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.
$134K - $241K *
Champion project success by managing complex construction portfolios through all phases, from planning and execution to closeout, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and facilitating stak...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and implementing hybrid networks across AWS, OCI, and on-premises environments, ensuring secure connectivity and compliance while troubleshooting complex issues in a f...
3 days ago
Staff Engineer, Identity & Access Management (IAM)
$180K - $212K *
Pioneer innovative IAM strategies to enhance security across cloud and on-premise infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement robust identity governance and access management...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our dynamic Delivery team to design and develop robust data pipelines, leveraging cloud technologies and distributed systems while ensuring optimal performance and scalability for our clients' da...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading complex control systems projects, ensuring delivery excellence across safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. Mentor Project Managers and drive strategic alignment to s...
Today
Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Take ownership of a fully distributed engineering team, driving delivery, quality, and growth while fostering a culture of communication and continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional p...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Lead a distributed engineering team to deliver high-quality software solutions. Foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement while collaborating with cross-functional partners to drive bus...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Unlock the potential of AI-driven systems by designing, orchestrating, and deploying innovative workflows across diverse business operations. Collaborate with teams to automate and enhance processes...
Reposted yesterday
$88K - $154K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as you craft and execute comprehensive software test plans for mission-critical applications, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-paced, innovative en...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock innovative AI/ML solutions by designing, developing, and deploying advanced models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data analysis and automate processes, driving intelligent...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Materials Manager (Remote)
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading materials management for a Nuclear Development project. Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and vendors to ensure effective planning and execution, driving project s...
1 week ago
Senior Perception Software Engineer
$224K - $356K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous driving by designing and developing cutting-edge perception solutions. Collaborate with top engineers to enhance software robustness and efficiency...
5 days ago
Software Engineer III, Infrastructure, Google Distributed Cloud
$147K - $210K *
Empower your career with a role focused on developing large-scale infrastructure and distributed systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance cloud technologies and deliver critical services for diverse...
1 week ago
Principal Applications Engineer (SiPh)
$94K - $123K *
Lead the charge in advancing semiconductor test solutions, focusing on Silicon Photonics. Collaborate globally to translate customer needs into innovative products, ensuring technical excellence throu...
1 week ago
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer (Remote)
$127K - $143K *
Drive innovative mechanical designs for district energy and low-carbon thermal systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, manage projects independently, and build strong client relationships...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, OLO
$250K - $270K *
Lead the charge in enhancing the guest web ordering experience by managing a team of full-stack engineers. Drive product innovation, optimize conversion rates, and ensure engineering excellence across...
3 weeks ago
$83K - $116K *
Tackle complex technical challenges by delivering exceptional field support for bioprocessing products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer satisfaction and drive service excel...
6 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Champion the development of an autonomous AI platform through full-stack engineering, enhancing multi-agent systems and ensuring robust quality and safety standards across production deployments...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$99K - $120K *
Build innovative building automation systems in a fast-paced, remote environment. Lead design projects while mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure high-quality deliver...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Field Application Scientist, Pathway & NGS Analysis Software, QDI
$100K - $124K *
Lead the charge in delivering impactful scientific software demonstrations and training. Collaborate with diverse teams to address customer needs and enhance bioinformatics solutions, driving innovati...
1 week ago
Regulatory Publishing Technical Consultant (Regulatory Systems)
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential as a Technical Consultant, providing expert support in regulatory publishing systems and document management. Collaborate with teams and clients to troubleshoot issues, enhance s...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your career by driving data engineering excellence in Palantir Foundry, transforming legacy systems into robust pipelines and applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams to de...
1 week ago
Applied AI Engineer (Full-Stack)
$125K - $150K *
Unlock innovative AI solutions by designing and building full-stack applications. Collaborate with teams to transform ideas into production-ready software, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and enh...
Yesterday
$106K - $198K *
Lead the charge in developing mission-critical Command & Control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and create innovative architectures that meet diverse...
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.