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.
R&D Manager, Project Management, Sustaining
$93K - $140K *
Drive project execution and governance within the Advanced Surgical R&D division, leading cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, manage risks, and deliver impactful results in a reg...
1 week ago
$110K - $150K *
Lead innovative water resource projects, enhancing your engineering expertise through collaboration on diverse, multi-discipline initiatives that shape the future of transportation infrastructure...
2 weeks ago
Research Engineer - Pretraining
$150K - $350K *
Elevate your career by driving the development of advanced AI models, overseeing pretraining processes, and optimizing training systems to ensure successful outcomes in a collaborative, innovative env...
4 days ago
$58K - $109K *
Explore your potential as you support experienced engineers in solving real-world challenges, enhancing product performance, and developing your technical skills through hands-on experience and struct...
1 week ago
$95K - $110K *
Drive project success by managing engineering initiatives from kickoff to delivery, ensuring quality and compliance while coordinating cross-functional teams and maintaining clear communication with s...
1 week ago
Project Engineer I, Automation
$67K - $101K *
Optimize project engineering activities for automated systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and quality in consumables manufacturing processes while managing concurr...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Elevate network engineering capabilities by providing comprehensive support across the lifecycle of tactical network systems, ensuring secure information exchange and compliance within multidisciplina...
1 week ago
Staff Researcher - Cell Process Development
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of battery technology by leading electrode development and process optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and drive innovation in nex...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in embedded systems engineering for consumer electronics. Manage project timelines, guide a multi-disciplinary team, and ensure delivery of high-quality products in a fast-paced enviro...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $154K *
Lead the charge in high-quality process design for complex industrial projects, collaborating across disciplines to ensure effective delivery from concept to detail, while driving execution in a dynam...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $155K *
Elevate your career by leading complex mechanical systems projects across diverse sectors. Oversee project execution, mentor engineers, and drive innovative solutions while collaborating with multidis...
1 week ago
$89K - $148K *
Drive the design and development of electrical components for robotic systems, ensuring integration and performance through collaboration with cross-functional teams and adherence to quality standards...
4 days ago
$81K - $121K *
Accelerate progress at our manufacturing campus by leading capital projects that enhance operations and drive efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results from conc...
1 week ago
Lead Engineer, Product Development Engineering
$120K - $150K *
Drive innovation as a hands-on engineer, leading the design and development of advanced photomask handling systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance product performance and manufacturing efficiency...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive innovation by tackling complex engineering challenges from concept to execution. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create cutting-edge robotic solutions that enhance everyday life, blending res...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform innovative ideas into functional prototypes by blending research and engineering. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle diverse challenges, from motion to sensing, ensuring solutions are...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage in transforming cutting-edge AI research into reliable, high-performance products by optimizing and deploying models in real-time environments. Collaborate with researchers and engineers to enh...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$75K - $107K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of optimizing capital projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment, managing end-to-end processes with a focus on engineering excellence and operational efficien...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining rugged mechanical engineering for high-performance systems. You'll lead the design and validation of critical subsystems, ensuring they withstand extreme environments whi...
1 week ago
$76K - $100K *
Transform product development by leading innovative engineering projects, ensuring quality and alignment with business goals. Collaborate across teams to drive technical execution and deliver exceptio...
6 days ago
Lead Molecular Systems Engineer
$145K - $165K *
Lead innovative projects at the molecular scale, focusing on self-assembly and programmable materials for diverse sensing and actuation applications, while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure s...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$93K - $117K *
Unlock potential by leading complex software and firmware projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality. Collaborate with teams to shape product architecture while mentoring engineers and driving inn...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Transform engineering concepts into reality by designing, estimating, and managing projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and efficiency while delivering innovative sol...
4 days ago
Senior Product Development Engineer - Medical Devices
$110K - $130K *
Innovate in medical device development by leading complex projects from concept to manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality outcomes while mentoring junior enginee...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Development Engineer - Medical Devices
$110K - $130K *
Champion breakthrough medical device designs while leading cross-functional teams. Drive innovative solutions from concept to manufacturing, ensuring high-quality outcomes and compliance with industry...
3 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.