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 Systems Engineer, Robotaxi Systems
$172K - $229K *
Lead the charge in designing and validating complex systems for autonomous vehicle performance, ensuring seamless integration between software, operations, and customer interfaces to support the launc...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to drive purchasing processes, focusing on builder relations, financial analysis, and program growth. Your expertise will shape the future of home constructi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
AI Biologist - Biologics Development
$120K - $180K *
Unlock potential by joining our innovative team to advance AI in therapeutic antibody development. Collaborate with experts to set benchmarks, evaluate AI reasoning, and enhance biologics workflows, d...
3 days ago
Regulatory Strategy Senior Associate
$95K - $115K *
Champion regulatory strategy initiatives to advance patient treatments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop regulatory pathways, support agency engagement, and ensure compliance, all wh...
1 week ago
$150K - $170K *
Drive innovation as you lead AI-powered product design initiatives, collaborating with teams to create transformative user experiences. Shape the future of technology by designing functional, user-cen...
Yesterday
$140K - $175K *
Transform data into insights by designing and maintaining scalable knowledge graph solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data quality and accessibility, while optimizing perform...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Cloud Engineering
$163K - $224K *
Help us lead and develop a senior Cloud Engineering team focused on operational excellence, infrastructure stability, and impactful migration programs that drive growth and efficiency within our cloud...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Regional Product Management
$221K - $387K *
Lead the charge in adapting global AI product strategies to local markets, ensuring commercial success through tailored solutions, effective sales enablement, and customer engagement. Drive innovation...
Yesterday
$100K - $125K *
Champion the development of healthcare marketing tools by guiding cross-functional teams through the product lifecycle, driving innovative features and optimizing user experiences to enhance HCP engag...
Reposted 6 days ago
Sr. Analyst, Program Cost Controls
$68K - $131K *
Shape program success by developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules, ensuring compliance with requirements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance goals and enha...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping federal policy and advocacy. As a Government Affairs Manager, you'll engage with Congress and the Executive Branch, driving strategic initiatives across key domestic issues...
3 days ago
$105K - $128K *
Empower your career by supporting a vital contact center platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize integrations and enhance customer experiences across voice, SMS, and email channe...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Analytical Science & Technology
$140K - $155K *
Pioneer your career in cell therapy innovation by leading method transfers and validations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive quality in late-stage clinical develo...
1 week ago
Civil Engineer (Structural Specialty)
$100K - $170K *
Shape the future of correctional facility design by leading structural engineering efforts, ensuring compliance with codes and standards while overseeing construction activities and providing expert g...
1 week ago
A/AI Machine Learning Engineering Sr
$122K - $227K *
Drive innovative solutions in AI-enabled mission applications and autonomy, leading software-intensive programs and integrating advanced technologies across multidisciplinary teams to enhance command...
1 week ago
Embedded AI Engineer, On-Device Models
$130K - $160K *
Unlock cutting-edge voice AI by optimizing Deepgram's models for embedded devices. Engage in a transformative role, driving real-time voice experiences on mobile and low-power platforms while collabor...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Engage in innovative engineering by developing and maintaining cutting-edge frameworks and hosting platforms. Collaborate closely across teams and mentor junior developers in a dynamic and fast-paced...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Research Scientist IV - Digital Safety Research Institute
$119K - $163K *
Shape the future of AI safety by designing advanced systems and conducting rigorous evaluations. Utilize your expertise in AI to lead and innovate within a collaborative team, addressing complex chall...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $180K *
Lead the charge in driving agile execution across product and engineering teams, managing digital product launches and enhancing client value through innovative solutions. Collaborate cross-functional...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Build robust data platform capabilities to enhance enterprise data usability across applications, analytics, and AI. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and performance in data processing and...
Reposted today
$90K - $100K *
Contribute to the development and integration of mission-critical systems, applying systems engineering principles to ensure high reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to support the enti...
Yesterday
Principal Site Reliability Engineer, Platform Engineering: Dedicated
$223K - $380K *
Drive the evolution of a single-tenant SaaS platform, enhancing reliability, security, and operational efficiency while leading technical transformations, mentoring engineers, and influencing cross-te...
4 weeks ago
Staff Product Manager, Agentic Test Intelligence
$168K - $285K *
Lead the development of Test & Code Coverage capabilities, transforming complex challenges into actionable strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and streamlin...
1 week ago
Senior Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer
$135K - $175K *
Drive criticality safety evaluations and develop safety programs for innovative nuclear fuel recycling. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure compliance and enhance safety measures in a fast-paced...
3 weeks ago
Managing Principal Consultant - Distribution
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to lead distribution consulting initiatives, drive operational excellence, and mentor engineers. Shape industry standards as the primary expert in distribution planning while foste...
Today
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.