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 Designer, Brand Marketing
$110K - $130K *
Join us to elevate brand experiences through innovative design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive projects from concept to delivery, and leverage AI tools to enhance creativity in a dynam...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in providing expert environmental consulting solutions for industrial clients across the U.S., focusing on permitting, compliance, and risk-reduction while nurturing client relationshi...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic engineering team dedicated to building scalable and reliable infrastructure, optimizing system performance, and fostering continuous improvement in a collabo...
3 weeks ago
Director of Product Management, Agentic Software Delivery
$203K - $345K *
Champion the vision for Agentic Software Delivery, spearheading strategic innovation across CI, CD, and observability to enhance software delivery automation and customer experience while driving reve...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$73K - $102K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of LLM-powered applications and agentic systems. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and maintain innovative software solutions, ensuring high qu...
1 week ago
$80K - $100K *
Develop and enhance automated provisioning systems to efficiently onboard high volumes of servers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration and process optimization, direct...
Reposted today
Senior/Lead Software Engineer (Packet Forwarding Engines)
$120K - $195K *
Take ownership of developing and delivering software for packet forwarding engines, collaborating with engineers to design, implement, and test solutions for complex networking systems in a fast-paced...
2 weeks ago
Machine Learning Engineer - Core Signals
$180K - $275K *
Innovate in a dynamic full-stack ML role focusing on user-behavioral modeling and core product development. Collaborate extensively across teams, driving R&D gains while contributing to data processin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Machine Learning Engineer
$220K - $270K *
Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of machine learning in autonomous vehicles. Enhance driving capabilities, lead innovative teams, and drive commercial-scale solutions with cutting-edge techno...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Analytics Engineer, Full-stack
$100K - $250K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI software development by owning our full data stack, from ETL to business intelligence, and driving impactful data modeling and visualization efforts across...
2 weeks ago
Engineer III, OT/ICS Cybersecurity & Controls
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in securing and optimizing OT/ICS networks for energy systems. As a senior engineer, you'll design network architectures, manage cybersecurity compliance, and collaborate with cross-fu...
2 weeks ago
AI First Sr. Android Developer
$125K *
Transform the future of mobile development by leveraging AI to enhance marketplace experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, build, and ship high-quality Android applications tha...
1 week ago
Senior Analyst, Optimize Transformation
$94K - $151K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Analyst, supporting MedTech Quality initiatives through project management, financial oversight, and strategic reporting. Drive transformation efforts and enhance gover...
Yesterday
Senior Engineering Manager - Tenant
$208K - $234K *
Drive the growth of Honeycomb Private Cloud by leading a senior engineering team, enhancing customer relationships, and ensuring operational excellence across multiple engineering domains. Collaborate...
1 week ago
Senior Product Manager, Switchyard
$168K - $327K *
Lead the charge in shaping adaptive inference solutions, driving product strategy and integration for innovative AI applications. Collaborate with engineering and research teams to enhance developer e...
2 weeks ago
Principal TA Systems Architect
$128K - $205K *
Elevate your career by owning the TA tech stack, driving integrations, and enhancing system efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and lead vendor relationships, all...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer Microsoft Development Platform (DoD Programs)
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer innovative software solutions for defense programs by leveraging your expertise in C#, .NET, and SQL Server. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, compliant, and high-quali...
Today
$115K - $130K *
Transform the contracting process by managing the lifecycle of agreements, ensuring efficient execution while balancing risk and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business...
1 week ago
$111K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and integration of advanced electrical control systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance efficiency and mentor junior members while ensuring proj...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Equip Eng, Structural Processing
$86K - $165K *
Elevate your career by supporting advanced manufacturing equipment development and integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable automation solutions in a dynamic, remote en...
2 weeks ago
Oracle Fusion Solutions Architect
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's transforming enterprise solutions by leveraging Oracle Fusion expertise. Drive the design and implementation of scalable architectures, ensuring seamless integration and automation...
Reposted 1 week ago
Engineering Manager - GRC Reporting
$129K - $210K *
Tackle complex engineering challenges by leading a talented team, shaping innovative reporting solutions for GRC insights while driving quality and collaboration across cross-functional teams to meet...
3 weeks ago
Field Applications Engineer - Baltimore
$84K - $150K *
Engage with customers to drive design wins and sales revenue by leveraging technical expertise and business acumen. Collaborate with sales teams to identify opportunities, provide support, and build s...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform product security by leading strategy, conducting threat modeling, and collaborating across teams to ensure secure design and compliance. Drive innovation in security practices while mentorin...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining product design at the intersection of digital and physical. Lead impactful projects from discovery to delivery in a collaborative, AI-driven environment that prioritizes...
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.