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.
Lead Backend Engineer (Modeling & Simulation)
$130K - $160K *
Drive innovation in backend and data engineering, leading a team to build robust Python services and APIs for a next-gen wargaming platform. Balance technical leadership with hands-on coding to delive...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Drive technical excellence by designing systems, setting standards, and mentoring engineers without formal management. Collaborate with Product to ensure alignment and tackle engineering challenges ac...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$148K - $193K *
Join a dynamic team as a Program Manager, leading complex projects from inception to completion. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, manage resources, and drive innovation while ensuring client sat...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion technical sales excellence by guiding clients through the sales cycle, enhancing product adoption, and collaborating with teams to drive customer satisfaction and revenue growth in the cybers...
2 weeks ago
Staff Network Development Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Champion the future of network engineering by architecting and developing high-performance networks that power AI at scale. Lead innovative solutions and mentor a talented team to enhance global netwo...
Yesterday
New Product Development Program Manager
$123K - $169K *
Drive your career with end-to-end management of new product development programs, ensuring alignment across teams and delivering innovative solutions for critical digital infrastructure in a dynamic e...
1 week ago
Lead Packaging Systems Engineer- Paper/General Industrial
$90K - $140K *
Champion innovative engineering solutions by leading mechanical design efforts for packaging systems projects, ensuring capital project execution aligns with defined scopes, costs, and schedules, whil...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Project Engineer, RSX (Remote considered)
$165K - $215K *
Empower the engineering team by driving project execution and integration for advanced vehicle development. Ensure alignment of resources, schedules, and technical goals while fostering collaboration...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $165K *
Drive innovative fuel performance analysis to optimize design and support advanced fission solutions. Collaborate across teams, develop methodologies, and document findings to contribute to our clean...
4 weeks ago
Senior Civil Drainage Engineer
$103K - $181K *
Unlock potential by leading transformative drainage design projects, delivering innovative solutions for road and highway enhancements. Collaborate in a dynamic environment to drive sustainable urban...
4 weeks ago
Senior Geomechanics Engineer (CAN)
$130K - $180K *
Optimize geomechanical solutions for mining projects by integrating data, developing models, and providing technical recommendations. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance project outcomes and me...
2 weeks ago
Principal Should Cost Engineer (Remote)
$107K - $204K *
Transform cost engineering by leading modeling and benchmarking efforts, driving transparency in supplier negotiations across diverse products. Collaborate with teams to develop innovative cost soluti...
1 week ago
Lead Software Engineer- full stack Java
$120K - $145K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to design and develop complex enterprise applications, ensuring high-quality delivery and technical excellence while mentoring developers and driving modernization effo...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer II - Agentic SDLC
$170K - $185K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and driving technical excellence across teams. Collaborate on strategic initiatives to enhance reliability and...
Today
Senior Software Engineer- full stack Java
$120K - $145K *
Drive technical leadership in software development, ensuring high-quality design, testing, and modernization of enterprise applications while mentoring teams in Agile and DevSecOps environments...
3 weeks ago
Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in creating cutting-edge embedded software solutions for autonomous mobile robotics. Drive technical excellence, oversee collaborative engineering efforts, and ensure high reliability...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$82K - $125K *
Develop and enhance software solutions for electric and gas distribution tools, leveraging AI coding assistants. Collaborate with experienced engineers to implement features, ensure quality, and optim...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Join our dynamic team as you lead Methods and Insights, driving engineering excellence through effective people management, operational delivery, and innovative system building. Empower engineers to t...
6 days ago
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to innovative automated storage solutions by developing competitive proposals and collaborating with sales teams to ensure project feasibility and execution, enhancing customer satisfaction...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Product
$100K - $300K *
Seeking a senior product software engineer to drive user-facing features in AI software development, enhancing tools like AI Agent, App Builder, and SDK for seamless app creation and deployment...
2 weeks ago
Engineer, Supply Chain Integrations
$85K - $100K *
Transform supply chain efficiency through innovative technology solutions, guiding engineering operations and strategic initiatives while ensuring optimal performance across diverse applications in an...
4 weeks ago
Senior Analyst, Global Research - 26385D
$90K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading the analysis of offshore upstream oil-and-gas assets, collaborating with a diverse team to deliver insights that drive investment decisions and enhance technological capabi...
3 weeks ago
$87K - $108K *
Empower customer success by providing expert technical support for bioprocessing products. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, enhance product knowledge, and ensure a positive experience fo...
6 days ago
$115K - $207K *
Drive supplier selection and part validation processes across design, NPI, and risk reduction initiatives, ensuring alignment with Jabil's supply chain strategies while optimizing quality and cost-eff...
Reposted 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.