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.
Forward Deployed AI Architect IRC296102
$160K - $220K *
Elevate your career by leading AI-driven software delivery transformations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify bottlenecks, design innovative solutions, and enhance product lifecycle...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Deliver innovative solutions by enhancing AI agent capabilities, debugging runtime issues, and building testing tools. Collaborate closely with client data and improve system performance in a dynamic...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$150K - $185K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative infrastructure solutions for scalable deployments, collaborating with customers to refine requirements, and enhancing operational efficiency through automation a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
R&D Supplier Quality Sr Manager
$132K - $178K *
Shape the future of quality management by overseeing GxP suppliers in R&D. Drive risk-based assessments and foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure compliance and operational excellence in cli...
2 weeks ago
$132K - $181K *
Drive the development of an innovative Excel plugin, integrating AI-driven market intelligence for financial professionals. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance and enhance user experience...
2 weeks ago
$132K - $181K *
Join a team that's redefining financial technology by integrating AI into Excel. You'll develop a powerful plugin that enhances decision-making for financial professionals, ensuring seamless performan...
3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture
$170K - $221K *
Partner with us to deliver integrated IT solutions that align with customer goals. Leverage your technical expertise to navigate complex requirements and enhance customer satisfaction through innovati...
Reposted 4 days ago
Business Development Engineer - Mission Systems
$180K - $285K *
Unlock potential by leading technical capture initiatives that align engineering solutions with customer needs. Collaborate across teams to develop compelling proposals and enhance business growth thr...
2 days ago
Senior Data Engineer - Data Infra (Canada)
$110K - $130K *
Shape data strategy by building and scaling ingestion pipelines and infrastructure to empower teams with reliable, self-serve data products and support AI-ready workflows, directly impacting company-w...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Invent advanced AI agents by leveraging your expertise in multi-agent systems and software development. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance AI capabilities and deliver innovative solutions in a...
2 days ago
$90K - $100K *
Lead transformative initiatives by optimizing manufacturing processes, enhancing efficiency, and delivering expert on-site training to elevate operations in high-stakes environments. Travel extensivel...
2 weeks ago
Senior Project Engineer, Turbine
$91K - $146K *
Shape the future of turbine automation in a dynamic team, driving tailored solutions while ensuring project quality, safety standards, and customer engagement. Leverage your expertise to transform des...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Journeyman Marine Propulsion Engineer
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing marine propulsion systems through innovative engineering solutions. Provide lifecycle support for U.S. Coast Guard vessels, ensuring operational effectiveness...
Today
Member of Technical Staff, Agentic AI Architect
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer innovative AI solutions by designing autonomous agents that enhance manufacturing workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data pipelines and drive impactful results in a...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer - Transmission Line
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career forward in a challenging role, supporting critical engineering projects for transmission lines while engaging with diverse teams and clients. Collaborate and innovate to deliver high...
4 weeks ago
Sr Software Engineer, Audio Intelligence
$160K - $206K *
Elevate audio AI capabilities by designing and implementing innovative conversational systems while optimizing for user experience and real-time performance in smart home settings...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior AI Virtual Assistant Developer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering secure, scalable IT solutions for Global Manufacturing, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance Virtual Assistant initiatives and ensure alignment with IT strategy...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in shaping the future of energy through advanced power system modeling and compliance assessments. Collaborate with a dynamic team to conduct studies, ensure project quality, and drive...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Transform the tech landscape by creating innovative solutions as a Full Stack Engineer. Join a dynamic team, shaping product features that enhance lives while driving best practices in a fast-paced st...
4 weeks ago
Principal Research Scientist - Autonomous Systems
$146K - $234K *
Lead innovative research in autonomous systems, shaping solutions for AI challenges. Collaborate with diverse teams, define research programs, and engage with customers to deliver cutting-edge technol...
3 weeks ago
Structural Engineer (Remote or Hybrid)
$93K - $108K *
Engage with multidisciplinary teams to analyze and design structural systems for industrial projects. Utilize your engineering expertise to develop concepts, perform calculations, and ensure design co...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Manager, Research and Technology Enablement
$120K - $145K *
Transform legal research by enabling AI adoption in law firms. Collaborate with leaders to design effective workflows, enhance vendor partnerships, and build internal AI capabilities, ensuring clients...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $125K *
Bring your expertise to a collaborative team as a Technology Design Specialist, handling diverse projects. Utilize Revit for design coordination and documentation across communications, security, and...
1 month ago
Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$84K - $129K *
Champion innovative solutions in instrumentation and control systems for power plants. Collaborate with engineers to design, troubleshoot, and enhance digital systems, ensuring project success and cli...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the interaction of mobile robots with their environments by developing cutting-edge learning-based manipulation systems that enhance reliability and safety in dynamic settings, impacting rea...
Reposted 2 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.