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.
Mechanical Engineer - Product Development
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovation by developing mechanical products from concept to production. Engage in hands-on design, prototyping, and testing while collaborating with manufacturing teams to bring diverse commerc...
Today
Advanced Research & Development-Lead Engineer
$74K - $187K *
Lead the charge in transforming industrial automation through innovative engineering solutions. As a technical anchor, you'll guide cross-functional teams from concept to prototype, ensuring clarity a...
2 weeks ago
Advanced Research & Development-Lead Engineer
$74K - $187K *
Unlock potential by leading a cross-functional team to develop innovative industrial automation solutions, transforming customer needs into actionable prototypes while providing technical oversight an...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $220K *
Tackle groundbreaking research in high-performance computing algorithms as you collaborate with cross-functional teams to create efficient computational models capable of powering state-of-the-art gra...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in use-related risk analysis for innovative drug delivery systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure patient-centric design and compliance with regulatory standards, dr...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and release manufacturable mechanical designs for high-performance metal components, ensuring quality and efficiency from concept through production...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of precision manufacturing by developing and releasing high-performance mechanical designs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability and quality in a fast-p...
4 days ago
$175K - $225K *
Elevate your career in a dynamic, collaborative environment where you will engage with traders and researchers, developing impactful algorithms and trading strategies to drive success in financial mar...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate fusion research by operating advanced pulsed-fusion systems. Contribute to groundbreaking experiments and enhance machine reliability while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams in a dyna...
2 weeks ago
$93K - $155K *
Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of digital measurement solutions. Leverage your technical skills in electrical engineering and software development while collaborating closely with engineeri...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $132K *
Innovate cutting-edge 3D printing techniques while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. Tackle complex engineering challenges and enhance product performance through experimentation and data-d...
2 weeks ago
$161K - $265K *
Lead the charge in integrating advanced systems engineering solutions for the U.S. Army, translating operational needs into actionable strategies while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to en...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Innovate the future of Navy electronics by designing state-of-the-art circuit cards and developing precision test procedures while collaborating with engineers to enhance system performance and reliab...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$161K - $265K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing military systems integration. As a senior advisor, you'll engage with Army stakeholders, translating operational needs into actionable engineering solutions a...
Today
Senior Engineer - Process Research & Development
$135K - $182K *
Drive Process Technology development within Health & Pharma by leveraging your expertise in chemical engineering. Collaborate cross-functionally to identify process improvements and foster leadership...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower innovation as a Senior Software Engineer in R&D, leading high-impact projects and integrating cutting-edge software solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance engineering capabilitie...
4 days ago
STAFF R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER
$143K - $179K *
Shape the future of innovative connector solutions by leading product development initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform customer needs into robust designs, ensuring high-qu...
1 week ago
R&D Engineer III - Composites Aerospace Manufacturing
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to drive research and development in advanced composite materials, optimizing processes and leading innovative projects that enhance aerospace products while ensuring quality and o...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$92K - $110K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic R&D team, enhancing product compliance and performance through engineering expertise. Collaborate across functions to drive improvements in manufacturing processe...
6 days ago
Prototype Wire Harness Technician
$80K - $95K *
Engineer systems by building and refining vehicle harnesses and PCBs, ensuring precise assembly for robust automotive integration. Collaborate on sensor and compute interfaces with attention to detail...
Reposted 3 days ago
$115K - $155K *
Elevate product innovation by leading R&D efforts in medical device development, collaborating across teams to transform clinical needs into compliant, market-ready solutions while ensuring quality an...
3 days ago
$80K - $120K *
Elevate your engineering career by driving product improvements and innovations in wound management. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance design, quality, and manufacturability of medical devices...
1 week ago
$160K - $185K *
Lead technical innovation in the design and development of cutting-edge medical devices, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure manufacturability and compliance from concept through commercial rel...
1 week ago
$105K - $200K *
Join a dynamic team to design and maintain cutting-edge electrical systems for undersea communication. Collaborate on innovative solutions, manage projects, and contribute to groundbreaking research i...
6 days ago
$145K - $175K *
Drive the development and maintenance of robust research systems and pipelines, ensuring reliable data processing and deployment. Collaborate closely with researchers to enhance efficiency and scalabi...
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.