Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Arkansas
Research And Development Engineer jobs in Arkansas concentrate in defense systems, agricultural technology, and advanced manufacturing, with demand at every level from entry-level prototype engineers to senior research leads. Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith account for the largest share of openings, anchored by employers such as Lockheed Martin, Dillard's technology operations, and Walmart's global supply chain and innovation divisions. The most in-demand specialties are systems engineering, materials science, and product development for manufacturing and defense applications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Closing Date:
Type of Position:
Contingent Worker
Workstudy Position:
Job Type:
Academic Affiliate
Work Shift:
Sponsorship Available:
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180 .
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180 .
Department:
Archives & Collections
Department's Website:
Summary of Job Duties:
The Arkansas Digital Newspaper Project Archivist is responsible for collecting metadata and supplying it to a digitization vendor, coordinating work and shipments of Sequoyah National Research Center and Arkansas State Archives staff, collaborating institutions, vendors, Library of Congress,. The Archivist is resopnsible for implementing quality review of digital assets, and assisting with project record keeping related to Arkansas Digital Newspaper Project (ADNP) at the Arkansas State Archives. Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, this temporary full-time position will end in December 2027. The position is governed by agency/institution policy and state and federal laws.
Qualifications:
Required Education and/or Experience
Formal education equivalent of a high school diploma;
Four years of specialized training and/or experience in library science, historical archival or a related field.
Preferred Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in the pertinent field;
Two years’ specialized training in library science, history or related field. Experience in an archives, museum or library setting;
Preference will be given to those who possess experience with digitization projects, an understanding of metadata creation and MARC cataloging, knowledge of OCR output optimization, experience with grant management, excellent organizational skills, and knowledge of Arkansas history.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Work on the Arkansas Digital Newspaper Project to digitize over 100,000 pages of historic newspapers for the Library of Congress Chronicling America site;
Collect and review metadata following established guidelines;
Complete detailed quality review of digital assets and metadata;
Work closely with project team, including other Sequoyah National Research Center and Arkansas Digital Newspaper Project staff members, vendors and collaborating institutions;
Assist with record keeping and report preparation;
Research and write the history of newspapers selected for this grant;
Scan original historic material on large format scanner;
Performs related responsibilities as required or assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of classification and archival requirements of historical documents and objects;
Knowledge of applicable technical standards and best practices in digitization and metadata creation;
Knowledge of archival and library best practices;
Knowledge of newspapers or serials, and ability to assess complex relationships between titles preferred;
Knowledge of html and/or xml;
Knowledge of U.S. history and Native American history preferred;
Experience working with Microsoft Excel and Access;
Strong organizational, data entry, and problem-solving skills;
Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
Ability to sort, organize, analyze, and search archival collection and inventories;
Ability to prepare and present oral and written information and reports.
Special Requirements :
- Occasional travel for training;
- Ability to lift 40 lbs. with or without accommodations;
- A pre-employment criminal background check is required;
- Position is subject to drug screening.
Additional Information:
Salary Information:
Required Documents to Apply:
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Recruitment Contact Information:
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry ( MVR ) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Constant Physical Activity:
Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
Frequent Physical Activity:
Sitting, Standing
Occasional Physical Activity:
Walking
Benefits Eligible:
YesSee All 26 Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Arkansas
Find roles in Arkansas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsResearch And Development Engineer Jobs by City in Arkansas
Where Arkansas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research And Development Engineer Job Market in Arkansas
A snapshot from current Arkansas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Arkansas7

- Walmart4

- Arkansas Children's2

- 3D Imaging13
- ABF Freight1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education6
- Retail4
- Healthcare & Medical Services2
- Food & Beverage1
What Arkansas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research and development engineer jobs across Arkansas.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, or a closely related technical field
- Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, or laboratory research instrumentation
- Experience designing and executing experiments from concept through prototype validation
- Familiarity with product lifecycle management and engineering documentation standards
- Strong technical writing skills for research reports, patents, and regulatory submissions
- Ability to obtain a security clearance, preferred for defense and government contract roles
Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Arkansas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research and development engineer in Arkansas?
Most research and development engineer positions in Arkansas require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related science field from an accredited program. Arkansas does not mandate a state-issued license specifically for R&D roles, but engineers who sign off on designs for public use typically hold a Professional Engineer license issued through the Arkansas State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. Employers in defense and manufacturing often require relevant industry certifications alongside that foundation.
Which companies hire research and development engineers in Arkansas?
Companies currently hiring research and development engineers in Arkansas include University of Arkansas, Walmart, and Arkansas Children's, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Arkansas's defense contracting base and its growing agtech and advanced manufacturing sectors make it a consistent source of R&D openings across both large corporations and specialized research facilities.
Which Arkansas cities have the most research and development engineer jobs?
Little Rock, Bentonville, and Springdale have the most research and development engineer openings in Arkansas. Little Rock's concentration of government agencies and defense contractors drives demand in the capital region, while Fayetteville and the broader Northwest Arkansas corridor benefit from Walmart's global sourcing and innovation operations, which attract a dense cluster of supplier and technology firms conducting product and systems research nearby.
Are there remote research and development engineer jobs in Arkansas?
Yes, but they're rare. Research and development engineering is inherently hands-on, requiring lab access, prototyping equipment, and on-site collaboration, so fully remote roles represent a small share of the market. About 9% of research and development engineer openings tied to Arkansas are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with hybrid arrangements more common in software-driven R&D and data analysis sub-roles than in physical or laboratory engineering positions.
How can I get hired as a research and development engineer in Arkansas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an undergraduate research role or co-op program completed before graduation, as employers at University of Arkansas-affiliated research centers and defense contractors like Lockheed Martin actively recruit from these pipelines. Look for titles such as junior engineer, research associate, or test engineer, which are common bridge roles in Arkansas manufacturing and agtech firms. A strong capstone project portfolio or a Fundamentals of Engineering credential from the Arkansas State Board of Licensure gives candidates a concrete edge in competitive applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to research and development engineer jobs in Arkansas?
You can find and apply to research and development engineer jobs in Arkansas on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arkansas openings across defense, manufacturing, agtech, and other sectors. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and specialization, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 26 Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Arkansas
Find roles in Arkansas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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