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.
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing integrated electrical and control systems. Collaborate with teams to deliver customer solutions, manage project budgets, and ensure successful startup act...
Today
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Research and Development
$100K - $120K *
Contribute to innovative mechanical designs for power distribution systems, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to meet global customer needs while ensuring compliance with safety s...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Analyze and optimize packaging solutions by evaluating materials, processes, and supplier performance. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure product designs meet specifications, enhance efficiency...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development and integration of advanced digital agriculture systems, mentoring engineers and managing projects from planning to delivery while enhancing team capabilities and technical qualit...
Reposted 4 days ago
Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing innovative software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and mentor junior engineers while driving best pra...
Yesterday
Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative embedded software solutions while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and customer satisfac...
Yesterday
Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Elevate software development by designing and enhancing embedded systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior engineers to drive innovation in optical networking solutions...
Yesterday
Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join our team to design and develop cutting-edge embedded software for optical networking products. Collaborate with engineers, coach junior staff, and enhance product performance while ensuring docum...
Yesterday
Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by designing and developing embedded software solutions, enhancing product performance, and mentoring junior engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovat...
Yesterday
Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on developing innovative embedded software solutions for optical networking, enhancing product performance, and mentoring junior engineers while engaging w...
Yesterday
$103K - $135K *
Grow your career with a role focused on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality control and implement Lean initiatives, while gain...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Innovate your career by leading mechanical design projects in a dynamic environment! Collaborate cross-functionally, enhance product quality, and drive cost reduction initiatives while supporting the...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$92K - $110K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of product innovation, leading all phases of development from concept to market launch, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to create cutting-edge sol...
2 weeks ago
Research & Development Technology Management Analyst
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of organizational efficiency by coordinating technology management efforts, enhancing processes, and driving continuous improvement across teams to achieve strategic goals and operati...
Today
Senior Hydraulic Research Engineer and Laboratory Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in advancing bridge safety through innovative hydraulic research. Oversee lab operations, manage projects, and mentor a skilled team while developing critical design guidance for engin...
2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Process Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Champion exceptional manufacturing processes by overseeing operations and ensuring safety and quality standards are maintained throughout production. Facilitate effective communication and lead a skil...
3 weeks ago
New Product Manufacturing Development Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of manufacturing by bridging design and operations. Lead product development, optimize processes, and enhance production efficiency in a dynamic engineering environment, transitioning...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer, Substation Design R&D
$110K - $130K *
Design standardized HV/MV substation systems for seamless campus interconnection, ensuring utility compliance and optimizing layouts across multiple sites for efficiency and effectiveness in engineeri...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer, Substation Design R&D
$110K - $130K *
Transform substation designs for interconnection, ensuring utility compliance and efficiency through standardized layouts and physical specifications, while facilitating collaboration with utilities a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer, Substation Design R&D
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by designing high-voltage substations and ensuring compliance with utility standards. Collaborate with utilities to create standardized, efficient designs for interconnection acros...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Research and Development Composites Molding Engineer
$92K - $137K *
Unlock your potential in a hands-on R&D role, leading thermoplastic molding innovations and tooling design. Manage multiple projects, collaborate with teams, and advance manufacturing capabilities acr...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of electrical power equipment by leading innovative R&D projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and optimize medium-voltage switchgear, ensuring compliance and...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in mechanical design projects, crafting innovative solutions and prototypes to meet critical power equipment requirements while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure high-quality...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive product yield improvements for InP lasers and photodiodes by analyzing performance data, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing corrective actions to enhance manufacturing p...
Yesterday
Senior Engineer - Mechanical Engineering
$113K - $188K *
Partner with us to design and develop mechanical components for wind turbines, overseeing the entire product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and innovation in mech...
6 days 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.