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.
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
$110K - $135K *
Elevate PCB design excellence by leading DFM initiatives and developing high-density layouts. Collaborate across teams to ensure manufacturability and drive continuous improvement in processes and sta...
6 days ago
$120K - $175K *
Lead and manage complex electrical engineering projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for industrial and commercial facilities while ensuring scope, schedul...
3 weeks ago
Principal RF/Electrical Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative satellite communication systems. Engage in RF design, testing, and integration while collaborating across disciplines to enhance performance and drive technolo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Process Development Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Champion the development of innovative manufacturing processes while enhancing production efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to manage project timelines and cultivate expertise within the team...
2 weeks ago
$134K - $201K *
Lead the charge in designing and delivering complex mechanical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency while mentoring junior engineers and managing multidis...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Analyze and improve manufacturing processes by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure quality while providing engineering support on the production f...
3 weeks ago
MANAGER-R&D - Software Engineering Department
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of software engineering by leading and mentoring teams, driving technical excellence, and fostering collaboration to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs and enhance...
3 weeks ago
Advanced R&D Engineer/Scientist
$129K - $161K *
Join a team that's pioneering advances in semiconductor packaging! As an R&D Engineer, you'll develop innovative materials and solutions, drive commercialization efforts, and collaborate with customer...
1 month ago
Mechanical Engineer (Sustaining Engineer)
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced beamline systems, collaborating with engineering teams to ensure optimal performance and reliability while managing projects efficiently and training staff in as...
Yesterday
$115K - $150K *
Transform thermal management systems for advanced vehicle platforms, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and validate solutions th...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation in infrastructure AI by experimenting, evaluating, and implementing intelligent systems that enhance agent capabilities and streamline operational responses, bridging research and pro...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Research Engineer, Real Environments
$130K - $160K *
Pioneer transformative data solutions by automating evaluations and building immersive environments that redefine enterprise capabilities and training methods for cutting-edge labs and real-world appl...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to deliver innovative application and system development across multi-technology platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor peers, and influence technical decisions...
Reposted 1 week ago
$165K - $166K *
Drive technical excellence by leading cross-functional teams, gathering requirements, and proposing innovative solutions. Mentor peers while managing enhancements and ensuring quality in application d...
1 week ago
$75K - $95K *
Drive the design and development of medical device components, collaborating within a cross-functional team to integrate innovative solutions that meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards while...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Design and develop innovative filtration products, leading cross-functional teams to transform concepts into manufacturable solutions while ensuring performance, quality, and cost-effectiveness throug...
1 week ago
$190K - $260K *
Transform high-reliability aerospace electronics by leading power and analog design, mentoring engineers, and driving technical solutions from conception to field support across diverse programs...
3 weeks ago
Operations Research and Development Engineer
$140K - $231K *
Join us to lead vehicle sustainment research and cybersecurity initiatives, driving sponsor engagement and advancing next-gen technologies. Leverage your military expertise to enhance operational read...
1 week ago
Operations Research and Development Engineer
$140K - $231K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity. As a senior leader, you'll engage with military sponsors, guide research, and enhance operational readiness through adva...
1 week ago
$175K - $215K *
Join a dynamic team to lead mechanical integration of ruggedized electronics into military platforms. Drive design from concept to production, ensuring compliance with military standards while collabo...
Yesterday
Lead, New Product Development Engineer - Global Capacity
$112K - $150K *
Drive strategic capacity planning and optimization initiatives to align manufacturing capabilities with business growth and customer demands. Engage cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing eff...
3 weeks ago
Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer - Scientific Instrumentation
$153K - $269K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced scientific instrumentation, combining hands-on engineering with technical leadership across precision mechanisms, thermal management, and design for manufacturin...
Today
Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer - Scientific Instrumentation
$153K - $269K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced scientific instrumentation, combining hands-on engineering with technical leadership across precision mechanisms, thermal management, and design for manufacturin...
Today
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.