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 Attack Engineer, External
$206K - $242K *
Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...
3 days ago
$131K - $243K *
Join a team that's driving sustainment transformation and adoption across programs. As a Project Engineer Staff, you'll lead initiatives, coordinate projects, and enhance processes to ensure successfu...
1 week ago
$120K - $150K *
Drive product vision and growth at the intersection of AI and science. Leverage strategic and technical expertise to define, prioritize, and enhance cutting-edge product capabilities while collaborati...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape your career by developing innovative automation solutions for complex material handling challenges. Collaborate with a diverse team to design, engineer, and implement high-performing systems tha...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer (Full Stack)
$120K - $200K *
Unlock potential by joining our engineering team to build high-performance, user-facing trading products. Shape the future of real-time web applications while collaborating across the stack to deliver...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $170K *
Lead the charge in developing and maintaining electrical engineering standards for correctional facilities. Oversee design reviews, ensure compliance, and provide technical expertise to enhance system...
1 week ago
Senior Virtual Calibration Development Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative virtual calibration environments that enhance simulation-based workflows. Collaborate cross-functionally to improve calibration processes and support the inte...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape user experiences by designing intuitive UI for Playground and Console. Collaborate with senior designers on impactful feature work, enhancing product impressions while gaining fluency in our des...
2 weeks ago
Package Layout Engineer - Hardware
$108K - $184K *
Design and develop intricate IC substrate layouts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize performance, cost, and manufacturability of high-speed ASIC packages while enhancing layout pro...
1 week ago
Managing Engineer (Java Engineering)
$120K - $193K *
Join a team that's redefining software engineering excellence by leading high-performing teams in building and modernizing enterprise applications. Drive technical strategy, foster innovation, and ens...
1 week ago
Design Engineer II, High Voltage (Remote)
$90K - $113K *
Shape the future of renewable energy by leading preliminary substation design for utility-scale solar and BESS projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure technical excellence from con...
6 days ago
$85K - $165K *
Champion safety in innovative nuclear fuel recycling by evaluating hazards, developing safety documents, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance safety measu...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative civil engineering solutions for diverse land development projects. Collaborate with teams, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality design while promoting efficie...
2 weeks ago
Civil / Geotechnical Engineer - Environmental
$63K - $111K *
Unlock potential by joining a collaborative team focused on geotechnical and environmental engineering projects, driving innovative designs, investigations, and solutions to support sustainable constr...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $270K *
Lead the charge in transforming healthcare workflows with AI solutions, optimizing performance, and collaborating across teams to create scalable systems that enhance clinical and revenue outcomes...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Developer Infrastructure
$130K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading a high-impact Developer Infrastructure team. Drive technical strategy, enhance developer experience, and foster a culture of growth and accountability while collaborat...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to empower enterprise customers with innovative sourcing solutions, manage complex RFPs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive procurement success while leveraging cutting-edge...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$111K - $125K *
Elevate your career by leading impactful engineering projects, ensuring quality and budget adherence while leveraging advanced AI tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to shape sustainable built envi...
3 weeks ago
Technical Program Manager, Research
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing critical technical programs, enhancing research infrastructure while ensuring impactful collaboration across teams. Empower researchers to translate their wor...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Design-for-Test (DFT) Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Champion robust Design-for-Test methodologies to enhance ASIC and SoC production quality. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration and drive manufacturing test readiness for high-volume...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career with a role focused on firmware validation, engaging in test strategy development, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the quality and performance of firmware thr...
4 weeks ago
Generator Research, Technical Leader II
$135K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining generator research through innovative solutions, managing technical projects, and engaging with industry leaders to enhance generator reliability and performance, shaping...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Speech
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's transforming healthcare by leading the development of a high-performance Speech Platform. Leverage your audio expertise to mentor engineers, collaborate with scientists, and drive i...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer V - Team Manager
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advanced mechanical design for controllable propulsion systems. Manage a talented engineering team, tackle complex design challenges, and ensure alignment of mission goals with engi...
3 weeks ago
Principal High-Speed Analog Circuit Design Engineer
$200K - $300K *
Lead high-speed analog circuit design initiatives, focusing on broadband amplifiers, clock generation, and custom components. Collaborate on next-gen optical transceiver development while ensuring sys...
3 days 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.