Explore R&D Engineer Jobs

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.

What R&D Engineers Do

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.

Industries and Specializations

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Find R&D Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$72K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team as you collaborate on innovative electrical designs, progressing from basic tasks to complex projects while ensuring quality and efficiency in a supportive environment...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the development of innovative modeling capabilities to enhance our advanced simulation framework, collaborating with engineers to integrate numerical methods and apply machine learning for mo...

Seattle, WARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining automation by leading technical sales efforts, collaborating with clients to identify automation opportunities, and transforming production challenges into innovative sol...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $140K *

Unlock potential by architecting and enhancing next-gen research platforms, driving automation and reliability to provide researchers with cutting-edge tools. Collaborate in a dynamic environment brid...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$143K - $241K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable data solutions, optimize performance, and enhance software architecture while adhering to coding standards and leveraging AI to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

San Jose, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Minnesota, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Arlington, VARemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

New York, NYRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

Downers Grove, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an R&D engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.