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 Computer Systems Validation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform validation processes by ensuring compliance and data integrity for computerized systems in a regulated environment. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies and mentor junior members whi...
1 week ago
Design Verification Engineer - Compute
$160K - $500K+*
Accelerate progress at the forefront of silicon verification. Own and enhance methodologies, manage test execution, and drive crucial reviews to ensure successful design transitions from concept to pr...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Process Engineer, Commercialization & Scale-Up
$95K - $115K *
Transform the manufacturing landscape by engineering robust, scalable processes that translate formula standards into production realities, ensuring seamless handoffs and collaboration with co-manufac...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Build a robust data foundation to elevate Market Intelligence. Drive automation and streamline data workflows, enriching insights for research and publishing, while ensuring data integrity and accessi...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - 26402
$110K - $140K *
Drive your career with a dynamic team focused on developing innovative software solutions for the electric and gas distribution market, enhancing functionality and integration while mentoring junior d...
Today
$90K - $110K *
Join our team to enhance security and automation in delivery pipelines, driving consistent deployments and compliance through modern DevSecOps practices alongside skilled professionals...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$140K - $153K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing healthcare quality through innovative testing strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, user-centered products while mentoring jun...
3 weeks ago
System Engineer (Token Factory)
$125K - $150K *
Grow your career with a leading AI inference platform, optimizing GPU performance and collaborating with teams to enhance execution. Drive innovation in low-level coding and hardware integration for c...
2 days ago
Principal SerDes Design Engineer
$200K - $300K *
Transform high-speed interconnect technology by architecting and designing next-gen SerDes for AI applications, overseeing development, validation, and optimization to ensure seamless integration and...
3 days ago
$133K - $199K *
Champion a high-performing team of data engineers to drive data transformation, influence technical architecture, and ensure reliable data systems while aligning with business objectives and engineeri...
Yesterday
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading civil site projects in the energy sector. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, coordinate, and manage impactful utility projects while ensuring compliance with loc...
Today
Engineering Technical Lead - I&C Embedded Software
$113K - $188K *
Contribute to the development of embedded software for nuclear systems. Lead a team ensuring design compliance, execute project plans, and enhance operational efficiency. Drive collaboration across di...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Engineer, RF Power Amplifier Architect (Remote - Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
$220K - $286K *
Engineer advanced RF power amplifier platforms for cellular and WiFi applications. Lead R&D efforts, develop novel architectures, and collaborate across teams to drive high-performance solutions for n...
2 days ago
$120K - $195K *
Engineer innovative solutions for Arista's EOS software, enhancing data center networks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and debug features, ensuring high-quality softwar...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining cloud infrastructure by providing cross-departmental technical leadership, driving innovative architectural solutions, and mentoring top engineers to create unified, scal...
4 weeks ago
Senior Engineer (Azure, Terraform, Kubernetes)
$150K - $175K *
Lead the charge in architecting and managing robust cloud platforms, driving modernization efforts, and automating infrastructure solutions for large-scale enterprises. Collaborate with top engineers...
Yesterday
$63K - $111K *
Drive impactful construction solutions by coordinating design services, ensuring compliance with specifications, and collaborating with experts to enhance project quality and efficiency in a dynamic e...
1 week ago
Distinguished Software Engineer
$232K - $341K *
Unlock potential by leading the technical strategy for enterprise architecture, focusing on AI integration and cloud migration. Collaborate with engineers to solve complex challenges and drive innovat...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining automation in PCB component placement. Lead the charge in developing and maintaining cutting-edge AI solutions, leveraging machine learning and optimization technologies...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$79K - $158K *
Unlock potential by transforming user insights into intuitive product experiences. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance digital solutions for temperature-sensitive supply chains, ensuring user nee...
6 days ago
GIS Software Quality Assurance Engineer
$95K - $120K *
Elevate software quality assurance by testing GIS applications and validating complex datasets. Collaborate with developers and GIS specialists to ensure accuracy and reliability in geospatial data fo...
2 days ago
Supplier Industrialization Engineering, Electronics, Intelligence Systems
$146K - $194K *
Optimize supplier production strategies by collaborating across teams to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in electrical commodities. Drive improvements and ensure adherence to quali...
2 days ago
$125K - $155K *
Pioneer innovative AI and automation solutions, driving technical leadership and collaboration across teams to enhance retail operations and customer experiences through scalable, secure AI technologi...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Champion our IT infrastructure by automating identity and device management. In this dynamic role, you'll implement innovative security measures while ensuring operational efficiency in a cutting-edge...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$190K - $260K *
Drive product innovation by owning full product lines from ideation to delivery, engaging customers, and shaping technical architecture. Ideal for product engineers ready to lead significant initiativ...
Reposted 4 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.