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.
$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...
5 days ago
HPC DevOps & Software Integration Engineer
$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
$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
Sr Engineer - Equipment Engineering
$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
$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
$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...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $145K *
Shape the future of integrated air platforms by architecting innovative electrical systems. Collaborate across disciplines to design, implement, and test efficient solutions in a dynamic environment...
3 weeks ago
Engineer, Semi Packaging Engineering
$75K - $103K *
Join a pioneering team developing advanced semiconductor packaging solutions. Lead projects from design through qualification, ensuring top-tier performance and manufacturability while collaborating w...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to design and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring the reliability of advanced optical transmission systems through innovative verification practices and automation technique...
Yesterday
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$100K - $120K *
Transform testing processes by designing comprehensive plans, validating optical systems, and implementing automation scripts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality communicat...
Yesterday
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and execute comprehensive test plans for advanced optical transmission systems, ensuring high performance and reliability t...
Yesterday
$121K - $171K *
Lead the charge in advancing design capabilities within R&D, optimizing complex tests and analyses to innovate cardiac solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance device performance and contr...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Optimize engineering solutions by leading design projects, mentoring peers, and ensuring high-quality deliverables while collaborating with clients. Contribute to innovative product development throug...
3 weeks ago
Distinguished System Requirements Engineer
$100K - $275K *
Elevate your career by defining and verifying system requirements within a cutting-edge engineering framework. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to shape innovative solutions that meet complex...
Today
Software Engineer, Linux Kernel / Android
$120K - $145K *
Transform the platform stack for cutting-edge body-worn devices, focusing on Linux and Android integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance under rigorous...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Electrical/Control Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative electrical and control systems for water and wastewater facilities, ensuring seamless integration of technology for efficient operation and monitoring...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize the development of engineered components for submarine applications by collaborating with Navy and supplier teams while managing technical documentation and project oversight. Play a vital ro...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Design Engineer - New Product Development Engineering
$90K - $110K *
Engineer innovative designs for outdoor power equipment from concept to production, ensuring manufacturability, compliance, and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver production-r...
1 month ago
$85K - $117K *
Champion innovative fiber optic cable development by leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and delivering solutions that enhance manufacturing capabilities and meet customer needs...
1 week ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - Neurosurgical R&D
$77K - $129K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of medical technology by designing innovative electrical systems for neurosurgical devices. Leverage your expertise in a collaborative R&D environment to drive im...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Develop reinforcement learning environments to enhance model training and evaluation. Collaborate with researchers and engineers to translate real tasks into computational challenges, ensuring reliabl...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate by building reinforcement learning environments that empower researchers to train models effectively. Collaborate with experts to translate real tasks into computational challenges, ensuring...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer / PM
$110K - $150K *
Empower client relationships and lead project teams to deliver innovative mechanical engineering solutions. Oversee project milestones and drive performance efficiencies while ensuring technical excel...
Reposted 2 days ago
Product Development Engineering Specialist
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovative medical device designs, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance while delivering projects on time and within budget, enhancing quality and innovation in product development...
5 days ago
Manufacturing Project Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Elevate manufacturing excellence by leading project engineering efforts for new model launches. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely execution and production readiness in a dynamic automoti...
5 days 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.