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.
$120K - $176K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative engineering projects that enhance technological capabilities and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate across teams to solve complex problems while ensuring...
Today
R & D Electrical Design Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Elevate the future of electronic systems by researching, designing, and prototyping innovative solutions for commercial vehicles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform concepts into fun...
2 weeks ago
$64K - $95K *
Pioneer the mechanical design of aircraft engine nacelle components. Collaborate with manufacturers and vendors to define system architecture, generate technical data packages, and ensure compliance w...
6 days ago
$64K - $95K *
Drive the mechanical design of aircraft engine nacelle components, collaborating with manufacturers and vendors to ensure compliance with technical requirements while generating detailed technical dat...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative mechanical systems from concept to production. Collaborate with teams to create detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings, ensuring high-quality product delivery while consider...
5 days ago
$78K - $97K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing LED technology through innovative process development. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to troubleshoot, analyze, and improve manufacturing processes...
2 weeks ago
Electronic Engineer II - R&D Laboratory
$75K - $105K *
Develop and execute innovative solutions in a fast-paced R&D lab, focusing on automation, equipment maintenance, and experimental design to advance semiconductor technology and enhance operational eff...
Today
R&D Engineer - Fusion Generator Operations
$110K - $130K *
Grow your expertise in high-energy fusion systems by ensuring safe, reliable operations and conducting complex experiments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance system perfo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research and Development Mechanical Engineer
$92K - $200K *
Transform engineering challenges into innovative solutions by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, conducting research, and developing prototypes to support national security missions and enhan...
6 days ago
Research and Development Mechanical Engineer
$92K - $200K *
Transform the future of engineering by developing innovative solutions in a dynamic research environment. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex challenges and contribute to nation...
6 days ago
$95K - $120K *
Join our team to design and develop cutting-edge power electronics and digital control systems. This hands-on role involves prototyping, testing, and optimizing advanced power conversion technologies...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower research by leveraging LLMs to design software and systems. You'll shape projects spanning maintenance to groundbreaking scientific exploration, enhancing researcher capabilities while cultiva...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior R&D Technician - Fabrication & Test
$85K - $115K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of prototype development, fabricating and testing next-gen hardware. Collaborate with engineers, mentor technicians, and drive quality standards while supporting cr...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by transforming spatial AI research into practical solutions that enhance user experiences for homebuyers and builders, driving innovation in generative floor plan capabilities within...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer - Auto Research
$130K - $155K *
Drive innovation by building advanced agent-powered systems that enhance model training and streamline research processes, enabling our team to revolutionize AI drug design through rigorous experiment...
3 weeks ago
$89K - $148K *
Unlock innovative solutions in power technology as you bridge theory and practice. Drive the development of next-gen Power Capacitors and Instrument Transformers, ensuring grid reliability through des...
5 days ago
Mechanical Engineer - Research and Development
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative power distribution systems, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to deliver high-quality solutions for global clients while ensuring complianc...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer - Research and Development
$95K - $115K *
Join our innovative team as you design and develop cutting-edge low and medium voltage power systems. Leverage your expertise to drive research, testing, and collaboration, contributing to the future...
1 week ago
Research & Development Manager
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to lead R&D efforts in developing innovative sauces and beverages. Drive product discovery, formulation, and commercialization while ensuring quality and customer satisfaction in a...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $156K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative solutions in assembly processes for ruggedized electro-mechanical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and tackle co...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive the development and optimization of innovative polymer and coating technologies, enhancing product performance and manufacturing efficiency while ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness t...
1 week ago
R&D Engineering, Principal Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Optimize high-performance compute environments for engineering teams, ensuring uptime and performance across on-premises and cloud infrastructures. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requireme...
Today
$70K - $95K *
Drive innovation as an entry-level Hardware Engineer, focusing on R&D, PCB design, sensor performance testing, and cross-team collaboration to enhance hardware solutions and speed up prototype iterati...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $94K *
Innovate by leading product development for drilling fluids and additives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify market opportunities and enhance product performance, ensuring technical...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as you collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative thermal solutions for power products, utilizing advanced simulations and engineering expertise to meet customer...
Yesterday
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.