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 Technical Product Manager
$153K - $213K *
Champion the development of a key platform, driving strategy, success metrics, and technical depth while collaborating across teams to deliver impactful solutions that meet customer needs and enhance...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $185K *
Elevate the legal landscape by leveraging AI to transform workflows. Collaborate with law firms to design and implement innovative solutions, ensuring successful adoption of advanced legal technologie...
5 days ago
Electric Power Generation Principal Project Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Contribute to the success of electric power generation projects by leading systems engineering efforts, managing schedules, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure project goals are me...
Today
$87K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading strategic PLM engagements, transforming systems, and guiding clients through complex landscapes. Collaborate across teams to design scalable architectures that align with e...
Today
$148K - $263K *
Drive the design and implementation of AI-First operational environments, architecting resilient multi-cloud networks and building autonomous orchestration layers to enhance security and efficiency ac...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead supplier quality initiatives to ensure product conformity and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish quality standards, manage audits, and enhance supp...
Reposted yesterday
Civil Project Engineer II/III - Renewable Energy Structural Design
$82K - $90K *
Engage in innovative structural design projects, focusing on renewable energy solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop project scopes, schedules, and budgets while enhancing your expertis...
Yesterday
Civil Project Engineer II/III - Renewable Energy Structural Design
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of renewable energy through innovative civil engineering solutions. Contribute to the design of structures and bridges while managing projects and enhancing your...
2 weeks ago
Staff Product Engineer, Enterprise AI
$185K - $220K *
Unlock your potential as a Staff Full-Stack Product Engineer, driving impactful software solutions and collaborating with partners to enhance enterprise deployments. Join us in shaping the future of A...
3 weeks ago
Engineer III, Endpoint Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining endpoint management by designing and optimizing Active Directory, Group Policy, and Intune solutions for a global organization, ensuring seamless integration and user pro...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Continuity
$135K - $160K *
Elevate healthcare outcomes by designing scalable web applications that enhance radiology workflows. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop robust backend services and mentor fellow engineers in a...
3 weeks ago
$91K - $148K *
Transform your career by leading complex projects, managing resources, and ensuring quality deliverables. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive strategic initiatives and maintain client relationship...
3 days ago
Lead Civil Engineer - Renewables
$111K - $150K *
Drive innovative civil engineering solutions for utility-scale solar projects. Lead design teams, mentor engineers, and ensure high-quality project execution while collaborating with clients and stake...
6 days ago
Sr. Robotic Stapling Specialist (OH)
$90K *
Champion innovative surgical solutions by driving market growth in stapling technologies and robotic procedures. Collaborate with teams to enhance surgical expertise and execute strategic programs for...
5 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Full Stack (Java)
$125K - $135K *
Innovate and lead as a Senior Software Engineer, driving full-stack solutions and mentoring talent. Collaborate with teams to enhance software processes, ensuring high-quality delivery and technical e...
Today
$103K - $181K *
Join a dynamic team to automate and enhance software delivery for critical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system reliability and performance while supporting national secur...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Transform your career by designing and delivering complex full-stack solutions using Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate with teams to enhance engineering quality and lead technical initiative...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer 3 (NSSS Piping & Integration)
$115K - $139K *
Lead the design and analysis of Nuclear Steam Supply System piping, ensuring compliance with ASME BPVC standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop technical specifications and innova...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineering Manager Energy - Remote
$119K - $199K *
Drive the design and development of mechanical systems for nuclear projects. Lead a team of engineers, manage performance, and interface with senior management to ensure project success and alignment...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leveraging diverse engineering skills to enhance control systems and data infrastructure, improving software practices and cloud operations across innovative facilities. Embrace un...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$72K - $115K *
Elevate your career as a Network Engineer II. Support and manage our network infrastructure while troubleshooting issues and ensuring effective communication for a seamless production experience. Join...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Forward Deployed Engineer
$254K - $297K *
Elevate customer experiences by diagnosing and resolving complex technical challenges. Contribute directly to product engineering initiatives while collaborating with strategic customers and internal...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Licensing Engineer Energy - Remote
$90K - $150K *
Drive the development and integration of licensing applications for fuel cycle facilities. Lead regulatory approaches, ensure application quality, and mentor engineers while interacting with clients a...
Reposted yesterday
$220K - $265K *
Lead the charge in building a high-performing mobile engineering team, driving technical execution and culture. Oversee multi-persona mobile experiences, architecture, and release operations, shaping...
2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Inbound Product Manager - AI Search
$190K - $334K *
Lead the charge in product management for advanced enterprise search AI, shaping user experiences that are intuitive and personalized. Drive innovation, manage a growing team, and ensure strategic ali...
4 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.