Explore R&D Engineer Jobs

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.

What R&D Engineers Do

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.

Industries and Specializations

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Find R&D Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$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...

Phoenix, AZRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Cambridge, MARemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Markham, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an R&D engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.