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 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...
2 days ago
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
$90K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance for critical defense projects. Leverage your engineering expertise to implement best practices and drive data-driven improv...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Behavior Planning
$130K - $155K *
Drive the innovation of behavior planning systems for autonomous vehicles, owning key design and implementation tasks while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure peak performance in dyna...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Lead Electrical Engineer, Datacenter
$162K - $220K *
Drive innovation in electrical engineering for hyperscale data centers. Lead design activities, manage project teams, and ensure quality assurance while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver resi...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Deliver high-quality software solutions by designing, developing, and maintaining enterprise-grade applications using Java, Spring Boot, and Oracle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure s...
Today
Senior Field Applications Engineer
$80K - $120K *
Elevate your career by leading complex installations and mentoring engineers as you manage project success and drive customer-focused outcomes in the semiconductor industry. Join us in optimizing tech...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Infrastructure
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with an innovative team designing and managing a Kubernetes control plane for seamless deployment and operations, ensuring production reliability, customer onboarding, and infrastruct...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Engage in technical leadership and project management to develop industry standards and reports. Collaborate with working groups to drive best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives...
Yesterday
Solutions Design Engineer, D&F
$100K - $120K *
As a Systems Engineer, you will leverage your expertise in material handling systems to develop functional layouts that meet client processing goals. You will collaborate with the Sales and Pre-Contra...
Reposted 1 week ago
Intelligence Engineer (17081092)
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in deploying and maintaining advanced technical surveillance tools. Collaborate with investigators to support critical operations, ensuring effective evidence collection while managing...
1 week ago
Software Quality Assurance Engineer - DO178
$90K - $110K *
Unlock your potential as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, ensuring compliance with DO-178 and DO-254 standards. Collaborate with engineers and certification authorities to enhance software quali...
1 week ago
Technical Leader IV - Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
$170K - $182K *
Unlock innovative advancements in manufacturing and materials for energy. Lead R&D projects, guiding teams and influencing technical strategies while addressing complex industry challenges with minima...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$129K - $220K *
Champion reliability across multiple manufacturing sites by analyzing equipment performance, implementing sustainable improvements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to reduce downtime and...
2 weeks ago
Customer Quality Engineer - Integration
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality and compliance for mechanical and electrical systems. Collaborate across teams to uphold standards, conduct inspections, and drive continuous improvement in mission...
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.