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.
$89K - $149K *
Lead a distributed team to develop innovative digital products that enhance customer experiences through advanced technologies, including AI/ML, IoT, and cloud solutions, while setting standards for n...
4 days ago
$131K - $218K *
Empower innovation in laser interferometry as you lead software development for precision measurement systems, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance semiconductor manufacturing with cutting-edge...
3 weeks ago
Senior Research Engineer - Applications Technology
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of sheet metal formability by leading R&D efforts, conducting experiments, and collaborating with teams to enhance product design and performance in industrial stamping processes...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Research Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer innovative manufacturing processes, leading cross-functional teams to develop high-performing hardware prototypes from concept to pilot production, while enhancing manufacturing capabilities a...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by providing expert technical support for IT Test and Evaluation. Collaborate on test methodologies, execute plans, and analyze data to ensure software reliability and compliance in...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in driving innovative programs by applying technical expertise and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance products and processes, delivering solutions that meet customer...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer II - Systems Development
$85K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating mining equipment systems through engineering design, testing, and collaboration. Drive process improvements and ensure compliance with global standards while...
3 days ago
$129K - $171K *
Lead the design and integration of advanced electrical systems for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, collaborating across disciplines to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards...
5 days ago
Sr. Research & Development Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of optical fiber technology by leading R&D initiatives, optimizing silica glass materials, and driving innovation in manufacturing processes. Engage with cross-functional teams to...
3 weeks ago
Technical Project Engineer - New Product Development
$90K - $110K *
Transform customer needs into manufacturable products by leading engineering projects, ensuring quality and cost targets are met while collaborating across teams to deliver innovative solutions on tim...
1 week ago
Yield Product Development Engineer
$122K - $232K *
Drive innovation as a Yield Product Development Engineer, enhancing semiconductor processes and yield through data analysis, collaboration, and advanced methodologies. Your expertise will shape the fu...
6 days ago
Yield Product Development Engineer
$122K - $232K *
Innovate within a dynamic team as you enhance semiconductor yield through advanced data analysis, process improvements, and collaboration. Drive solutions that elevate manufacturability and yield acro...
6 days ago
R&D NPI Engineering Manager, Project Management
$123K - $229K *
Lead and mentor a high-performing team to drive successful new product introductions, ensuring on-time delivery and alignment with business goals through effective project management and cross-functio...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Innovate electronic designs by developing and testing circuits and systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and reliability, ensuring compliance with industry st...
Today
Research Engineer - 6G AI-Enabled Systems and Testbeds
$110K - $130K *
Engage in cutting-edge research on AI-enabled wireless systems, focusing on 6G technologies. Collaborate across disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate innovative prototypes and testbeds, bridg...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by developing and validating materials for cutting-edge electrostatic actuators. This hands-on role combines experimental design, materials science, and lab prototyping to shape the...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop innovative test fixtures for thermal control and energy conversion products, ensuring efficient transition from prototype to production wh...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Design Engineer
$172K - $203K *
Shape the future of wearables by leading innovative design and development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prototype and refine consumer devices with precision and passion in a dynamic, fa...
Reposted 4 days ago
$117K - $172K *
Drive impactful advancements in product serviceability and performance by collaborating across teams, optimizing processes, and influencing design changes throughout the Product Life Cycle to enhance...
1 week ago
$85K - $105K *
Champion the development and optimization of chemical manufacturing processes, ensuring smooth transitions from lab research to full-scale production while collaborating across teams to achieve commer...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate innovation in materials engineering by developing and qualifying reactor materials. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive tests and optimize processes ensuring safety and performanc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive design excellence as you lead a mechanical engineering team in creating innovative solutions for complex systems. Utilize your expertise to deliver high-quality designs, ensuring manufacturabili...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of complex B2B SaaS products by leading design and engineering collaboration, creating prototypes, and refining user experiences based on real customer feedback. Join a dynamic team d...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$81K - $151K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative hardware solutions for industrial applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop next-gen sensing technologies, ensuring product quality and re...
4 days ago
$90K - $175K *
Optimize project delivery by managing Gantt charts for multiple aerospace programs. Collaborate with engineers and leadership to ensure schedules align with critical paths, risks, and resource availab...
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.