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.
Strategic Partnerships Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead strategic partnerships by engaging with crypto/AI builders, building a robust pipeline through outreach and relationship-building, and closing complex deals to position us as the preferred securi...
3 weeks ago
$131K - $165K *
Elevate AI capabilities by designing, developing, and deploying innovative AI solutions that enhance products and processes. Collaborate across teams to ensure scalable, secure, and responsible applic...
2 days ago
$108K - $181K *
Empower business growth by strategizing and executing proposal strategies. Influence customer negotiations while improving processes using Lean Six Sigma. Drive new opportunities to enhance offerings...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer III - Guidewire (Claims Center)
$64K - $147K *
Join a dynamic team to design, develop, and support innovative applications and systems. Leverage your coding expertise in various languages to enhance software solutions while ensuring adherence to i...
4 weeks ago
Aerospace Design & Applications Engineer - Remote/Cincinnati
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to design and prepare aerospace project estimates, leveraging your expertise to drive accurate cost analysis and foster customer relations while ensuring adherence to manufacturing pro...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer II, Marketplace Optimization
$142K - $196K *
Innovate and optimize scalable backend systems that drive efficient marketplace decisioning and monetization strategies. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and leverage cutting-edge...
Reposted 2 days ago
$198K - $233K *
Empower a team of engineers by architecting a robust AI-driven development pipeline, enhancing workflows across mobile and backend systems, and ensuring reliable, efficient software delivery for milli...
Today
Senior Full Stack Software Engineer
$150K - $300K *
Transform the future of cloud-native applications by designing and developing scalable web solutions. Leverage your expertise in full stack development and cloud technologies to drive innovation and o...
2 days ago
Lead Electrical Quality Assurance/Quality Control Specialist 2 - Construction Management
$134K - $205K *
Play a key role in ensuring quality standards for heavy industrial construction projects. Collaborate with contractors to oversee compliance, conduct audits, and maintain documentation, ensuring peak...
6 days ago
Senior Content Engineer, KnowledgeOps
$144K - $276K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of documentation and AI by building systems that enhance knowledge sharing and streamline content workflows for developers and partners, ensuring high-quality...
6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in optimizing project management processes for a VHA client team. Utilize your expertise to enhance strategic planning, decision-making, and execution while collaborating with senior s...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer, P.ENG.
$120K - $130K *
Champion innovative electrical engineering solutions while leading project teams in the design and optimization of power systems. Collaborate with clients across diverse sectors, ensuring technical ex...
2 weeks ago
Principal / Senior Staff Backend Engineer
$200K - $250K *
Innovate and shape the technical strategy for a cutting-edge exchange platform. Lead high-impact initiatives, mentor engineers, and drive architectural decisions in a regulated environment to enhance...
Today
Lead Electrical Specialist 1 - Construction Management
$118K - $180K *
Shape the future of power generation by overseeing electrical systems' performance, reliability, and safety. Collaborate with teams to manage maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvements across dive...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experiences through data-driven software solutions and iterative improvements, ensuring the effectiveness of both new...
Today
Principal Engineer, Shopping & Delivery Infra
$242K - $499K *
Drive the technical strategy and execution of our indexing infrastructure to enhance relevance and efficiency across various platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize architectur...
3 weeks ago
Senior Process Technician, Packaging
$79K - $120K *
Join a dedicated team to execute precision packaging processes for cutting-edge quantum hardware. You'll handle delicate components, operate complex equipment, and ensure quality through meticulous in...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Customer Success Engineering
$124K - $210K *
Drive customer success by leading a team of engineers to enhance GitLab adoption, develop scalable enablement programs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve measurable business outco...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Support our Energy Resources team by conducting EMT studies and developing power system models. Collaborate with leadership to enhance staff expertise and deliver high-quality advisory services to cli...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of energy through advanced EMT modeling and power system studies. Collaborate with leadership to deliver innovative solutions and provide expert guidance to clien...
1 week ago
Lead Electrical Specialist 1 - Construction Management
$118K - $180K *
Build a safer, more efficient future by overseeing electrical systems in power plants. Collaborate with teams to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and compliance while driving maintenance and t...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage in strategic proposal management, leading RFQ/RFP responses across divisions. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely, compliant submissions while maintaining high-quality standards and support...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of cloud-native applications by designing and developing scalable solutions that enhance Workforce Management and Customer Experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliv...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Safety Engineer, Halos - Autonomous Vehicles
$224K - $356K *
Elevate safety standards in AI-driven autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and implement safety requirements across software and hardware, driving innovatio...
1 week ago
$170K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence by managing API, Web, and Mobile teams, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with product goals while driving technical ownership and fostering team grow...
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.