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.
Sr Advanced R&D Engineer/Scientist
$146K - $183K *
Pioneer advanced research initiatives by developing innovative technologies and statistical models to enhance aerospace safety and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform data...
1 week ago
Production Mechanical Engineer, Space
$129K - $171K *
Take ownership of production readiness for space hardware, driving designs from low-rate to high-rate manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to enhance producibility, reliability, and efficiency whil...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's leading the future of solar installation robotics. Oversee a skilled technician team, ensuring build quality and developing talent while driving innovation and safety in mechanical...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with innovative simulation software development, solving complex engineering challenges and enhancing features for a global user base while collaborating with expert teams for impactful results...
3 weeks ago
$87K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing innovative mechanical components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product performance and quality while driving cost-effective solutio...
4 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Join us to lead engineering efforts for the G570 APU Program, driving project performance and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve technical goals and milestones in a dynamic aerospace...
Today
$116K - $175K *
Lead innovative mechanical design solutions for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality systems while m...
4 days ago
$116K - $175K *
Unlock potential by leading the design of mechanical systems for energy and infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, code-compliant solutions that enhan...
4 days ago
$116K - $175K *
Innovate mechanical systems design for energy and infrastructure projects, leading project portions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance, efficiency, and reliability in...
4 days ago
Product Development Engineer Principal
$110K - $130K *
Advance your expertise by leading transformative programs that enhance customer solutions and drive growth across various technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams while mentoring junior p...
3 weeks ago
Technology Development Foundry Engineering - Staff Engineer
$133K - $255K *
Lead the charge in semiconductor innovation by guiding customers through product development, leveraging expertise in process integration, device engineering, and yield engineering to ensure successfu...
6 days ago
Technology Development Foundry Engineering - Staff Engineer
$133K - $255K *
Lead the transformation of Intel's foundry services by guiding customers through product development, leveraging expertise in process integration, device engineering, and yield engineering to ensure s...
6 days ago
Technology Development Foundry Engineering - Staff Engineer
$133K - $255K *
Lead the charge in semiconductor innovation by guiding customers through product development, leveraging expertise in product/process integration, device engineering, and yield engineering to ensure s...
6 days ago
Technology Development Foundry Engineering - Staff Engineer
$133K - $255K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, guiding customers through product development. Leverage your expertise in process integration, device engineering, and yield engineerin...
6 days ago
Technology Development Foundry Engineering - Staff Engineer
$133K - $255K *
Join a team that's transforming semiconductor technology by guiding customers through the product development lifecycle, leveraging expertise in product/process integration, device engineering, and yi...
6 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Analyze and support customer process validation through hands-on testing, collaborate with sales and engineering teams, and assist with equipment commissioning to optimize industrial process systems...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to support sales with technical testing and process validation. Conduct evaluations, prepare reports, and collaborate on optimized solutions while ensuring lab safety and cleanline...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Develop impactful solutions by closely engaging with customers. Design, build, and iterate across the entire stack to address real-time challenges while fostering a collaborative and high-performance...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Unlock innovative solutions as you lead the design and production of complex electromechanical systems, impacting healthcare automation and patient outcomes through precision engineering and scalable...
1 week ago
Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join us to architect and lead the design of complex electromechanical systems that revolutionize pharmacy automation, ensuring precision and reliability while scaling production to meet nationwide dem...
1 week ago
Senior Product Design Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to lead mechanical design for automotive antenna products, transforming complex requirements into manufacturable solutions. Collaborate across disciplines to influence product deve...
Yesterday
$143K - $230K *
Drive innovation in AI with the design and development of software for a cutting-edge Network Operating System. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-quality solutions that meet demanding ind...
3 weeks ago
Resident Engineer / Product Development Leader
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as the principal technical liaison, driving customer relationships and engineering milestones while ensuring product development meets quality, cost, and delivery targets throughou...
1 week ago
R&D Engineer II -- Electromechanical Design
$88K - $105K *
Transform mechanical design processes by creating innovative power protection equipment. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure high-quality deliverables, lead design improvements, and document engi...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of healthcare engineering by leading mechanical HVAC design, ensuring project quality, and mentoring a talented team while managing budgets and timelines for diverse MEP projects...
2 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.