Research & Development Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401K plan

Commuter benefits

Paid leave

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a Research & Development Engineer to advance manufacturing processes and support prototype and product builds for the SGNCOE team. You will collaborate with SMEs, coordinate cross-functional activities, and communicate milestones to stakeholders, driving innovation from concept to production.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s in Engineering, eligibility for a security clearance, and at least 1.5 years of professional experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical).
• Eligible to obtain a Security Clearance.
• Minimum 1.5 years of professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement and development initiatives that elevate product quality and business outcomes.
• Support SGNCOE prototype and product builds, ensuring seamless execution.
• Evaluate designs and implement manufacturability enhancements.
• Conduct product testing, gather data, analyze results, and publish findings.
• Perform formal failure analysis and clearly communicate outcomes.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Provide regular status updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Train factory personnel during transition-to-production activities.

Skills

Inertial instruments experience

Independent work

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MiniTab

Access

MS Office Suite

Six Sigma

Job description

Join the Future of Flight: Research & Development Engineer at PDS Tech Commercial (Partnering with a Global Aerospace Leader)

Location: Minneapolis, MN | Payrate: $55.28/hour

Are you ready to help shape the technologies that will define the next generation of aerospace innovation? PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a Research & Development Engineer to support groundbreaking projects with one of the industry’s most respected leaders. In this role, your work will directly impact product performance, manufacturing excellence, and mission-critical aerospace systems.

Role Summary

As an R&D Engineer, you will play a key role in developing and improving manufacturing processes while supporting prototype and product builds for the SGNCOE team. You’ll collaborate with subject matter experts, coordinate cross-functional activities, and communicate project milestones to stakeholders—ensuring innovation moves smoothly from concept to production.

What You’ll Do (Day-to-Day)

• Lead process improvement and development initiatives that elevate product quality and business outcomes.
• Support SGNCOE prototype and product builds, ensuring seamless execution.
• Evaluate designs and implement manufacturability enhancements.
• Conduct product testing, gather data, analyze results, and publish findings.
• Perform formal failure analysis and clearly communicate outcomes.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Provide regular status updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Train factory personnel during transition-to-production activities.

Required Qualifications (YOU MUST HAVE)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering).
• Must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance.
• Minimum 1.5 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications (WE VALUE)

• Experience working with inertial instruments.
• Strong self-motivation and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in design and analysis tools such as MiniTab, Access, and MS Office Suite.
• Six Sigma certification and hands‑on experience with process improvement methodologies.
• Prior successful program experience in engineering or manufacturing environments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details

$55.28 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

Requirements

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.