Research Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Research Engineer jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, defense systems, materials science, and biotechnology, with openings at every level from entry-level R&D associate through principal and senior research engineer. Chicago, Peoria, and the broader Chicagoland suburbs are the primary hiring hubs, home to anchor employers like Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, and Boeing, all of which maintain significant research and development operations in Illinois. The most sought-after specialties include materials characterization, systems integration, and computational modeling. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Landauer, Inc., a global leader in radiation sciences, is looking for a talented and creative Research and Development Engineer that will use knowledge of scientific techniques to contribute to the design and development of radiation monitoring devices and the sustainment of existing products.
This position requires working with cross-functional teams across the company, including external physics research and development teams, internal engineering teams and external contract engineering partners, and representatives from manufacturing, marketing, and sustaining engineering.
This is a full-time, exempt position based in Glenwood, IL. Fluke Health Solutions offers a competitive salary, time off, and benefits. Our offering includes PTO, paid holidays, medical/dental/vision on Day 1 + many more. We want you to bring your whole self to FHS!
Responsibilities include:
- Work with research and development, and engineering teams to develop new products.
- Perform experiments to support the development and assessment of new technologies
- Contribute to the transition from product prototyping to final manufacturing (e.g., to explain product designs and requirements, help troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs, etc).
- Work with sustaining engineering to support newly introduced products (e.g., to explain product designs and requirements, troubleshoot issues, and support maintenance).
- Work with sustaining engineering to support existing products.
- Write product specifications, performance characteristics, test and validation plans, and related documentation for new products.
- Contribute to the design and direction of experiments by developing methodologies, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting data.
- Execute research studies under supervision following established protocols, supporting product development from feasibility through final verification and validation.
- Manage independent projects under the guidance of process leaders and project facilitators.
- Organize and analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate experiment status and results to others.
- Demonstrate strong documentation practices, adherence to regulatory and quality standards, and contribution to a culture of scientific integrity and operational excellence.
Requirements for the position:
- BA/BS + 4 years in Physical Sciences (Physics or Engineering) preferred;
- Understanding of scientific methods for test development and documentation;
- Understanding of engineering design fundamentals;
- Self-driven, with strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and able to work both independently and in a cross-functional team (required)
- Effective oral and written communication skills (required)
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments and partner with Quality, Operations, and Service teams to develop products and improve product reliability.
Additional skills desired:
- Experience with Python and Jupyter Notebooks programming
- Experience with CoPilot
- Experience with root cause failure analysis methods
Fortive Corporation Overview
Fortive's essential technology makes the world safer and more productive. We accelerate transformation in high-impact fields like workplace safety, build environments, and healthcare.
We are a global industrial technology innovator with a startup spirit. Our forward-looking companies lead the way in healthcare sterilization, industrial safety, predictive maintenance, and other mission-critical solutions. We're a force for progress, working alongside our customers and partners to solve challenges on a global scale, from workplace safety in the most demanding conditions to advanced technologies that help providers focus on exceptional patient care.
We are a diverse team 10,000 strong, united by a dynamic, inclusive culture and energized by limitless learning and growth. We use the proven Fortive Business System (FBS) to accelerate our positive impact.
At Fortive, we believe in you. We believe in your potential—your ability to learn, grow, and make a difference.
At Fortive, we believe in us. We believe in the power of people working together to solve problems no one could solve alone.
At Fortive, we believe in growth. We're honest about what's working and what isn't, and we never stop improving and innovating.
Fortive: For you, for us, for growth.
About Fluke Health Solutions
Comprised of four industry leaders—Fluke Biomedical, LANDAUER, RaySafe, and Victoreen — Fluke Health Solutions (FHS) leads the biomedical and radiation detection markets with innovative products and services that help keep customers, patients, and clients safe. Fluke Biomedical leads the world in manufacturing biomedical test equipment like defibrillator analyzers and digital pressure meters. LANDAUER measures radiation exposure with dosimeter and radiation monitoring badges. RaySafe is the worldwide leader of X-ray test equipment, real-time staff dosimetry, and radiation survey meters. And Victoreen instruments are the trusted source for radiation monitoring systems and quality assurance for nuclear power professionals. At FHS, we believe in your potential — your ability to learn, grow and contribute in meaningful ways. And we believe in giving you the opportunity, accountability, and visibility to do just that.
