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.
Senior Research and Development (R&D) Networked Electronic Warfare Test Engineer
$140K - $195K *
Drive innovation in Electronic Warfare testing by leading full coverage test procedure design, collaborating with R&D and Engineering, and honing advanced RF technologies to optimize system performanc...
3 weeks ago
$70K - $91K *
Drive innovation in industrial cybersecurity by leading projects, developing curriculum, and engaging with partners to enhance technology commercialization and operational resilience in manufacturing...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Advance application engineering support by designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting ESP systems. Collaborate with sales and technical teams to enhance service quality and implement new technologies...
4 days ago
Staff Engineer, Product Development PLM Specialist
$110K - $130K *
Discover a critical role driving PLM-CAD integration and enhancing engineering processes. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless product development from concept to manufacturing, optimizing work...
4 weeks ago
$117K - $200K *
Elevate your career by driving innovative mechanical design solutions for high-performance semiconductor systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance legacy systems and ensure optimal m...
5 days ago
Sr Engineer - Process Engineering
$69K - $120K *
Elevate semiconductor processes by designing and executing experiments, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and yield in a dy...
Yesterday
$130K - $155K *
Design and validate electrical circuits and subsystems for autonomous robotics. Lead development from concept to production, ensuring integration and reliability through collaboration with cross-funct...
1 week ago
Lead Engineer - Mechanical @ NDBS
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in mechanical design for mission-critical facilities, transforming owner requirements into reliable HVAC and piping systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of aviation technology by driving innovative cloud solutions that enhance FAA operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in the aviation sector while collaborating with diverse te...
2 weeks ago
Staff Engineer, Analog Design Engineering
$120K - $145K *
Lead the design of advanced analog and mixed-signal ICs, providing technical expertise and mentorship while collaborating across teams to drive innovation and achieve performance goals across diverse...
Reposted 1 month ago
Mechanical Design Engineer (Intermediate)
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of mechanical design by leading projects, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with clients. Drive innovative solutions in HVAC and plumbing systems while enhancing your lead...
4 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Transform security measures by developing cutting-edge AI agents for vulnerability discovery. Collaborate with a talented team to build scalable solutions that reshape how organizations manage and add...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation as you design complex electrical systems, lead projects, mentor teams, and ensure high-quality deliverables. Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams, utilizing advanced BI...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Oversee complex electrical design projects and deliver fully constructible BIM models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor peers, and ensure compliance with safety standards while developi...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K *
Develop and design mechanical components for new products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to produce accurate models and drawings, ensuring designs are manufacturable and compliant with ind...
3 weeks ago
$148K - $273K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative SoCs for cutting-edge SSD technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on design, validation, and implementation, ensuring top-quality semiconductor sol...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering
$103K - $110K *
Champion advanced manufacturing practices by leading process improvements, enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure robust prod...
1 week ago
$83K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of mechanical engineering in data centers. Collaborate on design, construction, and commissioning while developing AI tools to enhance efficiency. This role offer...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to solving complex challenges through full-stack development and systems integration. Collaborate closely with users and stakeholders to deliver impactful software solutio...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Automation
$117K - $180K *
Drive innovative robotic automation for semiconductor packaging. Collaborate across teams to design, prototype, and build transformative mechanical systems, ensuring rapid iteration and deployment in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Automation
$117K - $180K *
Lead the development of innovative robotic automation systems, from design to prototype. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance semiconductor packaging fabrication, ensuring rapid project...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, leading innovative power system designs from concept to production. Drive high-performance solutions that meet customer needs while collaborating w...
1 week ago
Senior Production Manufacturing Engineer
$101K - $131K *
Unlock potential by driving manufacturing excellence through process optimization, Lean practices, and cross-functional collaboration. This role enhances production efficiency and quality for advanced...
1 week ago
$78K - $125K *
Lead engineering projects from concept to completion, applying advanced technical expertise and project management skills. Manage medium- to large-scale initiatives, ensuring safety, quality, and budg...
1 week ago
Senior / Engineer II, AI Lab Research Engineer
$148K - $240K *
Shape the future of AI-driven scientific discovery by designing advanced models that tackle complex challenges and enhance multi-step reasoning across various domains...
Reposted 4 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.