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.
$126K - $167K *
Shape the future of mission-critical facilities by leading electrical design projects. Collaborate with design and project management teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with co...
1 week ago
$192K - $289K *
Elevate enterprise-level IT solutions by leading architecture and engineering for a diverse portfolio of ~190 platforms. Drive technical performance and strategy, collaborating with senior leaders to...
3 days ago
$66K - $128K *
Unlock your potential as you design and implement software for spacecraft simulators, collaborating with engineers to create cutting-edge solutions in the space industry. This entry-level role offers...
3 weeks ago
INGENYX- Business Applications Engineer
$87K - $131K *
Advance systems management by enhancing ERP and HRIS platforms to support business growth, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring smooth transitions with new releases in a global medical device envi...
Reposted 1 week ago
DSCA Senior AI/RAG Engineer (Software Development Analyst) - 30714
$160K - $175K *
Pioneer secure, scalable backend solutions as a Senior Developer, integrating AI capabilities within AWS GovCloud. Collaborate across teams to enhance enterprise applications and ensure robust securit...
5 days ago
Senior Electrical Engineer (Canada)
$100K - $120K *
Lead innovative electrical engineering design for cutting-edge data centres, overseeing all stages from concept to execution while ensuring compliance with industry standards and practices for complex...
Reposted 1 week ago
$150K - $200K *
Transform complex engineering projects by leading a team of specialists in BAS and EPMS designs for critical data center sectors, ensuring high quality and timely deliverables while mentoring talent a...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$126K - $162K *
Lead the charge in advanced ICT design for mission-critical data centers. Collaborate with stakeholders to oversee complex projects, manage resources, and drive innovation through technology adoption...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$84K - $129K *
Lead the design and analysis of electrical systems for nuclear power plants. Collaborate with engineers and vendors to ensure project success, focusing on reliability and compliance. Engage in trouble...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Drive innovation in backend development and blockchain infrastructure, shaping the future of global payments. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and scale solutions to millions while...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining nuclear power engineering by designing innovative systems and leading projects that enhance plant operations and safety. Collaborate with clients and drive impactful modi...
2 days ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Lead engineering projects in nuclear power systems design, focusing on modifications, analyses, and vendor evaluations. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance...
2 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Structural
$120K - $145K *
Join a pioneering team where you'll innovate software solutions for framing and structural analysis. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, set technical direction, and contribute to softwar...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$131K - $205K *
Engage in the design and evaluation of electric power generation projects. Provide technical support and owner’s engineering services, focusing on thermal power systems. Collaborate on project develop...
2 weeks ago
Senior / Staff Product Engineer, Mobile
$130K - $160K *
Advance our mobile stack by developing features for our popular SDKs, enhancing location services across platforms, and engaging with customers to deliver impactful solutions used globally on millions...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Tooling Design & Build Product
$85K - $143K *
Take ownership of software development for manufacturing applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality APIs and web solutions. Contribute to Ford's mobility and elect...
2 weeks ago
Staff Product Engineer, Developer Experience
$135K - $160K *
Engage with engineers to enhance developer workflows and tools. Own the product lifecycle from discovery to adoption, ensuring high-quality internal software that meets user needs and drives efficienc...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in technical project management for energy initiatives. Oversee installations, ensure quality, and drive projects from kickoff to completion while building critical partnerships and im...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of the software development lifecycle, designing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance global health and environmental outcomes while collaborating with cross-functional te...
Today
$100K - $170K *
Engineer innovative mechanical solutions for DOJ/BOP facilities, providing expert analysis and support for HVAC systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance decision-making through technical docu...
1 week ago
System Architect, New Products
$130K - $160K *
Transform the future of AI by architecting core building blocks for agentic systems, ensuring robust infrastructure and shared primitives that enhance collaboration across teams and drive innovation i...
3 weeks ago
Senior ML / Evaluation Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Explore exciting challenges in AI evaluation by developing frameworks and custom validators for cutting-edge machine learning applications. Collaborate to enhance the quality and reliability of AI age...
3 weeks ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
$120K - $135K *
Drive operational excellence by leveraging data analysis and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead initiatives that enhance performance across functions, mentor teams, and align improvements with strateg...
6 days ago
Software Engineer, Design Systems
$130K - $170K *
Lead the evolution of our design system by building accessible, reusable components and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and streamline adoption across products...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $500K+*
Help us define, design, and validate power architecture for AI data centers, driving innovation in power efficiency and system performance. Collaborate across teams to bring cutting-edge solutions fro...
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.