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.
$113K - $142K *
Engineer innovative electrical designs for modular data centers, ensuring compliance and performance across international standards. Collaborate with teams to deliver hands-on solutions from concept t...
Yesterday
Senior Mechanical Application Engineer
$115K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative mechanical solutions for prefabricated platforms. Leverage your expertise in HVAC to lead the development and ensure alignment with customer and operational goals...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform engineering concepts into successful project implementations by collaborating with design teams and providing technical expertise on cooling systems for optimal project execution and custome...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of OpenBMC firmware development, driving platform bring-up, feature implementation, and integration to enhance system functionality and reliability. Contribute your...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Build robust software solutions by developing application and test code, while steering implementation decisions in a collaborative Agile environment. Contribute to complex architectures using modern...
4 weeks ago
$88K - $154K *
Explore a pivotal role in advancing nuclear engineering through research and collaboration. Lead innovative projects, enhance safety protocols, and drive improvements in fuel cycle technology while ma...
1 month ago
$101K - $188K *
Unlock potential by driving advancements in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and prototype cutting-edge algorithms that enh...
2 days ago
$74K - $130K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Agile team to develop critical enterprise software applications, leveraging modern technologies in a fast-paced environment for mission success...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $135K *
Take ownership of engineering projects from kick-off to handover, leading design efforts for automated storage solutions while collaborating with clients and internal teams to ensure timely and budget...
4 weeks ago
Project Engineer (Rail Project Engineer)
$100K - $140K *
Lead the charge in designing and executing rail projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and strengthen client relationships while managing project delivery...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Application Engineer
$125K - $160K *
Elevate your career by owning electrical application engineering for prefabricated platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver scalable solutions, ensuring design integrity and execution read...
2 weeks ago
Staff Engineer - Product Development (Contact Systems)
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative product development in power connectors and cable assemblies. Lead cross-functional teams, drive technical excellence, and mentor engineering talent to deliver high-quality, cost-e...
Reposted 4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform transportation infrastructure by leading electrical system design for highway and bridge projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance wi...
1 week ago
$133K - $146K *
Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...
Yesterday
$112K - $196K *
Drive innovation in software engineering by developing cutting-edge cyber tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance national defense capabilities while advancing your career in a fast-paced en...
Yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Join a team of expert engineers to innovate a Kubernetes resource management platform, enhancing DevOps productivity and addressing complex engineering problems in a dynamic environment...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Associate Staff Engineer - INFOR M3 Technical Consultant
$90K - $110K *
Contribute to seamless enterprise integrations by designing and developing Infor M3 solutions. Leverage your expertise in Infor OS, ION, and APIs to enhance data exchange across applications and suppo...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in technical excellence by independently managing complex DDC implementations, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in mission-critical data cente...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Embedded Systems Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of embedded systems engineering by leading a high-performance team, defining technical roadmaps, and integrating AI-driven workflows to deliver innovative, reliable solutions across d...
1 week ago
Associate Staff Engineer - INFOR M3 Technical Consultant
$100K - $120K *
Optimize your career as an Infor M3 Technical Consultant, leveraging 3-5 years of expertise in integrations and development. Collaborate with teams to design and support seamless enterprise solutions...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer, Mechanical Innovation
$130K - $155K *
Engineer innovative mechanical solutions by translating architectural concepts into practical designs. Collaborate across engineering disciplines while leading HVAC standards and ensuring effective ex...
Reposted 1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in transforming concepts into buildable systems by leveraging your expertise in applications engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver precise layouts, cost-effec...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative engineering solutions by leading multi-site projects, enhancing infrastructure, and driving operational improvements to ensure safety and efficiency across facilities...
2 weeks ago
Vice President Research & Development
$120K - $140K *
Empower the R&D organization by leading technology strategy, engineering execution, and team development across a diverse healthcare software portfolio, ensuring alignment with market needs and operat...
1 week ago
$250K - $300K *
Join a team that's shaping the brand and product experience. You'll create visually compelling designs, develop marketing materials, and collaborate with engineers to enhance our product in a fast-pac...
Reposted 3 weeks 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.