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.
$110K - $130K *
Engage in innovative software development, collaborating with Agile teams to design, implement, and support solutions for population simulation. Drive project timelines and enhance application process...
2 weeks ago
Model Test and Measurement Engineer
$150K - $190K *
Elevate your career by ensuring AI systems perform reliably and transparently. As a key evaluator, you'll validate models, design audits, and provide critical insights that drive improvements and supp...
3 weeks ago
Security Engineer, Product Security
$200K - $255K *
Shape the future of cloud security by designing and implementing robust controls. Guide integrations in DevOps, perform comprehensive assessments, and mentor teams to reduce risks in AWS and mobile in...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Fire Alarm Engineering Manager
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team in fire alarm design. Drive innovative solutions, optimize project performance, and collaborate across departments to ensure compliance and qu...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower growth in a vital industrial sector by leading customer engagement and collaboration in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, focusing on advanced rotating equipment solutions for enhancing plan...
4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture - Networking
$142K - $203K *
Design and optimize AI-ready networking infrastructures to support high-performance computing and data-intensive workloads. Collaborate with customers to assess, plan, and implement scalable solutions...
Reposted 4 days ago
Mechanical Engineer II (SRM - Designer / Drafter) (Remote Option Available)
$76K - $103K *
Join us to design and develop propulsion hardware as a Mechanical Designer. Collaborate with engineers, create detailed CAD models, and ensure manufacturability of mechanical designs. Your expertise w...
2 weeks ago
Technical Program Manager, Digital Test $ Evaluation
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading Digital Test & Evaluation initiatives that integrate modern software solutions into defense workflows, enhancing efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the T&E l...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Optimize project delivery by leading cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of SaaS engagements. Foster strong client relationships while managing scope, timelines, and budgets to meet...
4 weeks ago
$94K - $112K *
Drive the development and validation of generator models for renewable projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners throu...
5 days ago
$120K - $140K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative AI applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect solutions, mentor engineers, and ensure reliable, secure systems that al...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer - Build System Modernization
$171K - $288K *
Unlock potential by leading the modernization of major build systems for software-defined vehicles. Drive technical progress, influence team direction, and enhance engineering productivity through inn...
4 weeks ago
Junior Sales Executive, ICT Assurance
$85K - $100K *
Join us to drive business growth by developing client relationships and identifying opportunities in ICT assurance services. Collaborate with sales and technical teams to connect client needs with cyb...
3 weeks ago
Junior Sales Executive, ICT Assurance
$75K - $90K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by developing new business opportunities, building client relationships, and managing sales processes for ICT assurance services. Collaborate with teams to connect cl...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's pioneering solutions in High-Performance Computing, enhancing customer workflows, optimizing HPC software, and implementing best practices to achieve outstanding customer satisfacti...
4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Android Design System
$217K - $303K *
Lead the charge in evolving a cohesive design system for Android, enhancing UI architecture and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build reusable components and improve accessibil...
1 week ago
Senior SDK Engineer - Platform Enablement
$173K - $207K *
Elevate your career by designing and building essential SDKs that empower engineering teams to create reliable, observable distributed systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance developer experience...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Analog IC Design Engineer - IVR Architecture Team (Remote)
$135K - $170K *
Advance the future of power ICs by driving system architecture and design for cutting-edge voltage regulators. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance and innovative solu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Gameplay Programmer, Game Prototypes
$140K - $250K *
Elevate your career by shaping innovative gameplay systems across diverse genres. Join a dynamic team focused on prototyping and refining engaging experiences for Netflix Games, leveraging cutting-edg...
1 week ago
$77K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving innovation by evaluating and implementing cutting-edge technologies and processes. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance business solutions through r...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer II - Engineering
$96K - $154K *
Develop and maintain quality software for internal stakeholders, focusing on Python and AWS. Collaborate in an Agile environment, define architecture, and mentor junior developers while enhancing lega...
Reposted 6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in engineering management, facilitating industry standards and guidance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop technical reports and oversee project execution while drivin...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Virtual Machines (RD222)
$125K - $150K *
Transform your career by owning complex software features that integrate virtual machines into a secure platform. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions while establishing strong eng...
Yesterday
$171K - $300K *
Join a pioneering team to architect and operate production-grade agentic AI systems that enhance enterprise security and automate identity management at Fortune 500 scale. Shape the future of autonomo...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion compliance and security excellence by driving NIST 800-53 and FedRAMP initiatives. Partner with clients to ensure federal authorization, author vital documents, and manage multiple A&A projec...
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.