DescriptionThe 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.Job 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 preferredExperience 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.Company InformationSafran 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.Locate your future workplace639 Campus Drive MN 55112New BrightonMinnesota United States