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.
$190K - $240K *
Champion the design and engineering of a cutting-edge perfusion system, leading a team to innovate and scale operations while ensuring quality and reliability in medical device manufacturing...
6 days ago
Studies Engineer - Power Systems
$111K - $150K *
Drive innovation in renewable energy by conducting power system studies, utilizing advanced software tools, and collaborating with diverse teams to enhance efficiency and support sustainable solutions...
1 week ago
$140K - $150K *
Innovate within the healthcare engineering sector by providing expert electrical engineering support, ensuring compliance and enhancing the safety and efficiency of VA facilities across multiple proje...
4 weeks ago
Lead Transmission Line Engineer - Innovation & Technology
$92K - $166K *
Pioneer your career in transmission engineering, leading major EPC projects while driving innovation and technology development. Shape processes and tools that enhance project delivery and client sati...
Today
Senior Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$84K - $129K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team in structural engineering, tackling innovative projects in nuclear facilities. Collaborate, guide, and utilize advanced tools to design and analyze struct...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Explore the potential of AI in full-stack development while designing and delivering enterprise applications. Collaborate across teams and mentor engineers, ensuring your expertise shapes cutting-edge...
3 weeks ago
Sr Staff Software Engineer (Distributed Systems | Data Ingestion | Storage | Analytics) - Remote
$171K - $300K *
Champion the evolution of a high-volume data platform, collaborating with engineering and product teams to enhance reliability and efficiency while mentoring senior engineers and driving innovative AI...
Yesterday
Senior Field Software Engineer, Advanced Missions Group
$140K - $190K *
Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $200K *
The Optomechanical Engineer at Scout Space will lead the design and development of hardware systems for on-orbit perception and autonomy capabilities. This role involves creating detailed mechanical d...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Transform project execution by leading multimillion-dollar automated storage solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and customer satisfaction a...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our team to design and build robust infrastructure that meets evolving regulations. Innovate by mastering new technologies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experien...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Containers
$157K - $184K *
Engineer and elevate our core product by developing innovative features, tools, and infrastructure while collaborating closely with a dedicated team to maintain high-quality standards and drive techni...
Reposted 1 week ago
$130K - $260K *
Shape the future of software development by leading impactful engineering initiatives, mentoring talent, and driving innovation across diverse systems to enhance capabilities and organizational growth...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer- full stack Java
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's committed to designing and developing innovative full stack applications, collaborating across functions to deliver effective technical solutions and enhance business processes in a...
4 weeks ago
Sr SampleManager Implementation Engineer
$93K - $140K *
Deliver impactful SampleManager LIMS solutions by configuring, implementing, and integrating in diverse laboratory settings. Leverage technical expertise to enhance workflows and drive successful proj...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Associate Director, Performance Engineering
$135K - $145K *
Elevate your career by overseeing technical operations and project management for battery energy storage systems. Drive cross-functional initiatives, mentor teams, and lead strategic improvements to o...
1 month ago
$180K - $229K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of insurance technology by leading engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance product effectiven...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower a transformative team as you enhance employer benefits through elegant full stack engineering, delivering scalable, secure systems for seamless financial interactions across diverse platforms...
4 weeks ago
$106K - $198K *
Create innovative data solutions by delivering full-stack capabilities across the data lifecycle. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and optimize data processing pipelines that ensure accura...
2 days ago
Sr Project Engineer (SRM) (Remote Option Available)
$95K - $125K *
Lead and coordinate engineering projects, ensuring technical quality and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managing resources, schedules, and bu...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Oncology Applications
$126K - $224K *
Innovate software solutions for oncology applications, enhancing data access and operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, build, and maintain applications that stream...
Today
$150K - $250K *
Develop cutting-edge ML workflows and infrastructure, influence company direction, and tackle complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced environment, boosting productivity and innovation across te...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing robust ML infrastructure and scalable applications, driving solutions for large-scale challenges while ensuring high-quality software design and functionality in a fast-p...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $135K *
Transform the future of financial products by building end-to-end experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions that enhance user interactions and drive business...
Today
$109K - $164K *
Drive advanced digital forensics and incident response initiatives while mentoring a skilled engineering team. Leverage deep technical knowledge to enhance operational capabilities and ensure exceptio...
Reposted 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.