Research Engineer Jobs in Arizona
Research Engineer jobs in Arizona are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, and university-affiliated R&D, at levels from entry-level associate researcher through principal and senior engineer. Phoenix, Tucson, and Chandler lead hiring activity, anchored by established employers such as Honeywell, Raytheon Technologies, and Intel, all of which maintain significant research and engineering operations in the state. The most sought-after specialties in Arizona listings are RF and systems engineering, materials science, and semiconductor process research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Crafco has an opening for a Research Engineer at our corporate headquarters in Phoenix, AZ.
The Research Engineer is responsible for research, formulation development, production instructions, and specification conformance of asphaltic and pavement materials, emulsion and modified asphalt coatings, adhesives, RTV silicones and other assigned Crafco products, and providing technical support for sales and marketing. The Research Engineer has responsibility for investigation of alternate raw material sources for use in manufacturing processes and development of new products. Extensive understanding of specifications for products assigned and for raw materials and use characteristics is required. The Research Engineer will require a research-oriented mindset, skills in experimental methods and experimental design, and a data-driven approach to solving material and product performance problems.
This position offers a competitive salary rate with an excellent benefits package including: Profit Sharing, Matching 401(k), Health, Life, Disability, Dental, Vision, Holiday, Personal & Sick pay, Maternity/Paternity leave and more!
Specific Duties include:
- Formulation development and specification conformance of asphaltic and pavement materials, coatings, adhesives and silicone products.
- Working with the product development group on research projects across Crafco's product portfolio, including asphalt, coating, roofing, pavement preservation, adhesives and silicone products.
- Issuing and updating raw material specifications, production formulations, manufacturing instructions for assigned products and all checklist documentation.
- Adjustment of product formulations as required to maintain production of in-specification materials at the lowest cost consistent with quality, performance and sustainability objectives.
- Working with product engineers and managers on monitoring of raw materials characteristics used in production and adjustments of product formulas as required to maintain uniform product characteristics.
- Providing technical assistance to other company functions regarding use and application of assigned products.
- Communication with vendors regarding raw materials of use in Crafco products.
- Monitoring of specification conformance of assigned products in conjunction with Quality Assurance Manager.
- Planning and coordinating experimental analyses of raw materials, manufacturing methods, and finished products for use in developing formulations, manufacturing instructions and procedures. Designing controlled experiments, analyzing data statistically, and using results to support technical decisions and product improvements.
- Planning and coordinating research activities involved with development of assigned products. Owning projects from problem definition through laboratory evaluation, field or production validation, and implementation, with clear objectives, milestones and timely communication of progress and risks.
- Performing laboratory testing and evaluations in a safe, accurate and consistent manner in accordance with specifications.
- Stay current with relevant technical literature, standards and advances in rheology and materials testing. Develop or adapt test methods as needed, establish repeatability and relevance to intended use, and document procedures for consistent use by other teams.
- Occasionally represent Crafco at technical meetings, conferences and industry committees, presenting research findings clearly and communicating relevant technical developments to internal teams.
- Maintain appropriate records and files of data, instructions, and procedures in the Materials Engineering Filing System, including traceable test conditions, results, analyses and technical conclusions.
- Timeliness of performing required functions.
- Must keep equipment clean and in good working condition.
- Must keep work area clean and organized.
- Cooperation with other employees in the department and the company regarding performance of assigned duties and other company activities. Demonstrate selfless leadership by putting team and company goals first, sharing knowledge and credit, supporting colleagues, and taking responsibility for outcomes.
- Perform other tasks assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of a BS degree or equivalent experience in a science or engineering field (chemistry, physics, materials or polymer science, chemical, civil or petroleum engineering, or a related field).
- Minimum of three years' experience or equivalent with formulation, evaluation and development of modified asphalt, pavement materials, sealants, adhesives, coatings or related products.
- Strong working knowledge of asphalt modification and hands-on laboratory experience with asphaltic and pavement materials.
- Proficiency in rheology, including dynamic shear rheometry, interpretation of viscoelastic behavior, and familiarity with current and emerging test methods and applicable ASTM and AASHTO standards.
- Ability to develop, validate and document test methods when existing methods do not adequately address product performance or research needs.
- Knowledge of polymer chemistry and the chemistry of paving materials is preferred.
- Intellectual curiosity, sound experimental judgment, and the adaptability to work on multiple products and concurrent projects across Crafco's product lines.
- Working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, including data analysis and preparation of clear technical reports and presentations.
- Strong team player with effective presentation, coordination and communication skills across research, quality, manufacturing, product management, sales and other teams.
- Working knowledge of MRP systems is preferred.
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Clean driving record.
About Crafco, Inc.
Crafco, Inc. has delivered confidence through innovation, quality, and value to our customers since 1976. Crafco is the world's leading manufacturer in quantity and diversity of packaged pavement preservation products and equipment. As a subsidiary of Ergon, Inc., our core values consist of Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth, and Respectful Relationships, which provide an excellent work environment for future growth. We have a great culture of people working together. If you are looking for a great career with a job you enjoy, check us out.
Learn more about Crafco and Ergon:
http://crafco.com
https://ergon.com/sustainability
Contact us to see if you can be a part of our TEAM.
See All 9 Research Engineer Jobs in Arizona
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Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Engineer Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
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What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research engineer jobs across Arizona.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or a related technical field
- Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and technical documentation in a research environment
- Proficiency with simulation or modeling tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or Python-based frameworks
- Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. security clearance for defense and aerospace research roles
- Demonstrated publication record or patent contributions in a relevant research domain
- Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, cleanroom procedures, or regulatory compliance standards
Research Engineer Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research engineer in Arizona?
Becoming a research engineer in Arizona typically starts with a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related science, though many roles at Arizona's defense contractors and research universities prefer a master's or doctorate. Arizona does not require a specific state license to work as a research engineer, but engineers who sign off on public-facing designs may pursue Professional Engineer registration through the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration. Strong candidates build experience through university research labs at Arizona State University or the University of Arizona before moving into industry.
Which companies hire research engineers in Arizona?
Employers hiring research engineers in Arizona right now include Maverick Power, CRAFCO, and Intel Corporation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Arizona's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor fabs, and federally funded research centers means demand is distributed across both large multinationals and specialized government contractors throughout the Phoenix metro and Tucson corridor.
Which Arizona cities have the most research engineer jobs?
The cities with the most research engineer openings in Arizona are Phoenix, Arizona, and Tucson. Phoenix and its East Valley suburbs like Chandler and Tempe drive the bulk of demand through semiconductor manufacturing campuses and aerospace facilities, while Tucson's openings are heavily shaped by Raytheon Technologies and the University of Arizona's research enterprise, making it a consistent second market for the role.
How can I get hired as a research engineer in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a university research assistant or intern role at Arizona State University or the University of Arizona, both of which pipeline graduates directly into Arizona industry. Large defense and semiconductor employers in the Phoenix area, including Honeywell and Intel, run structured new-graduate programs that accept candidates with strong academic project experience in place of industry tenure. Adjacent roles such as test engineer, lab technician, or process engineer are common lateral entry points, and pursuing a Professional Engineer registration track through the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration signals long-term commitment to hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to research engineer jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to research engineer jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings across aerospace, semiconductor, and R&D sectors. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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