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.
Principal SerDes Design Engineer
$160K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading the design of cutting-edge SerDes technology for next-gen AI applications. Collaborate on architecture, circuit design, and validation to drive innovation in high-speed int...
3 days ago
$74K - $95K *
Elevate project delivery by leveraging VDC expertise in design analysis, coordination, and BIM technologies. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes throughout the design-build cycle, ensuring su...
3 days ago
Sr Field Application Engineer (TOLA)
$160K - $250K *
Transform customer experiences by leading technical sales solutions for wireless routers and managed services. Collaborate with partners and clients across diverse industries, ensuring optimal connect...
1 week ago
$86K - $144K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable generative AI services, ensuring architectural integrity and mentoring teams. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to drive...
Reposted 3 days ago
Lead Electrical CAD Engineer - Data Center Infrastructure
$105K - $189K *
Engineer innovative electrical designs, ensuring compliance and safety for mission-critical power and cooling products. Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate systems, manage changes, and execute...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, AI Automation
$134K - $199K *
Drive innovation by leading the design and delivery of AI agents and workflows that enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex challenges into scalabl...
Today
Senior Software Engineer, AI Automation
$130K - $195K *
Join a dynamic AI Automation team to design and deliver production-grade AI agents and workflows, enhancing operational efficiency across the organization while solving complex business challenges wit...
Today
$130K - $160K *
Drive the future of structural engineering by leading complex capital projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring technical excellence across diverse markets, particularly in healthcare. Collaborat...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by driving the design and deployment of AVEVA MES projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality solutions, mentor junior engineers, and enhance user adoption...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Motion Planning, Secondary Driving System
$170K - $261K *
Join a team that's redefining autonomy in robotics. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll develop cutting-edge C++ software for motion planning and controls, collaborating with experts to enhance safe...
3 weeks ago
Senior ML Systems Engineer, Inference
$150K - $220K *
Transform LLM inference efficiency by leading the performance measurement, diagnosis, and enhancement efforts to optimize customer experience through cost-effective and speedy solutions in a hands-on...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, CMC Analytical
$150K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading analytical strategies for drug development, ensuring robust quality control throughout product lifecycle. Collaborate with partners to deliver exceptional insights that dri...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by designing and implementing enterprise identity solutions, ensuring secure access across cloud and hybrid environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance IAM...
Today
Clinical Applications Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Advance your career by providing critical support for robotic systems in healthcare. Collaborate with clinical teams to enhance user proficiency and ensure safe, effective procedures while driving inn...
2 days ago
Clinical Applications Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Transform healthcare by providing expert support and training for robotic systems, ensuring seamless adoption and proficiency among clinical users. Collaborate with teams to enhance user experience an...
2 days ago
Clinical Applications Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's pivotal in advancing robotic minimally invasive care. You'll support early users, provide technical expertise during procedures, and collaborate with engineering teams to enhance sy...
2 days ago
Clinical Applications Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by providing expert clinical support and training for robotic systems, ensuring effective adoption and proficiency among users. Collaborate with teams to enhance product usage and dri...
2 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, AI Agent
$100K - $350K *
Innovate and take ownership of cutting-edge AI coding solutions, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate on system design and product features while leveraging advanced engineering practices to...
2 weeks ago
Senior High Voltage Design Engineer, Substations
$130K *
Help us design and oversee high voltage substations, ensuring quality and compliance. Collaborate with utilities and manage external consultants to deliver reliable power solutions for data centers ac...
2 weeks ago
Senior Broadcast Design Engineer
$80K - $400K *
Engineer cutting-edge media and broadcast systems by transforming complex client needs into scalable solutions. Oversee architecture and integration while collaborating with teams, ensuring seamless p...
4 weeks ago
Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Join a team that's modernizing nuclear power plants with cutting-edge control technologies. Lead and support diverse projects, ensuring effective execution and client satisfaction while collaborating...
1 week ago
Software Power Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of power systems engineering. As a key member, you'll design and develop scalable analysis modules, driving innovation in distribution system analysis and optimiz...
1 week ago
Integrated Solutions Applications Engineer
$89K - $148K *
Shape the future of integrated power systems by leading innovative solutions and ensuring seamless integration of complex technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional o...
2 weeks ago
Field Application Engineer - Microcontrollers
$110K - $130K *
Join us to shape the future of mobility by supporting microcontroller customers. Leverage your embedded software expertise to drive innovative solutions and collaborate with diverse teams, ensuring su...
Yesterday
$151K - $176K *
Lead the charge in ensuring compliance and optimization for next-gen satellite communications by translating complex regulations and providing technical guidance across multidisciplinary teams, drivin...
Reposted yesterday
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.