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.
Sr. Staff Engineer - Applied AI, Patient (Remote)
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining patient experiences by developing robust AI/ML systems. In this hands-on role, you’ll lead engineering efforts across shared infrastructure, ensuring impactful AI solutio...
1 month ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading electrical engineering projects, ensuring compliance with standards and specifications. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions while mentoring junior engine...
Yesterday
Manager, Software Engineering Mainline
$150K - $220K *
Shape the future of software development by leading a dynamic team, driving innovation, and ensuring successful product delivery in a collaborative, agile environment focused on enhancing IT operation...
Today
$142K - $184K *
Champion the development and operational deployment of vehicle firmware, leveraging IoT data to enhance fleet safety and efficiency through collaborative efforts with cross-functional teams...
Reposted 1 week ago
$154K - $260K *
Innovate and drive technical strategy for AI-powered products at scale. Empower teams to build transformative software solutions, oversee complex projects, and deliver exceptional results that reshape...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Program Systems Engineer, Cyclops (remote considered)
$150K - $230K *
Architect system-level requirements and verification plans for a complex aerospace program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure coherent design and integration across multiple engineerin...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in delivering outstanding technical support and case management for complex escalated issues, ensuring customer success and trust while collaborating with teams to provide timely, high...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
$138K - $165K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in machine learning applications. You'll design and build optimization solutions, leveraging AI to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating across...
6 days ago
Senior Structural Engineer 1 - Grid
$84K - $129K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovative structural engineering solutions. Leverage your expertise in materials and design to tackle complex challenges in power transmission upgrades, ensuring clien...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Staff Engineer - Connectors Power BU
$120K - $145K *
Lead product development initiatives in power connectors and cable assemblies. Drive innovation, mentor engineering talent, and ensure high-quality solutions that meet market demands while collaborati...
2 weeks ago
AI Solution/Principal Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Engineer cutting-edge AI evaluation strategies and infrastructure, ensuring quality and reliability across multi-tenant systems. Collaborate with senior teams to enhance product decisions through robu...
1 week ago
Joint Use Design Supervisor - REMOTE WORK
$85K - $110K *
Shape the future of utility design by leading a team in joint-use and electrical distribution projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to safety standards while fostering client relationships...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, Electrical Engineering Data Center Design
$170K - $210K *
Advance your career by leading a dynamic data center electrical design team. Enhance project strategy, design, and deployment, ensuring excellence in performance while collaborating across functions t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of manufacturing and technology. Collaborate with sales teams to address customer challenges in OT/IT integration, showcasing how our platform delivers value th...
1 week ago
Open Talent Network: Staff DevOps and Systems Integration Engineer
$160K - $180K *
Transform the future of cloud infrastructure by leading DevOps initiatives, enhancing systems integration, and driving innovative solutions for federal clients. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimi...
Today
Lead Automation Controls Design Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Innovate solutions in automation and control systems, driving complex project execution and providing technical support for industrial applications, focusing on PLC programming and HMI/SCADA systems...
4 weeks ago
Vice President Contracts, Engineered Systems
$200K - $383K *
Join us to lead the contracts function in a dynamic Federal contracting environment. Oversee a team of 20+ professionals, develop strategies, and negotiate complex contracts while fostering strong rel...
6 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the development of innovative Generative AI solutions, overseeing end-to-end processes from design to deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise systems and ensure...
3 days ago
Vice President, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
$247K - $385K *
Join a team that's redefining operational excellence by leading quality assurance, compliance, and governance initiatives across segments, ensuring standards are met while fostering collaboration and...
3 weeks ago
Principal Product Manager, Compute Platform - Cloud Infrastructure
$500K+*
Pioneer the evolution of Netflix's Compute Platform, driving innovation in distributed systems and AI integration. Lead product strategy, enhance efficiency, and collaborate across teams to ensure rob...
2 weeks ago
Change Management Lead - R&D Advisory
$100K - $120K *
Help us drive change management initiatives in life sciences R&D, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across research, clinical, and regulatory operations while leading stakeholder engagement and a...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Clients Team
$242K - $275K *
Lead the charge in developing and deploying robust containerized software, manage CI/CD workflows, and grow a cohesive engineering team to enhance customer security operations and software delivery ac...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$123K - $185K *
Lead the charge in optimizing process control and equipment projects across multiple manufacturing plants, driving improvements and ensuring effective implementation in the Feed Manufacturing Operatio...
Reposted 5 days ago
Software Engineer II, Engineering
$125K - $145K *
Lead the charge in building impactful software features that enhance educators' management of English Learner programs, taking ownership from design to operation in a full-stack environment utilizing...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Platform Implementation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Empower teams by managing project implementations, ensuring quality service handoff, and optimizing system performance through technical oversight and coordinated customer engagement...
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.