We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fortive Corporation and all Fortive Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Fortive and all Fortive Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at applyassistance@fortive.com.
Pay Range
The salary range for this position (in local currency) is 88,000.00 - 147,000.00.
Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors, including, but not limited to: job-related knowledge; skills; experience; and other eligibility factors such as geographic location. The Total Rewards package includes competitive base pay and an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and several programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
Comprised of four industry leaders—Fluke Biomedical, LANDAUER, RaySafe, and Victoreen — Fluke Health Solutions (FHS) leads the biomedical and radiation detection markets with innovative products and services that help keep customers, patients, and clients safe. Fluke Biomedical leads the world in manufacturing biomedical test equipment like defibrillator analyzers and digital pressure meters. LANDAUER measures radiation exposure with dosimeter and radiation monitoring badges. RaySafe is the worldwide leader of X-ray test equipment, real-time staff dosimetry, and radiation survey meters. And Victoreen instruments are the trusted source for radiation monitoring systems and quality assurance for nuclear power professionals. At FHS, we believe in your potential — your ability to learn, grow and contribute in meaningful ways. And we believe in giving you the opportunity, accountability, and visibility to do just that.We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fortive Corporation and all Fortive Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Fortive and all Fortive Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at applyassistance@fortive.com.
The salary range for this position (in local currency) is 88,000.00 - 147,000.00Landauer, Inc., a global leader in radiation sciences, is looking for a talented and creative Research and Development Engineer that will use knowledge of scientific techniques to contribute to the design and development of radiation monitoring devices and the sustainment of existing products.
This position requires working with cross-functional teams across the company, including external physics research and development teams, internal engineering teams and external contract engineering partners, and representatives from manufacturing, marketing, and sustaining engineering.
This is a full-time, exempt position based in Glenwood, IL. Fluke Health Solutions offers a competitive salary, time off, and benefits. Our offering includes PTO, paid holidays, medical/dental/vision on Day 1 + many more. We want you to bring your whole self to FHS!
Responsibilities include:
- Work with research and development, and engineering teams to develop new products.
- Perform experiments to support the development and assessment of new technologies
- Contribute to the transition from product prototyping to final manufacturing (e.g., to explain product designs and requirements, help troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs, etc).
- Work with sustaining engineering to support newly introduced products (e.g., to explain product designs and requirements, troubleshoot issues, and support maintenance).
- Work with sustaining engineering to support existing products.
- Write product specifications, performance characteristics, test and validation plans, and related documentation for new products.
- Contribute to the design and direction of experiments by developing methodologies, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting data.
- Execute research studies under supervision following established protocols, supporting product development from feasibility through final verification and validation.
- Manage independent projects under the guidance of process leaders and project facilitators.
- Organize and analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate experiment status and results to others.
- Demonstrate strong documentation practices, adherence to regulatory and quality standards, and contribution to a culture of scientific integrity and operational excellence.
Requirements for the position:
- BA/BS + 4 years in Physical Sciences (Physics or Engineering) preferred;
- Understanding of scientific methods for test development and documentation;
- Understanding of engineering design fundamentals;
- Self-driven, with strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and able to work both independently and in a cross-functional team (required)
- Effective oral and written communication skills (required)
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments and partner with Quality, Operations, and Service teams to develop products and improve product reliability.
Additional skills desired:
- Experience with Python and Jupyter Notebooks programming
- Experience with CoPilot
- Experience with root cause failure analysis methods
Fortive Corporation Overview
Fortive's essential technology makes the world safer and more productive. We accelerate transformation in high-impact fields like workplace safety, build environments, and healthcare.
We are a global industrial technology innovator with a startup spirit. Our forward-looking companies lead the way in healthcare sterilization, industrial safety, predictive maintenance, and other mission-critical solutions. We're a force for progress, working alongside our customers and partners to solve challenges on a global scale, from workplace safety in the most demanding conditions to advanced technologies that help providers focus on exceptional patient care.
We are a diverse team 10,000 strong, united by a dynamic, inclusive culture and energized by limitless learning and growth. We use the proven Fortive Business System (FBS) to accelerate our positive impact.
At Fortive, we believe in you. We believe in your potential—your ability to learn, grow, and make a difference.
At Fortive, we believe in us. We believe in the power of people working together to solve problems no one could solve alone.
At Fortive, we believe in growth. We're honest about what's working and what isn't, and we never stop improving and innovating.
