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 Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Unlock your potential by working in a collaborative team to design, analyze, and improve complex control systems in nuclear power plants, focusing on innovative solutions and critical project executio...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of engineering by leading architectural decisions, mentoring talent, and driving scalable design within our technical ecosystem, while influencing product and engi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer II - Offboard Python Application
$150K - $225K *
Join a team that's transforming vehicle simulation workflows to enhance safety and performance. You'll develop cloud-based applications, optimize scalability, and engage with users to create intuitive...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer | Virscidian
$110K - $130K *
Champion the maintenance and support of existing software products while ensuring stability and responsiveness to customer needs. Collaborate across teams to enhance features and contribute to future...
1 week ago
$120K - $150K *
Transform complex challenges into scalable AI solutions by collaborating with enterprise clients, guiding projects from concept to deployment, and delivering impactful results across the entire custom...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$231K - $304K *
Champion groundbreaking FPGA software advancements through innovative algorithm design and technical leadership, enhancing implementation methodologies and driving superior performance in complex semi...
3 weeks ago
Procurement Project Initiatives Manager
$125K - $172K *
Champion procurement excellence by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing processes, and collaborating across functions to drive operational success in a fast-paced, regulated environment. Make a s...
3 weeks ago
CDO-L Study Lead Engineer (REMOTE)
$120K - $145K *
Drive the advancement of enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) capabilities in contested environments, leading technical studies and architectural development to enhance operat...
Today
System Engineer (in office & remote)
$85K - $100K *
Champion innovative solutions as a System Engineer, driving client success through technology implementation and project management. Collaborate with teams to deliver projects on time and enhance clie...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in ensuring technical excellence and quality across all P&C project deliverables. Provide mentorship, establish engineering standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to e...
Today
Technical Services Engineer - Federal
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional post-sales technical support for federal clients. You'll troubleshoot complex systems, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure seamless ope...
2 days ago
$99K - $167K *
Develop and maintain robust data pipelines using SparkSQL and Pyspark, ensuring high-quality data for analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data analysis efficiency and support...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical outcomes, architecting production systems, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure operational excelle...
3 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Drive the technical vision for mobile app development, mentoring a team while ensuring high-quality releases and innovative solutions aligned with public safety missions. Work on complex Android archi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $143K *
Join a dynamic team as a Data Engineer, where you'll design and maintain data pipelines using SparkSQL and Pyspark. Your work will enhance data analysis efficiency, impacting industries and driving cu...
2 weeks ago
Project Engineer - Site Design
$85K - $100K *
Lead the charge in diverse civil engineering projects, applying advanced principles to design and oversee site development. Collaborate with teams, manage project scopes, and ensure successful executi...
2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Engineer | Remote | Texas
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative AI solutions by integrating and deploying cutting-edge applications. Collaborate with teams to enhance customer experiences and drive value through advanced technology in a dynamic...
Reposted yesterday
$79K - $127K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing health research through innovative statistical analysis and mentoring. Collaborate with investigators to design studies, prepare publications, and present fin...
Yesterday
Staff Product Manager, AGSE Service
$135K - $160K *
Transform the future of autonomous ground support equipment by leading product strategy and roadmap development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, performance, and reliability...
3 days ago
Senior Engineer, Constellation Systems
$135K - $150K *
Develop and expand advanced orbit design processes for satellite constellations, applying expertise in orbital mechanics. Collaborate with teams to enhance modeling tools and support mission planning...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $150K *
Unlock your potential by leading high-stakes proposals for public agencies in the rail and transit sector. Drive strategy, mentor teams, and craft compelling narratives to elevate project pursuits and...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate security standards by leading bug bounty programs, conducting audits, and enhancing software supply chain security. Collaborate across teams to build innovative tools that protect users and en...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by engaging customers to develop tailored solutions using open-source technologies and cloud-native architecture. Drive success through collaboration and innovation, bridging engineer...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing healthcare technology by developing and maintaining our Electronic Health Record platform using Ruby. Collaborate in an agile environment to deliver impactful...
3 days ago
SampleManager Technical Project Lead
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of laboratory informatics by leading technical delivery and customer engagements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize solutions, enhance customer experience, and drive...
3 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.