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.
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer - Hydro
$130K - $180K *
Unlock your potential as an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, contributing to hydropower and water resources projects from design to commissioning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor...
5 days ago
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer - Hydro
$130K - $180K *
Shape innovative solutions by leveraging your mechanical engineering expertise in hydropower and water resources projects, guiding them from design to operation while collaborating with multidisciplin...
5 days ago
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer - Hydro
$130K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of hydropower and water resources. As an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, you'll drive projects from design to commissioning, collaborating with multidisciplinar...
5 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of AI by building innovative solutions for robotics, AV, and healthcare. Drive end-to-end product development, collaborating with customers to solve complex challenges in data annotat...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence by managing a dynamic team focused on product innovation, process optimization, and customer satisfaction. Drive strategic initiatives and foster a culture of...
1 week ago
$140K - $176K *
Design and develop ruggedized sensor systems and avionics for aerospace and defense. Engage in the full product lifecycle, from concept to production, ensuring high-quality mechanical integration and...
Today
$106K - $197K *
Shape operational efficiency by designing and deploying advanced optimization models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making processes and drive measurable improvements in...
1 week ago
$130K - $225K *
Innovate in RF engineering by designing subsystems for threat simulators, supporting verification efforts, and analyzing emerging RF seeker threats to enhance electronic warfare capabilities for the w...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $200K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing test fixtures and mechanisms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance system performance while managing project timelines and deliverables i...
Today
Propulsion Development Engineer
$95K - $135K *
Design and develop propulsion systems while collaborating with diverse teams. Lead projects, perform analyses, and conduct testing to create high-performance spacecraft in a dynamic, innovative enviro...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Design Engineer
$140K - $170K *
Join a team that's innovating in electrical design for consumer and robotic devices. Lead projects from concept to production while collaborating across disciplines and enhancing engineering best prac...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$79K - $114K *
Join a team that's pioneering innovative mechanical solutions, tackling complex design, analysis, and validation challenges. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to deliver high-quality, effic...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $121K *
Develop innovative plastic components and mechanisms, leading cross-functional projects to meet market needs and quality standards in high-volume manufacturing for automotive and industrial applicatio...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Development Engineer II
$100K - $120K *
Champion the development of innovative products from concept to market, leading design and engineering efforts while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and quality metrics. Drive continuous...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $260K *
Lead the charge in designing and integrating advanced missile and UAV launcher systems. Own mechanical architecture from concept to production, collaborating across functions to ensure compliance and...
Today
Mechanical Engineer, Machined Parts
$125K - $158K *
Help us innovate jet engine design by owning modules from concept to testing, emphasizing hands-on integration with manufacturing and suppliers to simplify and accelerate our development of the world...
Reposted 6 days ago
$94K - $158K *
Unlock your potential as you lead complex mechanical engineering projects, utilizing CAD and FEA tools to design innovative solutions. Collaborate with experts and guide teams while ensuring project s...
5 days ago
Senior Engineer, Sustaining (R6024)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to drive mechanical issue resolution in production and fielded aircraft. Leverage your expertise in sustaining engineering and corrective action to enhance product performance and...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $350K *
Build advanced inference systems to enhance RL research, optimizing throughput and enabling scalable model updates. Collaborate with researchers to balance efficiency and quality in cutting-edge AI ar...
4 days ago
$103K - $176K *
Innovate solutions by leading mechanical engineering projects to enhance production processes. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, implement, and optimize equipment and systems, ensuring safety a...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing manufacturing processes for autonomous surface vessels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and ensure high-quality stan...
6 days ago
Senior Packaging Development Engineer I
$81K - $112K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing packaging systems for medical devices. Collaborate across functions to ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency while driving continuous improvement in a fas...
3 days ago
Senior Packaging Development Engineer I
$81K - $112K *
Drive innovative packaging solutions for medical devices by leading projects that ensure compliance, functionality, and sustainability. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance processes and support...
3 days ago
Senior Packaging Development Engineer I
$81K - $112K *
Transform packaging engineering by leading design and development projects for medical devices. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance, functionality, and sustainability while driving con...
3 days ago
Senior Packaging Development Engineer I
$81K - $112K *
Drive innovative packaging solutions for medical devices, ensuring compliance and functionality through collaboration and technical expertise. Lead projects from design to validation, enhancing qualit...
3 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.