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.
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...
6 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
$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...
Yesterday
$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
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...
1 week 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...
2 days ago
$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...
6 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
Senior/Principal R&D Computer Science Engineer - Space & Flight Systems, Onsite
$117K - $235K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on developing cutting-edge embedded systems for national security. Collaborate with experts to design, integrate, and test innovative software and ha...
1 week ago
Sr. Specialist, Mechanical Design Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Champion innovative mechanical designs for advanced laser systems, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to develop solutions for military applications. Drive projects from concept to completio...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Power Generation Systems
$110K - $130K *
Tackle complex mechanical challenges by designing and building advanced power-generation subsystems. Collaborate on system integration and rapid prototyping in a fast-paced environment, ensuring desig...
2 weeks ago
$250K - $280K *
Shape the future of robotics as a technical lead driving system integration and mechanical design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance, manage cost engineering, and...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$88K - $134K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing cutting-edge firmware solutions for laboratory systems in biodefense and life sciences. Collaborate with engineers to design, test, and enhance embedded syst...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of healthcare by developing innovative full-stack products. Collaborate across teams to transform complex problems into simple solutions, integrating AI for improved efficiency and us...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform operations by ensuring process reliability and safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, drive continuous improvement, and uphold technology standards in chemic...
Reposted 1 week ago
Supplier Quality / Development Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of supplier quality by enhancing processes and capabilities, ensuring reliability from the ground up, and driving excellence in a regulated nuclear industry environment focused on pro...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$250K - $280K *
Advance your career by leading mechanical integration and architecture for innovative products. Drive system-level performance, collaborate cross-functionally, and set design standards in this pivotal...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's driving product innovation in North America, leading the development of new solutions and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate cust...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Innovate with a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge clinical AI systems. Blend research and engineering to enhance reasoning, evaluation, and data pipelines, driving improvements in healthcare AI per...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's optimizing chemical systems to enhance client operations. As a subject matter expert, you'll troubleshoot, manage maintenance, and ensure compliance while collaborating with cross-f...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $106K *
Elevate manufacturing excellence by driving process improvements, ensuring product quality, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to transition new products to production seamlessly. Champion...
4 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.