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.
Remote Sensing / Signal Processing Software Engineer
$135K - $145K *
Lead the development of advanced geospatial systems by integrating software, algorithms, and data processing for remote sensing and signal processing applications, ensuring seamless interaction across...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Invent engaging user experiences by blending UX with design engineering. Collaborate directly with engineering and sales teams to create operational interfaces for logistics, emphasizing speed, iterat...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$115K - $140K *
Oversee large-scale industrial automation projects from concept to commissioning. Lead cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards while mentoring future...
3 days ago
Fuel Fabrication Criticality Analysis & Nuclear Safety Engineer
$120K - $190K *
Join a dynamic team as a Criticality Analysis & Nuclear Safety Engineer, responsible for ensuring nuclear safety in advanced fuel fabrication. Collaborate across disciplines to develop safety analyses...
Yesterday
Global Product Manager - Aftermarket Parts
$110K - $130K *
Drive strategic growth in the Aftermarket Parts product family, leading development, market differentiation, and sustainable strategies within the Flow Control Division while collaborating with global...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal AI Software Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in designing and deploying AI systems that enhance productivity and customer experience across multiple departments, driving innovation and efficiency through advanced AI capabilities...
4 days ago
Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs
$170K - $195K *
Lead the charge in global regulatory submissions, managing U.S. INDs and ex-U.S. CTAs. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop strategies, ensure compliance, and drive timely approvals in a fast-pac...
2 weeks ago
Senior Platform Engineer -AI / Platform Lead
$135K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading platform engineering initiatives that enhance developer experience and operational excellence. Drive technical ownership across the software lifecycle, shaping the pla...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Champion innovation by leading engineering efforts within established companies. Drive modernization, mentor teams, and enhance software delivery while leveraging diverse tech stacks to deliver impact...
5 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Elevate software engineering by leading teams in established companies. Drive modernization of development processes, coach engineers, and implement AI solutions while delivering high-quality software...
6 days ago
PCIe Senior/Lead Software Engineer
$120K - $195K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of PCIe technology, enhancing high-speed communication between hardware components. Collaborate with engineers to optimize performance and reliability in cutting-ed...
2 weeks ago
Program Field Integration Engineer
$141K - $224K *
Lead the design and modernization of mission-critical SATCOM systems, ensuring seamless integration and lifecycle support. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and ope...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Android
$159K - $254K *
Join a dynamic team to design and deliver innovative Android system applications, enhancing device management and user experience. Collaborate across functions to build scalable solutions that empower...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with clients to deliver tailored filtration solutions, leveraging your engineering expertise. Drive sales growth by building relationships and collaborating with internal teams to ensure custom...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $126K *
Lead and optimize subcontract management by negotiating agreements, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive successful federal contracting outcomes while mentoring junior sta...
2 weeks ago
Principal Software Project Engineer - Display Products (REMOTE)
$107K - $204K *
Transform avionics innovation by leading software projects and mentoring teams, delivering cutting-edge display solutions across platforms while ensuring compliance and project success in a dynamic, r...
Reposted today
$150K - $200K *
Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team, driving real-time financial infrastructure projects while fostering individual growth and establishing engineering standards for scalable practices...
Today
$100K - $111K *
Champion complex systems engineering initiatives with a focus on safety, delivering innovative solutions that comply with DoD standards. Lead hazard analysis and risk mitigation efforts while mentorin...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the technical implementation of Synapse products, ensuring high-quality solutions and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with project teams, manage infrastructure deployment, and integrate health...
2 weeks ago
Senior Full-Stack Software Developer - AI Customer Support
$120K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of AI-powered customer service agents, working within a high-impact team utilizing TypeScript in a serverless microservices ecosystem to innovate and enhanc...
4 weeks ago
Digital Solutions Integration Engineer II
$95K - $115K *
Drive the design and support of operational Active Network Management Systems, ensuring seamless integration and functionality throughout their lifecycle while collaborating with internal teams and cu...
Today
Software Engineer, AI Systems (United States)
$125K - $150K *
Lead the development and operation of AI reasoning systems to enhance safety and efficiency in critical industries. Engage in multi-step LLM pipelines, ensure precision in product output, and work clo...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative solutions by translating complex technology into actionable insights for restaurant operators, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced customer experiences through engaging demo...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Software Engineer, GPU Fleet Telemetry
$152K - $287K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge agent-side systems for GPU health monitoring, telemetry, and observability, while enhancing the reliability of NVIDIA's GPU fleet and collaborating across te...
Reposted 3 days ago
Project Engineer - Water Resources
$95K - $135K *
Empower communities by leading impactful water resources engineering projects. Collaborate effectively to design innovative solutions, manage project schedules, and ensure compliance with environmenta...
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.