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.
$92K - $154K *
Drive your career by developing integrated power conversion solutions for diverse industries. Leverage your technical expertise to create innovative applications and enhance business opportunities in...
Reposted 1 week ago
Technical Application Engineer - Industrial Communications products (MDS and Lentronics)
$89K - $148K *
Drive technical solutions by collaborating with sales teams and customers to enhance industrial communications products. Develop sales strategies, manage customer relationships, and ensure compliance...
Reposted 1 week ago
$112K - $150K *
Optimize customer interactions by providing top-tier technical support and training, managing complex installations, and leading sales efforts. Collaborate across departments to enhance product perfor...
Reposted 3 days ago
Program Manager - Released Products
$95K - $115K *
Unlock project potential as a Program Manager, leading cross-functional teams to enhance released products, drive strategic initiatives, and ensure alignment with organizational goals in a dynamic, re...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Architect robust AI infrastructure to detect and mitigate emerging threats. Drive innovation in data ingestion and model tuning while managing complex pipelines in a high-stakes environment that evolv...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $250K *
Accelerate your career in a fast-paced environment by driving innovative software solutions for restaurants, improving customer interactions, and fostering seamless operations through team collaborati...
4 weeks ago
Senior Staff Engineer, Weapons Physical Integration (R6364)
$170K - $260K *
Transform aircraft capabilities by integrating weapons and payloads. Collaborate with design teams to create innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with military standards while supporting testing...
2 days ago
Project Engineer / Sr. Project Engineer - Industrial Power Systems
$90K - $120K *
Shape innovative engineering solutions as you lead complex projects, focusing on low to medium voltage power systems in industrial settings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior e...
Yesterday
Sr. Embedded Flight Software Engineer
$143K - $238K *
Shape the future of embedded flight software by designing robust solutions for real-time operating systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, document, and maintain critical systems...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in designing and building a robust Cluster management platform. Collaborate with distributed teams to enhance observability and optimize performance, utilizing Go and modern telemetry...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Technical / Methodology Lead Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to lead analytical quality in consulting engagements, developing research approaches and guiding teams. You'll ensure sound methodologies, oversee data analysis, and translate findings...
3 weeks ago
$230K - $245K *
Champion innovation by leading a dynamic engineering team to automate financial data extraction, enhancing model accuracy and efficiency for clients. Drive impactful solutions that empower analysts to...
1 week ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - Remote Eligible Position
$120K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions. As a Senior Electrical Engineer, you'll lead design and execution of cutting-edge Solar and Battery Storage projects while mentoring peers and driving t...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Transform PCB design processes in a dynamic environment, collaborating with engineers and contractors to ensure high-quality, high-speed digital and mixed signal PCB layouts that meet stringent requir...
2 weeks ago
AI/ML Engineer – RAG Pipeline Development
$79K - $140K *
Collaborate to develop and implement AI-driven RAG pipelines, transforming domain-specific documents into searchable resources. Work with cross-functional teams to enhance MLOps capabilities and ensur...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in product innovation. Own strategy and execution, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform customer insights into impactful solutions that drive business success and enh...
2 days ago
Senior Engineering Project Manager - Substation Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering high voltage engineering projects, overseeing complex substation and interconnection initiatives while ensuring successful execution and fostering collaboration among div...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform fixed equipment engineering by providing expert guidance on pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Manage projects from proposal to completion, ensuring compliance with industry standards whi...
2 days ago
Senior Design Quality Engineer
$142K - $161K *
Join us to ensure the highest quality standards for our FDA-cleared AI clinical platform. Collaborate across teams to drive software design quality, manage regulatory compliance, and enhance post-mark...
3 weeks ago
Control System Engineer - (Strong Delta V experience)
$93K - $156K *
Explore new horizons as you design and implement advanced control systems, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction while collaborating with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer innovative GN&C solutions for lunar missions, providing technical leadership and driving system performance from design to flight operations, while collaborating across multidisciplinary team...
3 weeks ago
Prin Mechanical Engineer (SRM - Structural Analyst) (Remote Option Available)
$114K - $154K *
Champion the structural design and analysis of solid rocket motors, leading integration and verification efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with engineering specific...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your leadership potential by guiding product engineers in creating exceptional developer experiences. This role blends technical expertise and product vision, enabling you to drive impactful in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$84K - $90K *
Optimize product development by collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to enhance embedded systems, design software components, and ensure robust operation while addressing technical challenges i...
3 weeks ago
$185K - $260K *
Join us in shaping the future of our AI infrastructure! Leverage your expertise to build and scale our cloud systems, ensuring reliability and security as we meet the demands of enterprise clients and...
Reposted 3 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.