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.
Founding Software Engineer - Vimes
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of crisis intervention software by collaborating on innovative mobile and web applications. Join a passionate team to revolutionize child protection and social services while working...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director, R&D Learning Business Partner
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's transforming learning in R&D by acting as a strategic partner. Collaborate with senior leaders to drive innovation, design tailored training, and enhance organizational performance...
4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer in Test, Compiler & Systems Validation
$135K - $160K *
Oversee quality engineering initiatives by enhancing validation practices, establishing scalable strategies, and improving release evidence in collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure robus...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Accelerate data-driven insights by leading data cleansing and analytics efforts for federal financial management. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver impactful reporting and automation solutions...
1 week ago
Product Manager, Hardware, Hardware Support, and Supplies
$135K *
Unlock potential by leading the strategy and execution of hardware and support services for veterinary practices, driving P&L performance, vendor relationships, and cross-functional collaboration to e...
2 weeks ago
Analyst (Energy and Climate Modeling)
$80K - $100K *
Unlock insights through quantitative analysis and research, shaping energy policy scenarios while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance philanthropic grantmaking efforts and present findings thro...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Reimagine business development by driving a dynamic sales pipeline across defense, renewable, and oil & gas sectors. Build lasting client relationships while identifying new market opportunities to ac...
4 weeks ago
$75K - $94K *
Drive data solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain backend integrations within Azure Gov Cloud, ensuring data integrity and security for government clients...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Technical Sales Engineer - eBOS
$155K - $165K *
Shape the future of solar energy by leading the technical strategy and customer engagement for eBOS solutions, ensuring successful deployments and optimization across all project phases. Collaborate c...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff DevOps Engineer, Developer Experience (DevEx)
$145K - $175K *
Join our team to drive the technical direction of our Internal Developer Platform, enhancing workflows and tooling for engineering teams. You'll lead multi-quarter strategies, ensuring reliable delive...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Empower a dynamic team of software engineers to innovate and deliver impactful tech solutions, collaborating with cross-functional partners to enhance pediatric healthcare for children with special ne...
2 weeks ago
Lead AI Engineer with agentic coding harnesses
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in evolving our AI systems by developing innovative agentic software tools, ensuring performance and reliability while collaborating with AI agents to transform code delivery into a se...
3 weeks ago
SR Manager Industrial Engineering
$104K - $146K *
Lead strategic industrial engineering initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and standardization across multi-site logistics operations while managing a team and influencing cross-functional resul...
Reposted 1 month ago
Principal Software Development Engineer, Post Trade
$250K - $280K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of high-performance brokerage systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance trading platforms, define specifications, and ensure robust software...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $105K *
Drive operational excellence as an Operations Analyst, balancing compliance and user experience. Leverage AI tools to analyze data, identify fraud patterns, and suggest process improvements while coll...
2 weeks ago
CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer
$145K - $195K *
Innovate with a dynamic team to enhance our next-gen CAD Graphics Engine, focusing on 3D modeling and rendering. Leverage your expertise in graphics algorithms and CAD software to drive performance an...
1 week ago
$160K - $190K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing enterprise AI architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, ethical AI integration across platforms. Drive innovation through Generative and Agentic AI, aligning...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Play a key role in transforming raw data into actionable insights by building machine-learning systems. Collaborate across teams to analyze complex datasets and create innovative models for logistics...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Product Designer (NYC Hybrid)
$190K - $245K *
Pioneer innovative design solutions for complex workflows, enhancing user experiences on our platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to elevate design quality and drive impactful product dir...
6 days ago
GRC Engineer (Governance Risk and Compliance)
$115K - $140K *
Drive GRC initiatives by building and testing security controls, assessing risks, and automating evidence collection. Collaborate with teams to enhance compliance and support audits while ensuring eff...
2 days ago
Senior Constructability Manager
$150K - $185K *
Join a dynamic team to evaluate and enhance data center construction feasibility. Leverage your expertise to assess sites, identify risks, and influence project decisions, ensuring efficient and safe...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Deployed Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Manager in Deployed Engineering, leading hands-on deployments and building a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to dri...
1 week ago
$122K - $153K *
Champion technical solutions by advising C-Suite leaders, driving sales support, and customizing product demos. Utilize financial software expertise to enhance client relationships and streamline sale...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Transform data engineering by architecting scalable pipelines and optimizing healthcare data solutions. Lead teams to enhance data quality and compliance while driving innovation and strategic alignme...
Yesterday
Principal Transmission Line Engineer (Remote)
$155K - $210K *
Advance your career by leading high voltage transmission line projects, utilizing PLS-CADD software. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and serve as a client-facing exp...
1 week 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.