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.
$112K - $150K *
Shape the future of communication technology by providing expert technical support and training to diverse clients. Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions while m...
Yesterday
Requirements Management Engineer
$100K - $135K *
Drive the effective management and analysis of requirements within a complex satellite communications program, ensuring high-quality documentation and stakeholder collaboration for successful project...
3 weeks ago
$119K - $221K *
Elevate the future of circuit design by developing AI/ML technologies that enhance analysis and characterization of advanced digital and mixed-signal circuits, while collaborating with a skilled R&D t...
Today
$138K - $165K *
Develop innovative algorithms for next-gen routing and synthesis technologies, collaborating with global teams to enhance digital IC design. Engage in high-performance software development and tackle...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of innovative product design and development, leading cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge heated, cooled, and ventilated automotive systems from concept to production with a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Mechanical Product Development Engineer
$115K - $214K *
Drive innovative thermal-mechanical solutions in a collaborative environment, leading New Product Development from concept to launch. Influence product design and performance while managing cross-func...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Collaborate across diverse teams to innovate and deliver high-impact design systems and engaging microsites. Lead from concept to execution, ensuring quality and functionality while supporting rapid...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Materials Research and Development Engineer
$92K - $174K *
Help us advance materials research by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing prototypes for extreme environments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challeng...
2 weeks ago
Materials Research and Development Engineer
$92K - $174K *
Engage in cutting-edge materials research and development, applying engineering principles to solve complex challenges for military and government clients. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing mechanical systems for biorefinery operations, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure innovative technologies transition from concept to reliab...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential by optimizing industrial processes and enhancing manufacturing efficiency. Collaborate with diverse teams to implement innovative solutions that meet safety, quality, and cost ob...
5 days ago
Mechanical Design Engineer (Electronics Packaging)
$96K - $115K *
Lead the design of ruggedized electronics packaging, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with technical specifications and manufacturing processes. Utilize SolidWorks for 3D...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Tackle supplier quality improvements and drive process enhancements in a technical supply chain role supporting defense programs, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and fostering supplier rel...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Research Engineer, Post-Training Data
$130K - $155K *
Optimize post-training workflows by integrating AI research and ML engineering. Collaborate on data generation, build high-quality environments, and enhance model performance through innovative soluti...
1 week ago
$70K - $100K *
Contribute to the successful delivery of mechanical construction projects by supporting planning, procurement, scheduling, and compliance. Gain hands-on experience across all project phases while buil...
2 weeks ago
$81K - $107K *
Drive innovation in recreational vehicle development by leading cross-functional teams, influencing design decisions, and delivering high-quality products that meet market demands and performance obje...
1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Unlock innovative solutions in structural dynamics by conducting finite element modelling and analysis for Navy systems. Collaborate closely with a dynamic team to enhance vessel acoustic performance...
3 weeks ago
Advisor- Project Engineer- Design Lead
$130K - $211K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role overseeing design delivery for global capital projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure innovative solutions in pharmaceutical facilities, enhanc...
Today
$110K - $136K *
Innovate in a dynamic role that spans the full engineering lifecycle, optimally integrating hardware/software systems and solving complex challenges with a talented, cross-disciplinary team...
3 weeks ago
$78K - $140K *
Elevate software development by designing and implementing systems that leverage scientific analysis and mathematical models to optimize outcomes and enhance performance across diverse environments...
1 week ago
Senior Project Engineer, Sustaining Product Development (SPD
$89K - $114K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of product development by leading innovative projects that integrate advanced technologies and components, ensuring optimal performance and compliance in a collab...
1 week ago
$117K - $156K *
Elevate strategic decision-making by managing integrated program plans, ensuring accurate portfolio data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced...
6 days ago
Product Development Engineer - Liquid Cooling
$85K - $140K *
Accelerate innovation in liquid cooling solutions for high-performance I/O connectors. Lead design, testing, and project management efforts to enhance thermal management technologies for AI and ML pla...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Transform factory automation by designing and deploying advanced robotics and control systems. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance production processes and provide real-time support for automat...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovative structural design and analysis of concrete products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with industry standards while enhancing pro...
2 weeks 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.