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.
Senior Manager - Software Engineering (REF# ME0826)
$170K - $180K *
Lead the charge in overseeing complex software development initiatives, driving Agile sprint teams, and ensuring seamless integration of web services and databases to meet organizational goals while e...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Unlock potential by delivering innovative robotic solutions, ensuring seamless integration and operational success for customers. Collaborate, troubleshoot, and enhance system performance while provid...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to own product design and user experience for an enterprise healthcare platform, creating intuitive interfaces that simplify complex workflows while collaborating closely with prod...
Reposted 6 days ago
$80K - $110K *
Analyze diverse research projects to provide actionable insights for leadership. Collaborate with a dynamic team, utilizing AI tools and your curiosity to tackle complex questions and deliver clear, c...
2 weeks ago
Remote Aviation Design Manager
$110K - $130K *
Optimize design processes and lead a team of Design Leads to ensure high-quality project deliverables. Collaborate with project managers to balance resources, enforce design standards, and drive conti...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineering Architect - Investment Technologies
$150K - $224K *
Help us transform investment technologies by architecting solutions across full stacks in agile teams. Drive innovation and mentor engineers while ensuring compliance in a dynamic, regulated environme...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$100K - $130K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role that involves conducting in-depth research across various topics, delivering actionable insights, and collaborating with a high-performing team to tackle complex q...
2 weeks ago
$64K - $102K *
Elevate network performance by deploying and optimizing voice solutions, ensuring 99.999% uptime. Collaborate on network planning and security, while providing expert support and documentation for com...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Grid
$165K - $253K *
Lead the charge in managing a project team focused on high voltage substations, overseeing design, analysis, and implementation to modernize the electric grid while ensuring projects meet client speci...
2 weeks ago
Support Engineering Manager - Americas
$120K - $145K *
The Technical Support Engineering Manager will lead a team of Support Engineers and Product Experts to resolve complex technical issues and enhance customer experience. This role involves collaboratin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in the AEC industry. As a key member of our VDC group, you'll support design-build projects through advanced BIM technologies, ensuring efficiency and collaborati...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Global Equipment & Technology Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining food processing technology by leading equipment evaluation, design, and deployment. Collaborate globally to innovate and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance eff...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative water infrastructure solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance community services through resilient engineering practices, ensuring complia...
2 days ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$160K - $200K *
Shape the future of water infrastructure by leading innovative design and analysis for critical facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver resilient solutions that enhance communi...
Yesterday
Staff Systems Engineer - AV Sensing Design
$189K - $290K *
Join a team that's redefining autonomous sensing systems, providing technical leadership in sensor suite design and integration. Collaborate across functions to tackle engineering challenges and drive...
1 week ago
Software Engineer, Sustaining Automation
$121K - $142K *
Elevate automation in software engineering by building AI-driven tools and systems. Collaborate with a focused team to enhance reliability and speed in package and image management, shaping the future...
Today
Senior Application Engineer/Process Automation Developer-Distributed
$110K - $130K *
Drive the implementation and support of automation and orchestration platforms, collaborating with technology teams to enhance processes and develop reusable web applications, ensuring high availabili...
1 week ago
Manager - Software Development Engineering S 4D
$80K - $100K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving strategic project initiatives while fostering a cultur...
2 days ago
$120K - $148K *
Accelerate team performance and delivery by leading software engineers, fostering development, and enhancing organizational effectiveness in a dynamic, remote environment. Drive sustainable practices...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to drive innovation and lead the transformation of complex systems into scalable, API-first solutions. As an Engineering Manager, you'll foster growth among engineers, ensuring qua...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer - QA Automation
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of quality assurance by leading automated testing initiatives for cloud-based ERP systems, ensuring seamless integration and performance across various business processes and upgrades...
1 week ago
Sr. Embedded Software Engineer, Robotics Platform
$130K - $155K *
Drive the design and development of robotics middleware and frameworks on embedded Linux. Engage in cross-functional collaboration, technical design, and system-level troubleshooting to enhance softwa...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Systems Protection, Relay Settings
$125K - $150K *
Unlock your potential as you design and implement cutting-edge protective relay systems, ensuring safety and efficiency across multiple projects while collaborating with engineers and clients to deliv...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Empower engineering teams to innovate and deliver high-quality SaaS products. Lead technical direction, enhance system architecture, and foster collaboration across teams to drive user-centric solutio...
1 week ago
$92K - $115K *
Transform Technology operations by designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and support continuous improvement across various teams and projects...
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.