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.
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to the successful execution of complex subsea projects through innovative design, rigorous analysis, and effective collaboration. Engage in all project phases, from conceptual development t...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead technical programs for OEM Industrial Wood products, driving innovation and customer satisfaction while managing multiple projects and developing talent within a collaborat...
1 week ago
Senior Advanced Application Engineer, Blending Technology
$91K - $122K *
Lead the charge in delivering exceptional customer support for Advanced Applications, focusing on Blending. Collaborate globally to enhance product performance and drive continuous improvement in engi...
Today
Senior Electrical Engineer, Maritime
$146K - $194K *
Join a team that's redefining underwater operations by designing and integrating cutting-edge Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Collaborate across disciplines to solve complex engineering challen...
5 days ago
$120K - $210K *
Unlock your potential in satellite design by collaborating closely with teams to create robust mechanical structures. Experience hands-on involvement in every phase, from CAD modeling to testing fligh...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower product excellence by providing engineering support for Flowline products, enhancing reliability and quality across manufacturing, sales, and field operations while driving continuous improvem...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Support the design and integrity of cutting-edge routing systems hardware. Collaborate with a dynamic team to manage complex PCB designs from concept to production, ensuring high performance and relia...
1 week ago
$105K - $115K *
Optimize oligonucleotide manufacturing processes and drive innovation in synthesis and purification techniques. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality, reduce production ti...
2 weeks ago
$78K - $150K *
Empower innovative engineering by diagnosing systems, managing projects, and mentoring junior engineers. Drive product development and improvement, providing technical support and solutions while ensu...
2 weeks ago
Senior Modeling and Simulation Engineer, R&D - NPD (Hybrid)
$93K - $155K *
Join a team that's advancing orthopedic technology through innovative modeling and simulation. Leverage your engineering expertise to drive research and development initiatives, enhancing product desi...
Today
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
$143K - $158K *
Unlock innovative mechanical solutions by leading design processes and mentoring engineers. Drive project success through technical expertise, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a dynamic ae...
Today
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead innovative design and analysis of gas turbine engine components, ensuring compliance and technical excellence. Collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive process improvemen...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Help us ensure product excellence by developing and implementing robust quality assurance processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify defects, drive improvements, and maintain compl...
2 weeks ago
Principal Manufacturing Engineer
$130K - $165K *
Elevate your career by leading manufacturing process development and optimization in the medical device sector. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement ini...
2 weeks ago
Principal Manufacturing Engineer
$130K - $165K *
Elevate your career as a Manufacturing Engineer, driving process development and optimization in medical device production. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance quality and efficiency while ensur...
2 weeks ago
Jr. Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design
$65K - $100K *
Shape the future of machine design as an early-career engineer, where you'll collaborate with experts, develop innovative components, and enhance your skills while ensuring safety and technical excell...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Development Engineer
$70K - $97K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovative mechanical design and testing. As a key contributor, you'll support the development of liquid-cooling systems, gaining hands-on experience in prototyping, in...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building and operating a cutting-edge Product Design lab. You'll translate design concepts into reality, manage machining operations, and ensure safety and quality in a...
6 days ago
R&D Test Engineer - Long Beach, CA
$95K - $110K *
Lead the testing of innovative prototypes, ensuring performance and safety through rigorous engineering protocols. Collaborate across teams to drive product development and compliance in a dynamic, re...
5 days ago
Mechanical Engineer (Tektronix)
$83K - $155K *
Elevate your career with a dynamic role in mechanical engineering, driving the development of innovative electro-mechanical products. Collaborate across teams to enhance product performance and qualit...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of robotics by developing and deploying high-reliability manipulation policies. Drive innovation from data to model to real-world applications, optimizing for rea...
1 week ago
Engineering Program Manager - Research And Development
$110K - $130K *
Drive product innovation by leading cross-functional teams to successfully execute R&D projects from concept to market, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and leveraging business acumen for optim...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer III - Biomedical Device Development & Manufacturing
$80K - $95K *
Advance your career by supporting the design and optimization of cutting-edge biomedical devices. Contribute to prototyping and enhance production processes in a collaborative, multidisciplinary envir...
6 days ago
$82K - $136K *
Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of spacecraft design! As a Structures Design Engineer, you'll oversee the development of cutting-edge structures, generate detailed drawings, and drive innova...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer 3 - 10 years
$95K - $115K *
Drive the development and implementation of satellite architectures, engaging in mechanical and thermal analysis, design integration, and environmental testing while collaborating with diverse teams t...
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.