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 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...
6 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...
2 days ago
$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
$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
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading structural design and analysis for utility projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring quality assurance. Contribute to innovative designs, mentoring junior en...
4 weeks ago
Environmental Engineering Specialist - RBL
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's focused on optimizing biological treatment systems through innovative solutions. Collaborate closely with clients and internal experts, leveraging your technical expertise to enhanc...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Hardware Engineer, Electrical Distribution System / Harness
$110K - $130K *
Advance the design and implementation of electrical distribution systems for autonomous vehicles, ensuring robust architectures and seamless integration across teams from concept to production...
1 week ago
$100K - $125K *
Unlock your potential as you design and enhance cutting-edge cloud solutions for diverse web and mobile platforms. Collaborate across teams to translate product vision into robust software while drivi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Application Engineer - Virtual Extender
$95K - $115K *
Innovate your career by developing cutting-edge virtual embedded control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and validate virtual electronic control units, enhancing automotive...
4 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Support product portfolio activities by leveraging technical expertise to enhance customer satisfaction, resolve challenges, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, driving effective solutions in...
Today
$72K - $100K *
Join our dynamic team as a Sr. Credit Analyst, owning the underwriting cycle from application review to decision-making. Leverage your analytical skills to enhance credit processes and contribute to a...
1 week ago
Lead Metallic Materials Application Engineer
$112K - $149K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing aerospace materials technology. In this role, you'll lead the definition and qualification of materials for engine hardware, collaborating with cross-function...
2 days ago
Design Project Manager (Canada)
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as a Design Project Manager, overseeing multidisciplinary design for complex data center projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget compliance, and quality standards in a fast-pace...
Reposted today
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining power systems engineering by leading advanced studies in T&D, enhancing software tools, and fostering collaboration across projects to drive innovation and efficiency in...
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.