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.
Chief Engineer (Staff Engineer)
$175K - $210K *
Join a team that's redefining the AI landscape in banking by architecting and building cutting-edge systems. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping a profitable domain, influencing outcomes, and ensuri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive quality improvements across operations by applying engineering principles, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product and process quality. Make a tangible i...
2 weeks ago
ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Space Avionics / Computing Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Engineer innovative digital electronics for space applications. Lead design, analysis and testing of high-reliability systems. Collaborate cross-functionally and support customer interfaces to deliver...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Space Avionics / Computing Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's leading innovative digital electronics design for space applications. Shape solutions for command/control systems and ensure high reliability through comprehensive lifecycle managem...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Sr. Engineering Technician, Advance Development
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by supporting prototype vehicle integration and testing. Collaborate with engineers to maintain optimal performance of advanced automotive systems. Leverage diagnostic skills in a dyn...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Mechanical)
$154K - $215K *
Accelerate your career as a Supplier Development Engineer, overseeing supplier quality and readiness for mechanical commodities. Collaborate with engineers and suppliers to ensure high-performance pro...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$86K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to provide technical support for U.S./UK Joint Programs, ensuring compliance and effective communication between U.S. Navy and NNSA customers. Lead meetings, manage documentation...
5 days ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Bring your expertise to the aerospace sector, designing and testing advanced vehicle components and systems. Oversee projects from conception to integrated testing while ensuring optimal performance a...
3 weeks ago
$70K - $100K *
Advance product innovation by developing and enhancing agricultural solutions. Collaborate across functions to drive engineering excellence and ensure customer satisfaction throughout the entire produ...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Mechanical Engineer, where you'll leverage your expertise to drive ship design projects, enhancing performance and compliance throughout the development and construction phase...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $150K *
Unlock potential by contributing mechanical engineering expertise to ship design management, supporting technical efforts from concept to installation while ensuring compliance and performance optimiz...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in automotive lighting through hands-on mechanical design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring high-quality product development and manufacturin...
2 weeks ago
Senior Design Engineer [ENG-26-007]
$100K - $115K *
Shape the future of aerospace engineering by leading design and development of complex systems. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation while ensuring compliance with ind...
1 week ago
Senior Design Engineer [ENG-26-007]
$100K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing complex aerospace systems, mentoring engineers, and driving innovation. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and deliver high-quality designs using advanced CAD too...
1 week ago
Senior Design Engineer [ENG-26-007]
$100K - $115K *
Drive the design and development of complex aerospace systems, leading project teams and mentoring engineers. Utilize advanced CAD tools to ensure compliance and deliver high-quality designs while fos...
1 week ago
$62K - $101K *
Drive NDT engineering initiatives, develop cutting-edge processes, and ensure compliance through collaboration with manufacturing teams and guidance for inspectors. Contribute to continuous improvemen...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to the development and launch of manufacturing processes for lithium-ion cells, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize efficiency and quality while ensuring safe equipment de...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer II - Engineering Change Leader
$95K - $115K *
Lead the Engineering Change process for complex scientific instruments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to evaluate, execute, and implement product changes throughout the lifecycle, ensuring...
4 days ago
Sr. Project Engineer - Field Application Engineering
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in deploying innovative robotic systems, managing projects from start to finish with a focus on precision and team collaboration in fast-paced field environments, ensuring successful e...
Reposted 6 days ago
$90K - $124K *
Unlock potential by designing innovative mechanical aircraft interiors to meet customer specifications and FAA requirements, leveraging advanced CAD tools while collaborating across teams to enhance p...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate manufacturing operations by leading capital projects, enhancing equipment design, and driving automation initiatives to improve safety, quality, and productivity across diverse engineering env...
4 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate compliance in electrical design and construction through stringent reviews and inspections, fostering innovation in mission-critical facilities for government projects while leading a team and...
3 weeks ago
Industrial Manufacturing Technology & Tool Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of manufacturing by enhancing processes and tooling systems. Drive efficiency, safety, and quality improvements while collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement innovative...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Energy
$100K - $120K *
Lead the design of mechanical systems for energy projects, focusing on gas piping and CHP systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to produce high-quality construction documents and manage pr...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Energy
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading mechanical system designs for energy projects, focusing on gas piping and innovative technologies. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver high-quality engineering sol...
1 week 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.