Explore R&D Engineer Jobs

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.

What R&D Engineers Do

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.

Industries and Specializations

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Find R&D Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of Air Force training systems by providing expert systems engineering support across the entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness while collaborating with d...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$68K - $109K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing cutting-edge semiconductor test systems. As a Mechanical Engineer I, you'll collaborate with experts to design, prototype, and enhance innovative electromech...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$68K - $109K *

Empower innovation as you support the design and development of cutting-edge semiconductor test systems. Collaborate with experienced engineers and cross-functional teams to tackle technical challenge...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of composite design by leading innovative projects, ensuring quality and efficiency in product development, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional airbor...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by integrating systems engineering and digital methodologies to develop advanced defense capabilities. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to enhance sensor-to-shooter integrat...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform the future of industrial automation by designing innovative hardware solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge products, ensuring compliance and optimizing d...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $100K *

Engage in high-throughput laboratory workflows to support mammalian cell-based processes. Collaborate with scientists to enhance reliability and scalability while maintaining quality control in a fast...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Pioneer innovative hardware solutions by designing complex high-speed systems, validating advanced platforms, and collaborating across teams to ensure optimal performance throughout the product lifecy...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive the design and development of electromechanical systems. Integrate and troubleshoot across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces from concept to field deployment, ensuring optimal perf...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$119K - $221K *

Join a team that's redefining product engineering by developing innovative solutions through collaboration with customers and R&D. Drive impactful design analysis and enhance product performance in a...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion engineering excellence by guiding payload and countermeasure development. As a trusted advisor, you'll evaluate designs, oversee milestones, and ensure cross-organization collaboration for ti...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$66K - $124K *

Drive manufacturing excellence by developing and optimizing processes for electronics production, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety while supporting new and existing product lines through conti...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $245K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of technology through innovative software solutions for diverse applications, from autonomous vehicles to medical systems, while leading projects in a dynamic Agi...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform your career by engaging in cutting-edge solar device prototyping for spacecraft. Collaborate with engineers to meticulously build and document prototypes, ensuring precision in every step of...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining downhole engineering with innovative designs and solutions. Lead projects from concept to commercialization, utilizing your expertise in tool development and project mana...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $230K *

Champion innovative thermal solutions by analyzing electronic components and systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance thermal performance, support testing, and drive design improve...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive the development and deployment of advanced machine learning algorithms for autonomous driving systems, focusing on perception, localization, and planning. Collaborate across teams to enhance saf...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as you support the US Coast Guard by designing and evaluating marine auxiliary systems. Collaborate with a dedicated team, enhance your skills, and contribute to vital engineerin...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$76K - $92K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and developing innovative firmware for metering devices, enhancing product functionality, and providing technical support while adhering to core values and sa...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$76K - $102K *

Drive innovation by supporting the design and development of mechanical components for advanced manufacturing applications. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality and timely project completion while...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation in high-performance computing by delivering secure software deployments, automating infrastructure, and resolving complex technical challenges. Collaborate with teams to enhance relia...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$70K - $115K *

Join a team that's shaping innovative consumer product designs, leveraging your expertise in Mechanical Engineering to lead projects from vision to mass production while enhancing product quality and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$69K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing semiconductor equipment performance. You'll lead improvements, manage installations, and collaborate with diverse teams to ensure optimal tool availability an...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$87K - $108K *

Accelerate innovation by developing design solutions for new and existing products. Collaborate cross-functionally to lead projects from concept to production, ensuring quality and efficiency througho...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative fan systems by leveraging design expertise and analysis tools. Contribute to product development through collaboration, problem-solving, and technical guidance while enhancing the...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an R&D engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.