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 II - LLM Observability
$183K - $206K *
Transform AI observability by developing end-to-end capabilities, architecting data models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user workflows and insights into agent performance...
1 week ago
Frontend Software Engineer - Secret
$103K - $181K *
Transform user experiences by developing and enhancing frontend applications using JavaScript, React, and TypeScript. Collaborate in an Agile environment to deliver high-quality software solutions whi...
Today
Software Engineer, Modernization
$97K - $122K *
Optimize legacy systems by implementing cloud-native architectures and AI-driven solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reduce technical debt and enhance code quality, ensuring sustaina...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineering Lead, NA
$175K - $190K *
Explore strategic leadership in mechanical engineering, guiding a team of experts to innovate and deliver top-tier data center solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to shape engineering standards...
3 days ago
$90K - $165K *
Drive the development of a centralized data warehouse for biomedical research, enhancing data integration and functionality. Collaborate with teams to optimize data pipelines and support national rese...
6 days ago
Software Systems Engineer Principal
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of program management by leveraging your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovative solutions in a cloud-native envir...
Yesterday
Software Systems Engineer Principal
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of program management solutions. Leverage your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovation and deliver high-quality, c...
Yesterday
Advanced Healthcare Solution Developer
$85K - $106K *
Join us to enhance healthcare solutions through advanced software development focusing on clinical coding. Collaborate with diverse teams to create impactful applications that improve patient outcomes...
4 weeks ago
$129K - $193K *
Partner with us to transform workflows through innovative AI applications, enhancing both internal operations and user experience. In this high-ownership role, you'll build and evaluate end-to-end sol...
Reposted yesterday
Lead Engineer, Merchandise Technology
$125K - $160K *
Shape the future of global merchandising technology by leading engineering efforts, driving modernization, and ensuring high-quality delivery across diverse platforms. Collaborate with teams to implem...
1 week ago
Outcome Engineer - Early in Career Professional
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of software development by architecting multi-agent systems and automation frameworks. Join a diverse team dedicated to pioneering cutting-edge AI applications in a collaborative...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Translational AI Scientist/Engineer
$150K - $185K *
Unlock potential by designing and deploying AI systems that enhance translational science, enabling evidence-based recommendations for drug discovery and target validation through innovative technolog...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer innovative machine learning solutions, develop scalable data infrastructure, and drive AI advancement. Collaborate with teams to implement ML models, optimize algorithms, and analyze large dat...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team in managing project lifecycles by applying proven methodologies. You will lead diverse project teams, enhance client satisfaction, and promote continuous improvement while driving...
1 month ago
$140K - $160K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team as a Data Engineer, owning end-to-end data systems and driving platform modernization. You'll improve data reliability and work closely with cross-functio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Application Engineer, Data Centers
$77K - $124K *
Join a team that's transforming data center solutions. As an Application Engineer, you'll shape technical strategies, collaborate with key industry players, and ensure seamless project execution in a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Empower cross-functional collaboration by aligning technology with business priorities. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance cybersecurity compliance, and foster trusted relationships to optimize ente...
3 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by serving as a strategic liaison between Finance, Facilities, and Supply Chain functions and IT, ensuring alignment of technology capabilities with business priorities and driving su...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to shape the future of software engineering by leading AI-driven projects, mentoring engineers, and influencing product direction while ensuring high-quality outcomes across multip...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Sales Northeast Region
$95K - $115K *
Shape mission-critical communication solutions and drive successful outcomes by developing competitive system designs and ensuring technical feasibility throughout the proposal and implementation phas...
1 month ago
Principal Quality Assurance Specialist, External Manufacturing
$150K - $190K *
Champion quality assurance excellence in GMP for drug substance and products, overseeing compliance and methodologies. Collaborate to ensure regulatory adherence while maintaining operational efficien...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Platform Engineering
$152K - $228K *
Lead the charge in system-level design and engineer solutions crossing team boundaries. Empower those around you through coaching while maintaining hands-on involvement. Drive innovation in data engin...
1 month ago
$80K - $95K *
Help us deliver innovative environmental design projects by leading cross-functional teams through all phases from planning to implementation, ensuring alignment, managing risks, and achieving client...
3 weeks ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer (Starship)
$130K - $155K *
Engineer cutting-edge mechanical systems for revolutionary aerospace projects. Collaborate across disciplines to design, test, and iterate on flight hardware while empowering hands-on engagement with...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading a technical team to enhance collaboration tools in a dynamic, cloud-based environment. Engage with federal clients, drive Agile practices, and ensure toolset efficiency...
3 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.