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.
Sales Engineer: Retail and Manufacturing
$110K - $130K *
Optimize business processes by leveraging Automation and AI in Retail and Manufacturing. Collaborate with sales and technical teams to deliver tailored solutions, drive customer success, and enhance o...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $170K *
Transform the future of correctional facility design by managing electrical engineering standards and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. Lead technical reviews, oversee construction, and pro...
1 week ago
$145K *
Lead technical delivery to drive analytics solutions for complex customer challenges. Collaborate with clients to optimize software use, improve outcomes, and mentor junior engineers while shaping ana...
1 month ago
Staff Engineer/Senior Developer (Elixir, Ruby, Flutter)
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading technical delivery on multiple projects while mentoring teams and driving innovative software solutions with AI tools, ensuring quality and efficiency across cloud architec...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate software delivery by managing the release lifecycle, coordinating cross-functional teams, and driving efficiencies through advanced tooling. Utilize program management expertise to ensure reli...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Distribution Engineer with PE License - REMOTE WORK
$118K - $192K *
Innovate as a Lead Distribution Engineer, overseeing design teams on complex distribution projects. Drive client relationships and enhance utility solutions, ensuring efficiency and compliance while f...
4 weeks ago
Sr Manager Digital Product Solutions
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by leading customer discovery and product definition. Drive cross-functional collaboration to translate insights into actionable requirements, manage product backlogs, and delive...
Today
Engineer/Senior Engineer - DOQ
$103K - $163K *
Lead innovative civil engineering projects, ensuring compliance with regulations while managing construction for water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-qu...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Identity
$166K - $242K *
Deliver secure, reliable backend systems that enhance user experiences across products. Own projects from design to deployment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to balance security and usabil...
Reposted 3 days ago
$153K - $234K *
Shape the future of autonomous systems by leading the integration of multi-modality sensors, ensuring robust performance and alignment with product goals. Collaborate across teams to tackle engineerin...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineering Manager
$150K - $180K *
Engage in leading a diverse technical team to drive innovative engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and t...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform the recruitment landscape by owning full-cycle hiring for GTM and R&D teams. Engage with stakeholders, shape strategies, and drive hiring velocity while ensuring a positive candidate experie...
3 days ago
Field Specialist- Mechanical Sales
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential as a resourceful sales expert driving mechanical construction growth. Cultivate invaluable relationships, educate clients, and elevate our market presence through innovative solu...
3 weeks ago
Field Specialist- Mechanical Sales
$80K - $95K *
Join a skilled team dedicated to driving growth in the mechanical construction sector. As a key player, you'll leverage technical expertise and market insight to build lasting relationships and expand...
3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Medical World Models
$110K - $130K *
Champion proactive health innovation by designing models that forecast health dynamics and unify multimodal data. Collaborate with a dynamic team to transform unique datasets into actionable insights...
1 month ago
$80K - $95K *
Partner with us to deliver tailored solutions and in-depth demos, supporting a dynamic sales pipeline. Leverage your technical expertise to drive customer success and collaborate with teams to enhance...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to architect scalable AI solutions in healthcare, enhancing patient communication and safety. Lead cross-team projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in AI engineering pra...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $125K *
Lead the development of innovative Android applications using AI tools to enhance user experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software while maintaining ownership...
1 week ago
$85K - $125K *
Unlock your potential as an AI-first Software Engineer, driving innovation in mobile marketplace experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and efficiency while le...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming unstructured homebuilding plans into actionable data, collaborating closely with teams to develop and deploy innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Computer System Quality Validation Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Drive quality assurance initiatives by overseeing computer system validation processes, ensuring compliance with GxP regulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance validation pr...
2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Elevate your career by designing and building robust distributed systems. Lead architectural decisions, ensure reliability, and mentor engineers while tackling complex challenges in regulated environm...
2 weeks ago
Principal AI Solutions Engineer
$132K - $173K *
Architect AI-driven solutions that enhance business processes and decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy scalable applications, ensuring compliance wit...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Clinical
$260K - $310K *
Transform the engineering landscape by leading dual teams in the Clinical Division, driving technical excellence and career growth, while effectively managing product delivery and leveraging AI capabi...
3 weeks ago
iOS Engineer (Senior-Staff Levels)
$180K - $240K *
Inspire innovation as you develop high-performance iOS features, shaping cutting-edge applications with advanced AI and media capabilities. Collaborate across teams to deliver visually stunning user e...
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.