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.
$150K - $180K *
Champion innovative software engineering by leading AI-driven platforms that enhance productivity, quality, and scalability. Elevate internal capabilities into robust, externally consumable solutions...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$125K - $135K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing enterprise proposals and plans, ensuring compliance and quality across submissions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance win strategies and dri...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Software and AI Engineer
$137K - $182K *
Architect and drive AI-powered applications for drug development, focusing on protocol generation and clinical trials. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance while fostering...
1 week ago
Senior Colleague Modernization Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Innovate your career by leading SaaS modernization projects, enhancing delivery efficiency through AI and automation. Drive customer success by transforming legacy systems into scalable, sustainable s...
3 weeks ago
Robotics Software Engineer - User Interface
$100K - $120K *
Develop and optimize intuitive user interfaces for robotic systems, integrating front-end and back-end solutions for real-time data processing. Collaborate within cross-functional teams to enhance per...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team dedicated to cutting-edge drone security solutions. Leverage your technology expertise and communication skills to support sales efforts, guide customers, and drive growth in a rap...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$175K - $215K *
Lead the charge in shaping Azure DevOps practices and architecture while mentoring a talented team. Oversee technical delivery, ensure compliance, and drive innovation within a dynamic, multi-country...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform project outcomes by leading the estimating team, ensuring accurate cost assessments, and identifying value engineering opportunities. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver comprehensive p...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager - Member Experience
$179K - $224K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality member-facing systems. As an Engineering Manager, you'll lead a squad through the entire development lifecycle, ensuring accountability, quality...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $145K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design integrated solutions that enhance user experience, leveraging AI tools and a design system to create cohesive workflows and drive product value in a B...
2 weeks ago
Senior Project Hydrogeologist (USA)
$85K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Project Hydrogeologist, managing diverse hydrogeology and environmental projects. Leverage your expertise in groundwater modeling and field investigations to drive impa...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - Performance Advisor
$220K - $240K *
Shape the future of loyalty by leading the technical execution and innovation of AI-powered features in a rapidly evolving product landscape, driving cross-functional initiatives with a focus on archi...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Deliver impactful telecom design solutions by overseeing projects, enhancing production efficiency, and collaborating with designers and project managers to meet quality standards and client expectati...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, Growth & Experimentation
$100K - $300K *
Lead the charge in optimizing the customer journey from landing page to long-term conversion. Drive growth through experimentation, retention strategies, and revenue expansion while collaborating with...
2 weeks ago
GenAI & High Performance Computing (HPC) Delivery Engineer
$110K - $142K *
Help us deliver cutting-edge GenAI and HPC solutions by deploying and optimizing GPU-accelerated systems. Join a dynamic team to enhance performance and support enterprise customers across the U.S. in...
Reposted 4 days ago
GenAI & High Performance Computing (HPC) Delivery Engineer
$122K - $158K *
Join a dynamic team as a GenAI & HPC Delivery Engineer, driving cutting-edge GPU solutions and optimizing performance for AI and HPC infrastructures. Engage directly with customers, ensuring successfu...
Reposted 4 days ago
GenAI & High Performance Computing (HPC) Delivery Engineer
$122K - $158K *
Join us to elevate cutting-edge HPC and GenAI solutions through hands-on deployment, configuration, and optimization of GPU-accelerated systems, while collaborating with enterprise customers across th...
Reposted 4 days ago
Protection and Controls Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leading electrical engineering design for innovative projects. Collaborate with experts to enhance grid modernization and mentor emerging talent while...
Yesterday
Project Manager (MEP Engineering)
$130K - $170K *
Shape the future of capital projects by leading multi-discipline teams to deliver complex design packages, ensuring quality and client satisfaction across diverse sectors including healthcare and gove...
3 days ago
Senior Financial Analyst (Modeling)
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining financial strategies. As a Senior FP&A Analyst, you will lead R&D budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, impacting vital business decisions while collaborating wi...
Reposted 6 days ago
Business Development Manager (Data Centers Vertical)
$150K - $200K *
Unlock potential by driving business growth in the Data Centers vertical, executing strategic go-to-market plans, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to deliver innovative electrical inf...
1 week ago
$140K - $165K *
Transform complex military software solutions by driving product strategy, aligning teams, and engaging stakeholders. Leverage your expertise to enhance operational intelligence and deliver impactful...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Partial Telework)
$170K - $260K *
Transform critical government software systems by leveraging your expertise in software engineering, collaborating with a team of talented professionals committed to delivering exceptional results in...
4 weeks ago
$119K - $180K *
Lead the development of innovative web platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance content management systems. Drive technical decisions and foster a culture of growth while ensuri...
1 week ago
Staff Engineer, Data (Remote, US)
$170K - $220K *
Unlock potential by leading the design of cutting-edge data architectures and systems in a high-impact role. You'll shape scalable data solutions, mentor engineers, and drive technical standards acros...
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.