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.
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing high-impact data center construction projects, overseeing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure operational success from inception to completion...
Reposted 1 week ago
$122K - $158K *
Empower product development by collaborating with designers and engineers to create intuitive banking solutions. Foster a culture of innovation and ownership within a dynamic, startup-like environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Project Manager, Isotopes
$120K - $195K *
Drive the development and execution of strategic projects for radioisotope production facilities. You will lead cross-functional teams to ensure operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and succe...
Reposted 2 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Empower strategic customers by delivering innovative video AI solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive implementation and enhance customer experiences in a dynamic, fast-paced envir...
1 week ago
User Interface and Experience Designer (UI/UX)
$89K - $148K *
Innovate user experiences in robotic-assisted surgery by designing intuitive software interfaces. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance Mako technologies, ensuring high-quality, accessibl...
4 days ago
Senior Manager, Business Analyst
$132K - $251K *
Shape the future of digital transformation by leading complex data initiatives and driving strategic solutions across corporate functions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance applicatio...
Yesterday
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of customer relationships by driving value and retention for large organizations, collaborating closely with sales and product teams to ensure success and growth through data-driven i...
4 weeks ago
Enterprise Account Executive - Electrical Modeling
$125K - $150K *
Transform the energy utility landscape by driving the U.S. market for an innovative electrical modeling module, leading sales strategy, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and shaping product...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Engineer transformative solutions by integrating cutting-edge APIs into enterprise systems. Collaborate closely with clients to deploy production software efficiently while leveraging modern AI tools...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Civil Engineering Project Manager
$92K - $130K *
Elevate municipal engineering projects by managing diverse client needs, leading design efforts, and fostering collaboration. Utilize your expertise to enhance community infrastructure while ensuring...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Software Engineering
$145K - $190K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...
1 week ago
Principal Structural Engineer, Global
$170K - $175K *
Champion innovative structural design for mission-critical data centers, focusing on prefabricated and modular construction. Lead technical strategy, establish design standards, and ensure safety and...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer III Team Lead
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovation and excellence in software development. As a Software Engineering Team Lead, you'll guide a talented group, ensuring high-quality product delivery while fost...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, engaging with customers and partners to address their unique challenges. Leverage your expertise in pre-sales and engineering to enhance operati...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive collaboration with sales teams to identify prospects and deliver tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges and enhancing customer engagement through education and presentation...
1 week ago
Solutions Integration Engineer IV
$105K - $160K *
Take ownership of B2B integrations as a key technical leader, collaborating across teams to deliver effective solutions that drive customer success and evolve with innovative IoT technology. Expect a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $200K *
Join our team to shape the future of construction tech by building impactful tools for professionals. Leverage your expertise to create user-focused solutions that enhance productivity, reliability, a...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $260K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-quality healthcare applications through comprehensive testing and collaboration. Utilize your expertise in QA methodologies and Agile practices to ensure robust solu...
Today
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Central Utilities and District Energy
$120K - $155K *
Join a team that's leading the design and implementation of central utility systems. You'll manage complex projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in energy solutions for diverse facilities...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer -- Agentic AI
$224K - $431K *
Architect scalable systems for agentic AI, tackling challenges in runtimes and large-scale execution to deliver production-quality solutions. Collaborate across teams for optimal performance and resou...
Reposted 5 days ago
Growth Engineer, Developer Platform
$200K - $322K *
Lead the charge in driving open source adoption and governance. Manage community infrastructure, contributor pathways, and post-launch plans to ensure sustainable project growth and engagement across...
2 weeks ago
$76K - $119K *
Champion innovative solutions in feed mill operations by defining and prioritizing software capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and customer satisfacti...
1 week ago
$130K - $160K *
Transform the web3 landscape by developing secure, scalable Rust systems. Collaborate in a cutting-edge team to solve complex protocol challenges and deliver impactful solutions that drive innovation...
4 weeks ago
Senior Technical Recruiter, Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Elevate talent acquisition at a dynamic tech company by leading comprehensive recruiting strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and enhancing candidate experiences to drive sustainable...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$165K *
Engage in cutting-edge AI projects by developing and deploying NLP models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and scalability, utilizing frameworks like PyTorch or TensorF...
2 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.