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.
$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
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in product development. You'll lead projects from concept to production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create cutting-edge solutions while ensuring...
2 weeks ago
$78K - $93K *
Join a team that empowers engineering excellence by managing small-scale projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet quality standards, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget w...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$115K - $155K *
Lead the charge in process engineering for fuel projects, optimizing performance and safety while collaborating with contractors and teams to ensure operational excellence and compliance with industry...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $155K *
Shape the future of fuel processing by leading engineering initiatives, optimizing performance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency in a dynamic in...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Robotics & Automation
$130K - $160K *
Deliver innovative robotic systems from concept to production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance aerospace manufacturing. Shape the future of automation with your mechanical design...
Yesterday
$85K - $115K *
Launch your career as a Process Engineer, driving innovative design and execution for major oil product storage projects. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure compliance with engineering standards...
Today
Senior Electrical Engineer, Aviation
$120K - $170K *
Empower your career by leading electrical utility relocation projects in a dynamic airport environment. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance aviation infrastructure and ensure seamless...
1 week ago
Senior Research and Development (R&D) Networked Electronic Warfare Test Engineer
$140K - $195K *
Elevate your career by developing innovative test procedures for advanced Electronic Warfare systems. Collaborate with R&D teams to enhance performance and ensure quality, while traveling occasionally...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Advance your career by building and testing innovative prototypes. Collaborate with engineers to design, fabricate, and troubleshoot hardware, transforming concepts into functional solutions through h...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer, Agentic Systems
$125K - $150K *
Champion innovative multimodal solutions by developing advanced ML systems for creative tasks, enhancing agentic capabilities, and integrating complex data for real-world applications in a collaborati...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $175K *
Empower innovative facility projects by leading mechanical design efforts, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and delivering cutting-edge solutions in a highly collaborative environment. M...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Process Development Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Drive SMT process innovation and optimization, enhancing quality, yield, and efficiency in manufacturing. Collaborate globally to standardize practices and support complex product introduction from pr...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate product innovation by independently designing and evaluating complex engineering solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance product performance and support manufacturing, ensuring adherenc...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Lead the charge in managing engineering projects that enhance aerospace product quality and customer satisfaction, coordinating cross-functional teams to meet milestones and ensure compliance with tec...
Yesterday
Project Engineer (Defense, New Product)
$78K - $115K *
Drive the design and development of innovative vacuum and heat exchanger systems for naval applications, overseeing projects from concept through manufacture while collaborating with diverse stakehold...
Reposted 4 days ago
Project Engineer (Defense, New Product)
$78K - $115K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to develop and design innovative vacuum and heat exchanger equipment for naval applications, managing projects from conception through manufacturing while ensuring t...
Reposted 4 days ago
$100K - $200K *
Partner with us to develop groundbreaking simulation products, focusing on AI and robotics. Engage with customers to shape product roadmaps, create prototypes, and enhance integration within the simul...
3 weeks ago
Engineer II, R&D Sustaining & Value Engineering
$105K - $168K *
Elevate product quality and efficiency by supporting lifecycle management and cost optimization of medical devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement engineering solutions that enha...
2 weeks ago
Engineer II, R&D Sustaining & Value Engineering
$105K - $168K *
Transform product quality and value by supporting lifecycle management and cost optimization of medical devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement engineering solutions that enhance...
2 weeks ago
Staff Engineering Laboratory Manager
$184K - $231K *
Advance your career by managing engineering laboratories that support aerospace innovation. Oversee lab operations, coordinate teams, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment focused...
4 weeks ago
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading embedded firmware development for cutting-edge optical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, production-ready solutions while mentoring...
1 week ago
$110K - $135K *
Unlock excellence in PCB design and manufacturing by leading DFM initiatives, developing complex multilayer layouts, and shaping best practices across engineering teams to enhance product performance...
4 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.