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 Design Engineer - OCS Technology: New Product Development
$70K - $96K *
Lead design initiatives by applying expertise in mechanical engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative optical solutions that balance manufacturability and customer requ...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
MiINIGRIP - SR. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER
$90K - $110K *
Drive innovative product development initiatives, focusing on mechanical engineering and cutting-edge technologies in plastic manufacturing from concept to commercialization, ensuring continuous impro...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by conducting detailed engineering analyses using CAE software. Collaborate with global design teams to validate product designs and enhance performance through rigorous testing and...
Yesterday
$125K - $140K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading innovative projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver exceptional electrical design solutions while...
5 days ago
$125K - $140K *
Pioneer innovative electrical design solutions while leading projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance and efficiency, mentoring junior engine...
5 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Drive innovative digital engineering solutions by leading complex design projects, mentoring teams, and enhancing project performance through strategic planning and execution. Collaborate with stakeho...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative Coolant Distribution Units for AI and data centers, overseeing the full product lifecycle from concept to production while applying expertise in thermal systems...
2 days ago
New Product Development Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of new product development projects, guiding them from concept to production. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure design, testing, and implementation meet customer needs and qualit...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing manufacturing processes for precision medical devices. Utilize your engineering expertise to lead projects, improve quality, and drive operational excellence...
6 days ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading complex mechanical design projects for mobile equipment. Collaborate with engineers and project managers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion whil...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Lead the charge in mechanical design for mobile equipment, managing complex projects and guiding engineers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion while collaborating across tea...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Advance your career by leading complex mechanical design projects for mobile equipment. Collaborate with engineers and project managers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion w...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Lead the charge in innovative mechanical design for mobile equipment, managing complex projects and guiding engineers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe delivery of high-quality solutions. Co...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $250K *
Join a team that's redefining thermal design for radar satellites. You will drive thermal architecture, validate simulation tools, and collaborate closely across engineering disciplines to enhance sat...
4 weeks ago
$75K - $90K *
Unlock potential by enhancing manufacturing processes and equipment for cable products. Collaborate with teams to solve production challenges, improve efficiency, and drive cost reductions in a dynami...
2 weeks ago
$165K - $247K *
Empower product development by leading and mentoring teams of engineers. Bring your expertise to complex projects while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration within a fast-paced con...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
R&D Materials Engineer Quantum
$90K - $120K *
Elevate your engineering expertise by researching and testing innovative materials for quantum circuits and flexible electronics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and cont...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's pioneering advanced polymer synthesis for semiconductor applications. Leverage your expertise in organic chemistry to develop innovative materials, collaborate cross-functionally, a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer - Unmanned Systems Payload Design
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential as a Mechanical Engineer, driving innovative design and development for unmanned systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create cutting-edge electronic warfare and ac...
2 weeks ago
$130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead New Product Development and engineering initiatives. Drive technical decisions, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and ensure compliance with customer and certification s...
Yesterday
R&D Senior Manager - Integrated Nanotechnologies Group (1880), Onsite
$193K - $328K *
Lead and innovate within a collaborative nanotechnology group, driving scientific research and development while managing a diverse team and fostering partnerships across institutions to advance natio...
5 days ago
Mechanical Engineer - Forward Deployed
$95K - $115K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of engineering and maritime operations, integrating mechanical systems into autonomous vessels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and enha...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer - Forward Deployed
$88K - $105K *
Engage in hands-on mechanical engineering to deploy innovative systems in maritime environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot mechanical payloads, ensuring ope...
1 week ago
R&D Engineer - Protein Processing Equipment
$80K - $115K *
Partner with us to innovate and develop cutting-edge protein processing solutions. You'll research, design, and test machinery that enhances efficiency and food safety, collaborating with cross-functi...
1 week ago
$87K - $128K *
Join a cutting-edge team to develop semiconductor processes, drive hands-on experiments, and collaborate with engineering to enhance equipment performance and innovation in a fast-paced manufacturing...
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.