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.
Prin Mechanical Engineer (SRM Thermal Analysis) (Remote Option Available)
$119K - $161K *
Unlock potential by applying advanced thermal analysis techniques to solid rocket motor components. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to drive technical excellence and ensure compliance with e...
Today
Civil Engineer (Water Resources Design)
$80K - $95K *
Provide expert design and consultation for innovative water resources projects, collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with standards while maintaining project timelines and quality...
1 month ago
Data Center Structural Engineer
$113K - $142K *
Design and develop structural engineering solutions for modular data centers. Oversee vendor collaboration, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with local codes, delivering repeatable desi...
3 weeks ago
Scientific Solutions Consultant
$100K - $120K *
Transform your career by guiding scientific innovation for research leaders, leveraging Cradle's cutting-edge platform. Partner with sales to enhance customer strategies while shaping product evolutio...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Software Defined Networking (SDN)
$148K - $201K *
Lead the charge in enhancing software-defined networking capabilities by assessing, modernizing, and securing codebases. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to ensure robust, maintainable soft...
3 weeks ago
Infrastructure & Security Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in engineering and securing infrastructure while ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop robust solutions that protect sensi...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate incident response capabilities by developing dashboards and alerts, optimizing cloud performance, and ensuring security compliance. Collaborate with product teams to enhance IAM needs while dr...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Grow with us as you manage and scale cutting-edge infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance for a rapidly expanding system serving millions of requests daily. Collaborate in a hands-on role where y...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Simulations Software Developer
$82K - $156K *
Join us to design and implement advanced software for spacecraft simulators, enhancing simulation capabilities through collaboration, innovation, and adherence to industry best practices in a fast-pac...
3 weeks ago
Senior Semiconductor Development Research Engineer I
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leveraging semiconductor expertise to analyze emerging technologies and market trends. Drive strategic insights and recommendations for automotive applications while collaborating...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of advanced simulation capabilities to validate technology and services, ensuring alignment with internal teams and managing customer requests while integrating external tools for...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's leading the modernization of a legacy system. Drive architectural decisions, enhance engineering practices, and foster a culture of innovation while ensuring reliable delivery and c...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower innovation by partnering with data science to build and maintain robust ML pipelines. Drive automation and observability in production systems, ensuring reliable match data at scale while coll...
Yesterday
$152K - $205K *
Champion the development of scalable blockchain systems and APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance payment solutions while troubleshooting issues and ensuring high-quality code deliv...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance enterprise threat detection capabilities by developing high-fidelity detections across security platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance defensive posture and mentor junio...
1 week ago
Senior Principal Engineer - Space Technology Development
$135K - $160K *
Inspire a high-performing engineering team in the U.S. space industry, driving technological advancements and ensuring compliance with safety and mission assurance standards while fostering talent and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Technical Business Development Strategist – Distribution
$110K - $130K *
Advance our market strategy by leveraging technical expertise to identify and pursue opportunities in Distribution Planning, Design, and Grid Modernization, while building strong relationships with ut...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $215K *
Drive innovative systems engineering processes to enhance design, integration, and management of complex nuclear systems. Ensure cohesive functionality and project compliance by leading teams and appl...
4 weeks ago
Senior AI & Automation Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining operational efficiency through AI and automation. As a Senior AI & Automation Engineer, you'll develop intelligent solutions that enhance workflows and drive measurable i...
1 week ago
Principal Medical Safety Specialist
$130K - $195K *
Partner with us to enhance patient safety in Cardiac Rhythm Management. Leverage your clinical expertise to evaluate safety signals and collaborate across teams, ensuring effective decision-making thr...
5 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Drive your career with a Senior Site Reliability Engineer role focused on building secure AWS GovCloud foundations for FedRAMP High and IL5, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while mentor...
Yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Join us to develop and enhance algorithms for cutting-edge AI solutions. Collaborate with engineers and architects to transform innovative ideas into production-ready code, ensuring high-quality stand...
2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Engineer - Senior Data Modeler
$120K - $145K *
Optimize data governance by collaborating with stakeholders to establish definitions and standards across multiple business domains while enhancing data management processes for improved accuracy and...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform automation capabilities by leading innovative engineering projects and collaborating across teams. Drive continuous improvement in operations and ensure regulatory compliance throughout proj...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $150K *
Join our dynamic team as a Senior Engine Programmer, where you'll design and optimize core game engine systems, collaborating with external developers to enhance performance across multiple games. You...
1 week 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.