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.
Principal Software Engineer, Team Lead - Perception Platforms
$240K - $330K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of machine learning by leading a high-performing group dedicated to optimizing data pipelines and enhancing perception modeling. Drive innovation and collaboratio...
4 days ago
Senior Architect - Data Processing Systems, Analytics and Data Intelligence
$184K - $356K *
Transform data processing architectures by optimizing performance and efficiency. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance user experiences and drive innovation in hardware-software co-design for cut...
Reposted 5 days ago
$168K - $252K *
Champion engineering innovation by leading a technical team to bridge gaps and drive strategic initiatives for product development and infrastructure, ensuring rapid transition of advanced technologie...
3 weeks ago
Staff+ Software Engineer, Memory & Search
$405K - $485K *
Join us to design and build innovative memory and search experiences that enhance user interaction across platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful products that prioritiz...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower business strategies as a Data Scientist by analyzing complex data sets, developing predictive models, and collaborating with diverse teams to drive data insights and innovation...
4 weeks ago
Lead Transmission Line Engineer - Grid
$146K - $192K *
Shape the future of transmission design by leading projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards. Collaborate with clients to deliver high-quality solutions for transmi...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Elevate client success by leading high-stakes projects and cultivating strong relationships while driving innovative solutions and business growth in a dynamic consulting environment...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate with us as a Senior Software Engineer, driving core feature development and automation across the stack. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance scalability and performance in a dynamic, mi...
Reposted 1 week ago
Junior Data Engineer (ETL/Data Quality)
$66K - $106K *
Join a dynamic team to support ETL pipeline implementation and data quality validation for a federal data migration program. Collaborate with experts to enhance database operations and ensure seamless...
Yesterday
Senior Manager, Engineering Recruiting
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in engineering recruiting by shaping hiring strategies, developing a high-performing team, and enhancing scalable processes to support growth while personally managing senior leadershi...
2 days ago
Object Storage Product Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Champion the evolution of our Key/Value product by taking end-to-end ownership of full stack projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring reliable service for millions of users as...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$115K - $145K *
Optimize software development by owning complex features, leveraging AI tools, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions that meet business needs and te...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join our team as a Senior Value Engineer, where you'll drive strategic deals by building economic cases that resonate with CFOs, blending financial modeling with executive engagement to deliver impact...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Physical Wiring Designer 1 - Nuclear Power
$77K - $118K *
Elevate your drafting career by collaborating in a dynamic team, utilizing advanced CAD tools, and gaining hands-on experience in 3D design. Contribute to innovative projects that shape the future of...
1 week ago
Sr. Consultant - New Gas Fired Plant Build - Mechanical (Power Generation)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's leading power plant projects, focusing on mechanical design and execution. This role offers flexibility and the chance to impact high-stakes projects across the power sector while c...
3 weeks ago
Fullstack Software Engineer - Embedded Payments
$95K - $105K *
Unlock potential by joining our Embedded Payments team to build scalable, cloud-native payment solutions. Collaborate across the stack to enhance user experiences and drive impactful software developm...
Today
Forward Deployed Engineer, AI & Agentforce
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining AI solutions by rapidly delivering innovative, client-focused engagements. Collaborate with stakeholders to architect impactful agentic solutions that drive business valu...
1 week ago
Senior Virtualization & Orchestration Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Transform infrastructure by designing and building scalable GPU systems for AI cloud platforms, focusing on virtualization, Kubernetes, and automation to enhance performance and reliability across mul...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Drive the development of autonomous AI systems that enhance decision-making across platforms. Shape AI architecture, integrate tools, and lead the creation of impactful AI solutions from concept to pr...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles
$130K - $160K *
Lead the design and implementation of robust software for next-gen autonomous vehicle systems, enhancing safety and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to innovate and propel advancements in AI-drive...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Architect solutions to enhance DevOps teams' security by managing pre-sales technical support, conducting product demos, and serving as a subject matter expert in CI/CD integrations and workflows. Eng...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive data excellence by designing, developing, and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines across various platforms, ensuring quality and reliability to support analytics and AI workflows in a collaborative, d...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Contribute to our technical sales initiatives by bridging client needs with software solutions, leading discovery processes, and designing integration strategies for successful implementations...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive Navy revenue growth as you partner with executives to innovate and execute forward-thinking GTM strategies, transforming opportunities into impactful contracts while navigating complex defense e...
4 weeks ago
$132K - $207K *
Analyze and enhance GPU product reliability and manufacturability by collaborating with cross-functional teams, driving corrective actions, and supporting high-volume production environments to ensure...
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.