Fortive: For you, for us, for growth.
About Fluke Health Solutions
Comprised of four industry leaders—Fluke Biomedical, LANDAUER, RaySafe, and Victoreen — Fluke Health Solutions (FHS) leads the biomedical and radiation detection markets with innovative products and services that help keep customers, patients, and clients safe. Fluke Biomedical leads the world in manufacturing biomedical test equipment like defibrillator analyzers and digital pressure meters. LANDAUER measures radiation exposure with dosimeter and radiation monitoring badges. RaySafe is the worldwide leader of X-ray test equipment, real-time staff dosimetry, and radiation survey meters. And Victoreen instruments are the trusted source for radiation monitoring systems and quality assurance for nuclear power professionals. At FHS, we believe in your potential — your ability to learn, grow and contribute in meaningful ways. And we believe in giving you the opportunity, accountability, and visibility to do just that.
We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fortive Corporation and all Fortive Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Fortive and all Fortive Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at applyassistance@fortive.com.
Pay Range
The salary range for this position (in local currency) is 88,000.00 - 147,000.00.
Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors, including, but not limited to: job-related knowledge; skills; experience; and other eligibility factors such as geographic location. The Total Rewards package includes competitive base pay and an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and several programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
Comprised of four industry leaders—Fluke Biomedical, LANDAUER, RaySafe, and Victoreen — Fluke Health Solutions (FHS) leads the biomedical and radiation detection markets with innovative products and services that help keep customers, patients, and clients safe. Fluke Biomedical leads the world in manufacturing biomedical test equipment like defibrillator analyzers and digital pressure meters. LANDAUER measures radiation exposure with dosimeter and radiation monitoring badges. RaySafe is the worldwide leader of X-ray test equipment, real-time staff dosimetry, and radiation survey meters. And Victoreen instruments are the trusted source for radiation monitoring systems and quality assurance for nuclear power professionals. At FHS, we believe in your potential — your ability to learn, grow and contribute in meaningful ways. And we believe in giving you the opportunity, accountability, and visibility to do just that.We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fortive Corporation and all Fortive Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Fortive and all Fortive Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at applyassistance@fortive.com.
The salary range for this position (in local currency) is 88,000.00 - 147,000.00See All 10 Research Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Engineer JobsResearch Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Science & Research
- Investment & Asset Management
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering, materials science, or a closely related technical discipline
- Experience designing and executing experimental research protocols and interpreting results
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent modeling software
- Demonstrated ability to document research findings and prepare technical reports or publications
- Familiarity with laboratory safety standards and equipment calibration procedures
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills for working with product, manufacturing, or clinical teams
Research Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research engineer in Illinois?
Most research engineer positions in Illinois require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related science field, with many employers in defense, biotech, and advanced manufacturing preferring a master's or Ph.D. Unlike licensed engineering roles, research engineer positions typically do not require a Professional Engineer license in Illinois, though obtaining one from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation can strengthen candidacy for roles that bridge research and applied design.
Which companies hire research engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring research engineers in Illinois right now include DRW, Shure, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of defense contractors, life sciences firms, and industrial equipment manufacturers means demand is spread across both the Chicago metro and the Peoria-Bloomington corridor.
Which Illinois cities have the most research engineer jobs?
The cities with the most research engineer openings in Illinois are Chicago, Malta, and Niles. Chicago and its northern and western suburbs drive the bulk of demand through major corporate R&D centers and life sciences campuses, while Peoria reflects Caterpillar's outsized presence in heavy equipment and advanced materials research.
Are there remote research engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Research engineer work is often hands-on, tied to laboratory equipment, test facilities, or prototype environments that require on-site presence. About 50% of research engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. The portions of the role most amenable to remote work include data analysis, modeling, and technical writing, while experimental and instrumentation tasks are nearly always on-site.
How can I get hired as a research engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a co-op, internship, or research assistant position while completing your degree, as Illinois employers like Abbott, Caterpillar, and Argonne National Laboratory run structured programs for students and recent graduates. Adjacent roles such as lab technician, test engineer, or quality engineer are common stepping stones. Building a portfolio of documented research projects or contributing to a faculty-led study at an Illinois university strengthens applications considerably when formal experience is limited.
Where can I find and apply to research engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to research engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries including defense, biotech, advanced manufacturing, and materials science. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 10 Research Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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