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.
Design Engineer III - New Product Development Engineering
$88K - $105K *
Transform complex mechanical designs from concept to production, ensuring alignment with manufacturing and quality standards. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative outdoor power equipment sol...
1 month ago
$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...
1 week 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...
Yesterday
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...
4 weeks ago
$89K - $109K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing manufacturing processes and enhancing product quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues, implement improvements, and present technic...
Reposted 1 week 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...
4 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...
4 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...
4 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...
4 days ago
$120K - $166K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a diverse team, managing project execution, and ensuring customer satisfaction through effective planning and collaboration. Mentor junior engineers while overs...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead and grow a dynamic team of engineers to build and enhance AI agents. Drive innovation in agent architecture, ensuring quality and compliance in a fast-paced environment while fostering a culture...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Drive the development of next-gen radar systems, collaborating globally to innovate and validate cutting-edge automotive technology. Lead algorithm design and troubleshooting efforts, ensuring robust...
2 weeks ago
$101K - $152K *
Shape innovative engineering solutions by designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and apply technical expertise to enhance product perform...
2 days ago
$101K - $152K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team that designs and improves engineering systems. Utilize your expertise to analyze, develop, and manage projects while ensuring quality and compliance in a fas...
5 days ago
$111K - $167K *
Join a dynamic team to design, analyze, and improve engineering systems while managing projects and ensuring compliance with standards. Utilize your expertise to tackle complex challenges and drive in...
5 days ago
$101K - $152K *
Transform engineering concepts into reality by designing, analyzing, and improving systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and ensure compliance through effective communication and prob...
6 days ago
$91K - $137K *
Contribute to innovative engineering solutions by designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and apply your expertise to enhance product perf...
1 week ago
Engineering - Software Engineer
$80K - $110K *
Engage in collaborative firmware development for mobile and automotive platforms, delivering integrated solutions for heavy-duty vehicles. Drive design and implementation of real-time software feature...
4 weeks ago
Lead Software Engineer, Robotics Simulation
$119K - $221K *
Champion innovation by developing cutting-edge simulation algorithms for robotics, focusing on many-body dynamics and finite element analysis, while validating performance on real-world hardware appli...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading software development efforts in Go and distributed systems. Collaborate with a talented team to design scalable solutions, mentor junior members, and drive innovation in a...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of software innovation, designing and implementing robust distributed systems. Leverage your expertise in Go, Kubernetes, and API design to create scalable solution...
1 week ago
$71K - $101K *
Drive innovation by developing scalable AI solutions that enhance R&D decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build and optimize generative AI applications, ensuring reliability, s...
Yesterday
Internal Acceleration, Research Engineer (Hardware)
$150K - $400K *
Lead transformative projects by embedding with hardware teams to develop innovative agentic systems. Drive end-to-end solutions in a fast-paced environment, tackling critical challenges that shape the...
6 days ago
$145K - $165K *
Shape the future of public infrastructure as a Senior Civil Engineer. Lead complex projects, mentor teams, and foster client relationships, while delivering innovative solutions that enhance communiti...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - Mechanical Design
$95K - $115K *
Drive mechanical design excellence for mission-critical facilities, overseeing project execution and mentoring junior engineers. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure accurate construction document...
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.