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.
Software Engineer, Design Systems
$130K - $170K *
Lead the evolution of our design system by building accessible, reusable components and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and streamline adoption across products...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $500K+*
Help us define, design, and validate power architecture for AI data centers, driving innovation in power efficiency and system performance. Collaborate across teams to bring cutting-edge solutions fro...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovative structural design solutions for utility projects, ensuring quality and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced environmen...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Engage in a dynamic role overseeing large projects and teams, ensuring successful delivery through effective stakeholder coordination and project management. Contribute to innovative power delivery so...
4 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of rail vehicles by designing innovative structures and components. Leverage your expertise in 3D CAD and materials to create efficient, compliant designs that en...
1 week ago
Program Manager of Technical Development
$140K - $185K *
Drive technical excellence by developing standards and processes for commissioning, ensuring consistent execution across projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workforce capabili...
Yesterday
$280K - $330K *
Empower a dynamic engineering team by leading technical architecture, enhancing system reliability, and driving scalable solutions that support rapid growth in a fast-paced fintech environment. Foster...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $120K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in AI and automation solutions across retail. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, deploy, and support enterprise-level applications that enhance m...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading power systems engineering for transmission protection. Drive compliance, enhance reliability, and guide teams in innovative solutions to shape the future of energy with adv...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate user experience by designing and implementing high-performance UIs. Engage in collaborative architecture decisions while developing scalable, visually stunning applications that empower users...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative civil designs for utility-scale solar and battery projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create site layouts, grading, and drainage plans, ensuring compliance and ef...
Today
Senior Software Engineer - R37
$101K - $206K *
Innovate with a team that's transforming healthcare through AI-driven software. Lead the development of scalable solutions, mentor engineers, and enhance workflows in a dynamic environment that impact...
2 days ago
Senior Engineer - AI Test Automation
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by developing AI-driven test automation solutions for airline APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing workflows and ensure high-quality software delivery i...
2 days ago
Displays Software Engineer, C/C++
$120K - $145K *
Create real-time user interface applications for automated aircraft systems, collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers. Lead the design and implementation to enhance pilot experiences, ensuring s...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Electrical/Solar Design Engineer- Utility Scale (Mid/Senior- Level)
$110K - $135K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of renewable energy through the design of utility-scale solar PV and battery storage systems. Collaborate with experienced engineers and drive the successful exec...
4 weeks ago
Director of Engineering- Integrated Sensor Team
$150K - $180K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team to design, develop, and scale integrated hardware and software systems, ensuring reliability, quality, and operational effectiveness in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Engineer / Scientist - Reinforcement Learning
$150K - $350K *
Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge reinforcement learning algorithms and frameworks. Collaborate on scaling research and training systems, focusing on your strengths to enhance AI capabilitie...
6 days ago
Quality Engineer - Spacecraft Manufacturing
$90K - $173K *
Optimize supplier performance and quality in a dynamic aerospace environment. Lead critical supplier assessments from qualification to delivery, ensuring compliance with high engineering standards and...
3 weeks ago
Product Development Senior Analyst
$72K - $99K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating insurance products, driving growth, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Collaborate with key stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle while contributing...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Fullstack Engineer, Core Products
$124K - $134K *
Innovate and optimize our core fintech systems, leveraging AI-driven technologies while owning end-to-end product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure impactful user experien...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Geometric Modeling/CAD
$120K - $150K *
Shape the future of geometric modeling by developing innovative algorithmic solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior developers, and focus on delivering quality code while enh...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $160K *
Drive operational excellence by leading process and manufacturing engineering initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency, product quality, and scalability while fostering a culture of...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer, Monetization Engineering
$223K - $317K *
Drive the evolution of a robust Fulfillment platform, shaping architecture and strategy while mentoring teams. Lead modernization efforts to enhance scalability, reliability, and performance, ensuring...
3 days ago
$185K *
Accelerate software development by leading a team of engineers, driving technical strategy, and ensuring delivery of scalable, customer-focused solutions with operational excellence...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Automation Engineer
$120K - $160K *
Lead the future of automation across a vast manufacturing network, providing strategic vision and technical solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity in operations. Act as a key expert driving...
3 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.