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.
Principal Cost Engineer - Design to Value
$96K - $192K *
Join a dynamic team to drive cost reduction initiatives and enhance material productivity across global business units. Collaborate with stakeholders to influence design and manufacturing changes, ens...
6 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your potential as a Principal Software Developer, driving the design and deployment of cutting-edge AI platforms. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhan...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Operations Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead the design and optimization of mechanical systems for data centers, ensuring reliability, energy efficiency, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational perform...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Develop and implement integrations between Army work-request and financial systems with IBM Maximo, ensuring seamless data flow and automated reconciliation while adhering to secure coding practices a...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $152K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative electrical systems for energy projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create code-compliant solutions focused on efficiency and reliability across...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Designer 2 - Nuclear Power
$85K - $130K *
Tackle diverse mechanical design challenges; lead multi-discipline project teams in creating precise 3D layout drawings and innovative mechanical systems for power plants, while mentoring junior desig...
4 weeks ago
Director, Features System Engineering
$220K - $290K *
Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Dedicated Infrastructure
$152K - $259K *
Join a team that's redefining infrastructure management by leading a dedicated group focused on high availability, security, and automation. Drive innovation while mentoring talent and enhancing opera...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $144K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in developing and supporting PLC control systems in critical infrastructure. Collaborate with experts to ensure reliable automation across diverse facility systems while meeting client...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of product design by transforming concepts into high-fidelity experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user interactions through innovative prototyping and AI-a...
2 weeks ago
Senior CI Engineer Transportation
$90K - $105K *
Unlock potential by driving continuous improvement initiatives across operations. Leverage data analytics and engineering methodologies to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost, while collaborat...
3 days ago
Project Engineer (junior career)
$70K - $130K *
Join our dynamic team as we drive AI adoption forward! You'll coordinate training engagements, manage events, and enhance team communications, all while supporting our mission to innovate and improve...
Yesterday
Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Lead a team in tackling complex electrical engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery through effective coordination, technical oversight, and client engagement. Drive innovation and mentor te...
1 week ago
$157K - $174K *
Elevate technical execution in GMP manufacturing by leading complex workstreams for comparability strategies, tech transfers, and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensur...
5 days ago
Field Technical Service Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in solving customer polymer processing challenges by leveraging a decade of expertise in polymer materials and scientific molding. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive product devel...
4 weeks ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer - DFX, Frames and Structures - DCI (REMOTE)
$132K - $238K *
Optimize mechanical assembly processes by leading design, development, and continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure product manufacturability, quality, and efficien...
2 days ago
$180K - $200K *
Elevate the engineering department by driving delivery, managing teams, and ensuring production quality. Lead hands-on development while fostering innovation in AI-driven systems to enhance operationa...
1 week ago
RF Automated Test Equipment Engineer
$120K - $160K *
Elevate your career by designing and implementing software-based automated test systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance RF testing solutions, utilizing cutting-edge technologies an...
3 weeks ago
$190K - $220K *
Partner with us to tackle complex engineering challenges, leveraging deep expertise in TypeScript, Postgres, and AWS. Collaborate closely with our VP of Engineering to innovate and deliver impactful p...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Parts and Reliability Engineer
$120K - $200K *
Champion parts engineering and reliability assurance for space missions. Lead selection, qualification, and reliability analysis of components, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure miss...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Technical Program Manager, Industrial Controls, R&D
$144K - $211K *
Lead the charge in managing complex Industrial Controls workstreams, ensuring seamless execution of NPI programs. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative automation solutions on time and within...
Today
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - AI & Developer Platform
$115K - $185K *
Lead the charge in transforming developer workflows and API architecture for enterprise AI applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to eliminate friction and enhance the developer experience a...
Yesterday
$87K - $135K *
Drive your career forward by leading systems engineering for a cloud-based enterprise system. Engage in architecture development, integration, and modernization efforts while ensuring security and ope...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Play a key role in designing and optimizing enterprise-scale cloud environments and CI/CD pipelines, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance operations, automate processes, and support mission-cri...
4 weeks ago
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.