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 Software Engineer, Connectivity & API Transformation
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Nuclear Engineer Energy - Remote
$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...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager - Servicing & Fulfillment
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Substation Engineering
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Power Engineer - Physical Electrical
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Analyst, Strategic Partner Operations
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Substation Engineer 2 - Grid
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
Engineering Manager - Controls Engineering - Remote
$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...
2 days ago
Principal Software Engineer (Integrations)
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Subject Matter Expert (Mechanical) - Rolling Stock Engineering
$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...
2 weeks ago
Founding Senior Infra Engineer, Distributed Infra
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Director, R&D Capability Enablement
$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...
3 weeks ago
Physical Design Engineer - Synth, Senior
$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...
3 weeks ago
Manufacturing Process Engineer-Heavy Equipment (Remote)
$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...
4 weeks ago
Transmission Line Engineering Consultant 2 - Grid
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Software Engineer, Site Reliability
$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...
1 month ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - Microgrid Controls & Automation Architecture
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Global Product Manager, Enabling Technologies
$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...
1 week ago
Regulatory Affairs Consultant - Regulatory Generalist
$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...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer I - LLM Observability
$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...
1 week ago
Quality Engineer - MRB, RCCA & Composite Manufacturing
$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...
Reposted 2 days ago
$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...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Engineer - System Protection and Control (Remote)
$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...
1 week 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.