Explore R&D Engineer Jobs

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.

What R&D Engineers Do

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.

Industries and Specializations

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Find R&D Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$139K - $174K *

Join our team to shape the future of our platform by designing robust APIs, improving service connectivity, and evolving legacy systems into modern architectures, all while fostering a collaborative e...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $150K *

Pioneer your career by leading nuclear engineering initiatives, ensuring safety and compliance across multidisciplinary teams. Leverage your expertise in Small Modular Reactor designs and criticality...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$166K - $193K *

Lead and mentor a team of engineers while overseeing technical excellence and driving AI innovation in operational systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful features for post-purcha...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in shaping the future of utility substation engineering by developing a high-performing team, driving business growth, and delivering integrated solutions for electric utility clients...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$165K - $185K *

Innovate your career by driving the physical electrical design of high-voltage substations and utility-scale facilities while collaborating with diverse teams to deliver quality engineering solutions...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$94K - $155K *

Lead the charge in optimizing partner relationships and Pre-Buy execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance sales strategies, manage complex programs, and ensure compliance while driving reve...

San Diego, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $152K *

Accelerate your career by leading high voltage substation projects, collaborating with engineers to solve complex electrical issues, and enhancing your skills through peer learning and client interact...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$121K - $218K *

Engage in leading a high-performing engineering team to drive product development, ensuring robust design and lifecycle management of complex infrastructure solutions while fostering collaboration acr...

Austin, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$164K - $200K *

Shape the future of software integration by leading a team to develop a robust ERP connector framework, ensuring data integrity and seamless communication between systems while driving architectural d...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and maintaining automation workflows across IT systems and SaaS platforms. Collaborate with teams to develop integrations and optimize processes, enhancing operational ef...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $193K *

Drive the future of rail engineering by managing complex rolling stock projects. Leverage your expertise in vehicle design and modifications to ensure quality and compliance while mentoring teams and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$150K - $180K *

Manage the lifecycle of accelerator clusters, ensuring efficient capacity, reliability, and security. Collaborate across teams to enhance infrastructure, automate processes, and lead initiatives that...

Palo Alto, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$192K - $260K *

Partner with us to transform R&D capabilities through innovative learning experiences, aligning workforce development with strategic priorities and enhancing employee performance across diverse functi...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $300K *

Unlock potential by leading synthesis and timing closure for complex AI accelerator designs. Collaborate across teams to optimize implementations, ensuring high-quality netlists while driving innovati...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $147K *

Optimize manufacturing processes in heavy equipment production by leveraging Lean principles and advanced technologies; ensure efficiency and safety throughout the product lifecycle while collaboratin...

Minnesota, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $222K *

Elevate your career by managing diverse transmission and distribution projects. Oversee project lifecycle, ensuring safety, budget adherence, and effective resource management while fostering team acc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$59K - $106K *

Drive high-voltage transmission line design projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to execute technical tasks, prepare documentation, and enha...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$142K - $196K *

Unlock potential by enhancing system reliability and observability for resilient production environments. Collaborate across teams to develop automation and tooling that improves incident response, op...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$154K - $223K *

Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leading the development of advanced control systems for microgrids and distributed energy resources, ensuring seamless integration and operational exc...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $145K *

Lead strategic product initiatives in advanced surgical technologies, driving development and commercialization efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance orthopedic outcomes and proc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Take ownership of regulatory support for pharmaceutical programs, managing IND and NDA submissions, health authority interactions, and lifecycle maintenance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$218K - $245K *

Empower AI observability by delivering end-to-end solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and insights into agent performance, costs, and errors, while navigat...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$73K - $102K *

Grow as a quality consultant driving non-conformance management and continuous improvement initiatives in aerospace manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality an...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$76K - $114K *

Champion radiation safety compliance by managing registrations, monitoring dose reports, and collaborating across teams to ensure safe use of radiation-emitting devices, enhancing workplace safety and...

Boston, MARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering expert engineering solutions while managing projects safely and efficiently. Leverage your technical expertise to mentor others and drive innovation in gener...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an R&D engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.