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.
Member of Technical Staff, Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing theoretical physics through innovative tech development. Contribute to creating the AI Physicist, enhancing research capabilities with cutting-edge tools and algorit...
4 weeks ago
Staff Engineer - INFOR M3 Functional Consultant (Supply Chain)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the configuration and support of Infor M3 non-finance modules, driving business process analysis and continuous improvement. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective implementation and user tra...
1 week ago
$138K - $189K *
Champion audio innovation by developing and optimizing DSP software for embedded platforms, ensuring high-quality signal processing across diverse audio products while collaborating with cross-functio...
2 days ago
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Transform the future of optical communication systems by leading complex analog layout design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior engin...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Transform mission-critical applications by collaborating with AI engineers to enhance performance, scalability, and security. Drive technical excellence and mentor peers while navigating dynamic feder...
Yesterday
$146K - $192K *
Drive project success by providing engineering support and technical evaluations for electric power generation projects. Collaborate with clients on design reviews, economic analysis, and risk assessm...
1 week ago
Senior GRC Engineer (Special Programs)
$110K - $130K *
Optimize client compliance engagements by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST CSF standards while driving operational excellence and fostering strong rel...
3 weeks ago
Senior Lead Electrical Engineer
$148K - $200K *
Champion innovative electrical design for mission-critical facilities. Lead complex projects, mentor teams, and enhance efficiency through technology. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project s...
1 week ago
$131K - $243K *
Unlock potential by leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, create specifications, and support the deployment of innovativ...
2 weeks ago
Distinguished Engineer, Core DevOps
$250K - $349K *
Unlock potential by leading technical direction for Core DevOps, improving CI/CD systems while driving productivity, quality, and AI innovations in a fast-paced environment impacting millions of users...
3 weeks ago
Senior Airworthiness & Certification Engineer
$165K - $220K *
Unlock potential by leading airworthiness and certification efforts for complex aerospace programs. Collaborate with regulatory authorities, mentor engineers, and drive compliance activities across mi...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative remedial systems design solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, providing technical leadership and strategic direction for diverse environmental p...
Reposted 6 days ago
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate our software engineering capabilities by designing and building modern, cloud-native data pipelines. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless project delivery and advocate for best pr...
1 week ago
$131K - $243K *
Elevate your career by leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, support agile processes, and drive successful project outco...
2 weeks ago
$84K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of engineering solutions by leading technical engagement and demand creation, driving strategic plans, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders in a dyna...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of high-speed analog design by leading layout development for complex analog and mixed-signal IP blocks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success w...
Yesterday
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in high-speed analog layout design for cutting-edge optical communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior e...
Yesterday
Remote Senior Aviation Design Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Transform airport infrastructure by leading design projects, preparing engineering reports, and collaborating on innovative solutions in a dynamic aviation environment. Drive your career forward with...
1 week ago
$120K - $150K *
Innovate and build across multiple surfaces, enhancing developer tools and agent products. Collaborate closely with a small team to deliver high-quality software solutions that drive enterprise adopti...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $234K *
Drive the architecture and development of audio signal processing technology, leading complex engineering efforts and ensuring high-quality, reusable DSP components across multiple product lines...
2 days ago
Senior Engineer - Nuclear Deterministic Safety Analysis (LOCA & Containment)
$111K - $213K *
Champion advancements in nuclear safety analysis by leading critical thermal hydraulic evaluations. Collaborate within a skilled team to ensure compliance, enhance methods, and drive innovative soluti...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop user-centric web applications, integrating AI-driven insights for high-stakes decision-making workflows while ensuring performance and sec...
2 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Join our dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge AI platforms, enhancing decision-making workflows through innovative web applications and robust backend services. Collaborate across the full...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop a next-gen AI platform, focusing on intelligent agent frameworks and modern web applications. Collaborate across the full stack to enhance decision-making wor...
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.