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 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
$125K - $155K *
Join our dynamic team as a Senior Solutions Engineer, where you'll leverage your technical expertise to drive pre-sales activities, engage with clients, and deliver tailored solutions that enhance bus...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of web development by creating seamless end-to-end solutions. This role entails robust client-side and server-side programming while collaborating across diverse teams to drive in...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead and architect innovative AI-driven financial solutions, collaborating with elite engineers to design, implement, and optimize cutting-edge tools for global clients in a dynamic, startup environme...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Innovate cutting-edge AI financial solutions by architecting and deploying advanced chat interfaces and reporting systems. Collaborate with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows for global c...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate software solutions by architecting AI-driven financial tools, collaborating with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows, and ensuring high standards in quality and security within a d...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI solutions by leading design and implementation of robust enterprise systems, driving innovation, and establishing engineering excellence while mentoring developers and collabora...
3 weeks ago
Medical Physicist - Product Management
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by driving product innovation in radiation therapy through customer insights and clinical expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance solutions and workflows, ensuri...
2 weeks ago
Distinguished Engineer - AI & Engineering Transformation
$240K - $320K *
Transform AI adoption and engineering efficiency by leading cross-functional initiatives and driving the strategic integration of innovative technologies across products, ensuring measurable outcomes...
3 weeks ago
Principal Network Engineer - Edge & Customer Connectivity
$150K - $180K *
Unlock your potential as a senior technical authority, leading enterprise connectivity solutions and driving network modernization initiatives. Collaborate with teams to enhance B2B connectivity and o...
2 weeks ago
$200K *
Unlock potential by leading complex tunnel and trenchless projects. Leverage your 15+ years of expertise in design and construction management to drive successful outcomes and enhance client relations...
1 week ago
$135K - $155K *
Lead and mentor a team of data engineers to design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines and warehouses, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver key metrics and establish data strategy acr...
Today
$140K - $270K *
Unlock potential by designing and deploying scalable AI systems that transform healthcare workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges and drive measurable o...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform business development in C4ISR systems by driving growth strategies, fostering customer relationships, and identifying new opportunities to enhance mission capabilities for warfighters across...
2 weeks ago
$139K - $174K *
Lead structural design for complex projects, focusing on data centers and industrial facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring quality and compliance while mentoring junior engine...
6 days ago
$215K - $225K *
Lead the charge in optimizing logistics engineering strategies to enhance operational performance, drive efficiency, and support scalable growth across transportation and warehousing operations...
Today
Senior Software Engineer, Open Harness Engineering
$184K - $356K *
Elevate the future of autonomous software systems by building and optimizing AI agent evaluation frameworks, enhancing usability, reliability, and performance with a collaborative engineering team ded...
Reposted yesterday
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.