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, Public Sector
$180K - $200K *
Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...
2 days ago
Senior System Software Engineer, Agentic Retrieval
$184K - $356K *
Unlock your potential by developing cutting-edge pipelines for multi-modal content retrieval. Collaborate with experts in Generative AI and enhance user experiences through innovative software solutio...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform energy solutions by leading diverse projects, conducting analyses, and collaborating with clients. Utilize engineering expertise to drive efficiency and sustainability in various sectors, en...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Trajectory Generation & Controls
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of autonomous driving by leading trajectory generation and controls. Collaborate across teams to deliver safe, optimized solutions while enhancing vehicle performance through innovati...
2 days ago
Principal Software Engineer, Core Engine
$179K - $341K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance C#/.NET integration for Unity Engine, driving performance and reliability. Collaborate with experts to deliver key technical solutions and advocate best practices for de...
1 week ago
$140K - $185K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product strategy, manage roadmaps, and enhance customer experiences. Lead product initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals while mentoring j...
1 week ago
$186K - $280K *
Transform design verification processes by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance methodologies, automate tooling, and implement infrastructure that accelerates product development from...
2 weeks ago
Coherent DSP Applications Engineer
$130K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the integration and optimization of cutting-edge coherent DSP optical solutions, collaborating with hyperscale customers and engineering teams to drive product success and...
Today
Solution Architect - Autonomous Systems & Industrial Base (ComS058)
$135K - $160K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of autonomous systems and cloud-native technologies, driving integration and architecture solutions for defense and commercial sectors. Engage with stakeholders...
1 week ago
$80K - $100K *
Champion the design and implementation of advanced communication systems, ensuring optimal functionality through troubleshooting and support. Collaborate across teams while managing extensive travel t...
3 weeks ago
Chief of Staff, Digital & Product
$161K - $242K *
Join a team that's driving strategic initiatives and digital transformation. Collaborate with senior leaders to tackle complex challenges, influence decision-making, and ensure successful execution of...
1 week ago
Staff Product Designer, AI Design Systems
$120K - $140K *
Lead the development of innovative AI-native design systems, enhancing Cherry's design infrastructure. Collaborate across teams, grow as a key member, and shape the future of design practices in a rap...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Clinical Applications Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of robotic minimally invasive care by supporting early users through their learning curve. Collaborate with clinical teams to enhance procedural safety and effectiveness while pro...
2 days ago
Clinical Applications Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Partner with us to enhance robotic minimally invasive care by supporting early users, providing technical expertise, and collaborating with clinical teams to ensure effective system adoption and profi...
2 days ago
Power Systems Study Engineer III
$104K - $130K *
Optimize power system studies for mission-critical projects, collaborating with design teams to conduct analyses and ensure safety compliance. Work independently on complex tasks while supporting proj...
1 week ago
BIM (Building Information Modeling) / Virtual Design Coordinator
$85K - $115K *
Elevate your career by coordinating multidisciplinary BIM models for complex industrial projects. Lead clash detection, ensure model accuracy, and drive collaboration among teams to deliver high-quali...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Engineer, DevSecOps Software Lead (Remote)
$132K - $251K *
Champion innovation in software development as a DevSecOps Software Lead, driving the design and implementation of advanced pipelines. Collaborate with teams to enhance efficiency and foster a culture...
Today
Software Engineer, Real-Time Generalist
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative solutions by architecting a cutting-edge Command & Control system for large drone swarms, influencing design and implementation while collaborating with a dynamic team to tackle co...
1 week ago
Senior Process Engineer - Minerals Processing Operation
$100K - $120K *
Deliver innovative mineral processing solutions to enhance plant operations, optimize costs, and improve product quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success and ensure co...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our team to validate and enhance data migration processes through comprehensive testing, ensuring quality and performance in a dynamic Agile environment. Your expertise will drive successful syst...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive technical solutions and client satisfaction as you partner with internal teams, enhancing client engagement through innovative use of our solutions, troubleshooting complex integrations, and fos...
4 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Back-End (Security Controls)
$199K - $270K *
Tackle the complexities of backend engineering by developing robust API integrations, building ETL pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performanc...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Engineer, SRE and Production Engineering - DGX Cloud
$184K - $287K *
Drive the future of AI infrastructure by building automation and tools for large-scale GPU systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production reliability and ensure seamless operat...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leveraging AI to optimize operations and enhance product offerings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement impactful LLM-powe...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Transform energy solutions by leveraging AI to optimize operations and products. Collaborate with teams to define success metrics, design LLM-powered features, and enhance customer-facing AI functiona...
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.