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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$88K - $105K *

Support the design and integration of aircraft interiors, collaborating with teams to deliver high-quality solutions from concept to installation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive the development of innovative evaluation methodologies and peak performance benchmarks in reinforcement learning, collaborating with diverse teams to shape cutting-edge solutions for frontier la...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Join an innovative team focused on defining and measuring frontier model capabilities through evaluation methodologies and robust reinforcement learning environments, influencing decision-making in hi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Transform mission-critical data centers by leading complex DDC implementations, mentoring engineers, and optimizing building automation systems through hands-on technical expertise and project leaders...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing device assembly and packaging processes. Contribute your expertise in GMP, technical support, and project management to ensure high-quality combination produc...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of advanced technology efforts by supporting MDA teams with technical and programmatic analysis. Collaborate across diverse programs to enhance missile defense capabilities and drive pr...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to provide engineering support for Auxiliary Machinery Systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance through testing, troubleshooting, and system assessments in a naval envi...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$163K - $275K *

Lead and innovate hardware engineering teams to develop RF and microwave signal generator platforms, ensuring project success through effective management, cross-functional collaboration, and continuo...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Innovate with a skilled team to develop high-performance React applications, enhancing global shipping operations. Collaborate in an agile environment to create seamless user experiences while optimiz...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$130K - $195K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing innovative electrical systems for medical devices. Lead projects, mentor engineers, and collaborate with clients to ensure compliance and excellence in produc...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $195K *

Lead the charge in designing and developing innovative electrical systems for medical devices. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure product excellence and compliance while mentoring juni...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive product development by transforming ambiguous challenges into impactful software solutions. Collaborate with founders and customers to build, test, and refine products across multiple startups...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of industrial control systems by leading the development and implementation of sophisticated electrical and control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Tackle the development and commissioning of electrical and controls systems for complex industrial projects, ensuring integration from concept to deployment while collaborating with cross-functional t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in enhancing quality control systems and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver top-tier products. Utilize advanced engineering techniques to solve complex challenges and d...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Manage electrical subsystems for advanced robotics, overseeing design, integration, and debugging from concept to production, ensuring reliability in challenging environments and mentoring junior engi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $170K *

Shape the future of innovative product design by leveraging your expertise in electrical engineering. Collaborate with a dynamic team to transform concepts into reliable, market-ready solutions while...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $100K *

Lead and deliver engineering projects while ensuring compliance with cGxP standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize processes and maintain high safety levels in pharmaceutical environments...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Champion process innovation by optimizing manufacturing methods to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in automotive production. Drive continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating across...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$89K - $148K *

Contribute to the development of innovative medical devices by leading the design, testing, and integration of complex electronic hardware systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$89K - $148K *

Unlock innovative solutions in medical device development by leading the design, testing, and integration of complex electronic hardware systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance p...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Transform user experiences by prototyping AI-powered products, collaborating with engineers, and iterating based on real user feedback to create seamless interfaces and workflows that enhance producti...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Innovate software solutions by designing, developing, and testing advanced systems-level software. Collaborate on operational specifications and analyze requirements to enhance business processes and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and testing systems-level software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet operational specifications and enhance SAP functionali...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$88K - $130K *

Drive innovative aircraft systems integration by designing and optimizing complex subsystems, collaborating across engineering disciplines to deliver precision and manufacturability in a high-stakes e...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.