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.
$79K - $158K *
Join a dynamic team as a technical lead, driving integration projects and enhancing building intelligence solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver exceptional results while optimizing perfo...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Quality & Automation
$110K - $130K *
Elevate quality and automation efforts for enterprise deployments. Collaborate with customers and engineering to develop a robust QA function using agentic tooling, ensuring consistent environments an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate data engineering capabilities by designing robust ETL/ELT workflows, ensuring data quality, and implementing scalable solutions on AWS and Kubernetes. Collaborate with teams to optimize perfor...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Automotive Partnerships
$136K - $160K *
Champion innovative software solutions by designing and building scalable integrations for automotive partnerships, collaborating across teams to enhance customer experiences and drive technical excel...
4 days ago
Engineering Manager, Knowledge Graph Platform
$217K - $303K *
Innovate with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, shaping a scalable AI-powered knowledge graph platform that enhances data quality and drives impactful user experiences across multiple app...
2 weeks ago
$144K - $170K *
Join a team that's leading the charge in renewable energy construction. Oversee multiple utility-scale projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective execution while managing contractors and stakeholder...
1 week ago
Field Applications Engineer (TEM)
$110K - $130K *
Empower semiconductor innovation by providing technical expertise and solutions that enhance product development and integration, ensuring customer success through collaborative application developmen...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$130K - $141K *
Join us to design and develop high-performance mechanical solutions for airborne systems. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative aviation technologies that empower defense operations and enhan...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Reporting & Insights
$287K - $320K *
Join a team that's redefining financial insights through AI. As a senior technical leader, you'll shape the multi-year strategy for Reporting & Insights, guiding engineering teams to innovate and scal...
3 days ago
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...
2 days ago
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 4 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...
3 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
$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 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.