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.
$100K - $120K *
Invent and enhance cutting-edge robotic workcells by building, testing, and optimizing mechanical and electromechanical systems. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure seamless integration and effec...
Today
RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - PCB Layout Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of space technology by leading the design and analysis of high-reliability printed circuit boards. Collaborate with engineers and customers to ensure top-quality solutions from concep...
2 weeks ago
RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - PCB Layout Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Advance your career by leading the design and analysis of PWB systems for space applications. Collaborate with engineers and customers to deliver high-reliability electronics from concept to hardware...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Develop cutting-edge realtime rendering solutions, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance 3D applications. Apply your expertise in graphics to optimize performance and drive innovation in softwar...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $128K *
Shape operational excellence by leading capital projects and reliability initiatives in a chemical manufacturing environment. Collaborate across teams to enhance equipment performance, safety, and eff...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the design and development of automotive thermal systems, ensuring integration and change management for HVAC, PTC, and piping components. Collaborate across teams to meet critical requirements a...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage in an impactful role owning production systems that enhance customer experiences. Collaborate directly with founders and engineers to deliver functional software solutions, driving improvements...
2 weeks ago
$117K - $160K *
Design and develop electrical systems for automation, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and performance. Engage in hands-on prot...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Electronics Product Development Engineer
$124K - $151K *
Support the development of innovative electromechanical systems by leading design efforts for circuits, power electronics, and embedded integration, while collaborating across teams to deliver high-qu...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with our dynamic engineering team as you design and model innovative refrigerant and water piping systems using Solidworks, ensuring precision in product documentation and lifecycle management...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in downstream process development and purification for fermentation-derived products. Oversee technical strategy, collaborate with teams, manage partnerships, and mentor scientists to...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$165K - $175K *
Advance mission integration through innovative systems engineering and architecture design, ensuring robust capability delivery for diverse operational needs in a dynamic defense environment...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer II, Robotics Mechanical Design
$136K - $190K *
Create innovative mechanical designs for custom robotics configurations, collaborating with engineers to iterate and validate designs through simulation and physical testing, ensuring optimal performa...
Reposted 5 days ago
Research & Engineering Manager
$127K - $157K *
Drive innovation and lead a high-performing team to develop product solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and support business growth in the medical device sector, ensuring compliance and effec...
Yesterday
Research & Engineering Manager
$127K - $157K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative product solutions while managing a high-performing team. Drive strategic decisions, ensure compliance, and foster collaboration to enhance business growth in t...
Yesterday
R&D CMPT Applications Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Engineers solutions for new product introductions, driving customer success through technical support and collaboration with global teams. Foster product knowledge and process optimization while ensur...
3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Electrical Engineer, R&D
$150K - $180K *
Contribute to impactful projects by leveraging your expertise and skills in a collaborative environment, working with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and achieve strategic goals...
3 weeks ago
$83K - $155K *
Elevate your career as a Field Application Engineer, combining technical expertise with hands-on support. Collaborate with customers and teams to solve complex challenges while enjoying a balance of o...
5 days ago
$83K - $155K *
Explore a dynamic role combining application engineering with hands-on field support. Collaborate with customers and teams to troubleshoot and optimize solutions, ensuring successful installations and...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of manufacturing by managing diverse capital projects, driving improvements in productivity and reliability while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful projec...
5 days ago
$91K - $130K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing advanced mechanical systems for automated production lines, ensuring safety and efficiency in energetic manufacturin...
Today
$153K - $230K *
Transform engineering design processes by leading the development of complex systems, enhancing product quality, and collaborating across teams to drive innovation and efficiency in manufacturing oper...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of our growth surfaces by enhancing user experiences and driving business outcomes through robust design partnerships and high-quality execution across marketing and activation flows...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by driving high-quality growth experiences for users. Collaborate across teams to enhance marketing and activation surfaces, while leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize small...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive impactful growth by enhancing marketing platforms and systems, collaborating cross-functionally to elevate user experiences and experimentation velocity for small businesses leveraging our innov...
Reposted 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.