R&D engineers turn ideas and scientific insights into practical products, technologies, and processes. They plan and conduct experiments, build prototypes, analyze results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to move concepts from early research toward real-world use. Browse vetted R&D Engineer opportunities on Ladders, including roles paying $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by industry and employer, but often include designing experiments, evaluating materials or systems, developing prototypes, documenting findings, and improving product performance. R&D engineers may also assess safety, quality, cost, reliability, and manufacturability while coordinating with product, manufacturing, software, and regulatory teams.
R&D engineering opportunities span technology, aerospace, automotive, energy, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, advanced materials, and manufacturing. Specializations may include mechanical, electrical, chemical, biomedical, software, and materials engineering. The work can range from fundamental research to applied development and product optimization.
Employers commonly seek a relevant engineering degree and experience with technical research, experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving. Depending on the position, valuable skills may include CAD or simulation tools, programming, laboratory methods, design controls, technical writing, and knowledge of industry standards. Strong communication and collaboration skills help engineers explain findings and align research with business and customer needs.
Use Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Review each listing for its responsibilities, required qualifications, location, and compensation details to find R&D engineering roles that fit your experience and career goals.
$83K - $133K *
Engage in innovative product solutions to add customer value, drive R&D projects, and enhance design processes. Collaborate creatively and independently, fostering product quality improvements and tec...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative cooling solutions through hands-on design, testing, and validation of refrigeration products while collaborating closely with manufacturing teams to ensure suc...
3 weeks ago
R&D Process Development Engineer
$108K - $154K *
Join a team that's shaping the future in R&D by developing robust manufacturing processes from innovative technologies through production readiness, ensuring quality and repeatability across operation...
Reposted 6 days ago
Lead R&D Manufacturing Engineer
$92K - $138K *
Innovate manufacturing processes and tooling solutions while leading cross-functional teams. Drive product development from concept to production, ensuring quality and efficiency in advanced technolog...
3 days ago
Lead R&D Manufacturing Engineer
$92K - $138K *
Transform manufacturing processes by leading R&D initiatives, developing innovative tooling, and collaborating across teams to enhance product quality and efficiency from concept to production...
3 days ago
$210K - $225K *
Drive innovation and lead technical projects in the development of neurovascular medical devices, ensuring quality, compliance, and manufacturability while mentoring and guiding R&D teams to achieve b...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of beverage technology by leading design, development, and testing of innovative equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and developing innovative beverage equipment. Lead projects from concept to production, utilizing advanced technologies and collaborating acro...
Today
Research & Development - R&D Design Engineer 3
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of product design by developing innovative solutions from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet safety and quality standards while ment...
3 days ago
$74K - $102K *
Elevate innovation by developing and optimizing surface-modified membranes for advanced filtration applications in semiconductor manufacturing, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive produ...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's committed to ensuring quality excellence in high-voltage product innovations. Collaborate across engineering and manufacturing to support NPI projects, driving compliance and proact...
Reposted 4 days ago
$92K - $110K *
Lead the development of innovative Intervention and Stimulation solutions, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to design, prototype, and deliver high-performance products that meet market need...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer - Thermal R&D
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of thermal engineering for advanced military and commercial applications. Drive innovative solutions from concept to production, utilizing cutting-edge technologi...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Pioneer innovative product development by managing testing and validation processes. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure trailers meet performance standards while leading projects that enhanc...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - R&D Process Development
$72K - $120K *
Champion innovative process development and optimization in R&D, leading projects that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...
1 week ago
R&D Semiconductor Device Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by managing device development projects from concept to production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define technology requirements, design processes, and ensure high-qual...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $150K *
Unlock innovative solutions in industrial automation by developing concepts, building prototypes, and collaborating across teams. This hands-on role requires expertise in mechanical design, controls...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining industrial automation by developing innovative solutions through hands-on engineering, prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration to tackle real-world challenges in...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $150K *
Shape the future of industrial automation by developing innovative solutions. Collaborate across teams to transform concepts into prototypes, leveraging mechanical, electrical, and software expertise...
2 weeks ago
Research and Development Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovation in space intelligence by developing software solutions for object visualization and data exploitation. Collaborate with a dynamic team to transform research into scalable capabilities...
Yesterday
$62K - $105K *
Engage in hands-on R&D, executing experiments and processes that drive innovative materials development and advanced manufacturing, while collaborating with engineers and scientists in a dynamic lab e...
Reposted 6 days ago
$90K - $154K *
Optimize innovation by developing cutting-edge equipment and processes in a hands-on R&D environment, collaborating across disciplines to enhance manufacturing capabilities and ensure data observabili...
Reposted 5 days ago
Mechanical Engineer, R&D Automation
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by designing and improving automated manufacturing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative mechanical solutions, ensuring reliability and efficiency in...
2 weeks ago
R&D Semiconductor Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by managing integration processes for new products, collaborating across teams to optimize manufacturing yields, and driving continuous improvement in semiconductor device technolo...
Yesterday
Mechanical Engineer - Product Development
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovation by developing mechanical products from concept to production. Engage in hands-on design, prototyping, and testing while collaborating with manufacturing teams to bring diverse commerc...
Today
What does an R&D engineer do?
An R&D engineer researches, designs, tests, and improves products, technologies, or processes. The role may involve experiments, prototyping, data analysis, technical documentation, and collaboration with product and manufacturing teams.
What qualifications are typically required for R&D engineer jobs?
Many roles require a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or a related field. Employers may also look for relevant research or product-development experience, technical problem-solving ability, and familiarity with tools or standards specific to the industry.
Which industries hire R&D engineers?
R&D engineers work in industries such as technology, aerospace, automotive, energy, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, materials, and manufacturing.
How can I find R&D engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse R&D Engineer listings on Ladders, where professional jobs are vetted and pay $100,000 or more. Check each listing for compensation, location, responsibilities, and qualifications.
What skills are useful for an R&D engineer?
Useful skills include experimental design, data analysis, prototyping, technical writing, and engineering problem-solving. Depending on the role, employers may also value CAD, simulation, programming, laboratory methods, or regulatory knowledge.