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 Engineer II, Systems Integration (R5344)
$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
$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
$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...
1 week ago
$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
$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 2 days ago
$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 2 days ago
Applied AI Engineer, Generalist
$135K - $160K *
Empower Aidan's capabilities by advancing AI technology in real-time interactions, enhancing voice, vision, and learning systems to achieve seamless user engagement and reliability across modalities...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Deliver cutting-edge software solutions for high-speed food manufacturing equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop innovative applications, ensuring efficiency and prec...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive the successful execution of Flight Controls programs, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule objectives are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers while leading complex proje...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Oversee medium complexity projects, leveraging technical expertise and leadership skills to drive successful program milestones and continuous improvement while managing risks and collaborating with c...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of power electronics by designing and developing innovative power supply systems. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product efficiency and lead projects f...
3 weeks ago
R&D Software Engineer, Electronic Measurement Systems
$89K - $149K *
Help us design and develop cutting-edge software for oscilloscopes, enhancing user experience through innovative algorithms and AI technologies while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliv...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Engineer - Automotive
$120K - $135K *
Transform automotive manufacturing by developing and scaling advanced metal forming processes. Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure efficient, repeatable production of automotiv...
Reposted today
Manufacturing Engineer - Automotive
$120K - $135K *
Drive the development and scaling of advanced manufacturing processes for automotive components. Collaborate with engineering and production teams to enhance efficiency, quality, and manufacturability...
Reposted today
Innovation and Design Engineer, Worldwide Design Engineering
$99K - $160K *
Transform high-impact engineering projects by designing innovative fulfillment centers and logistics systems, collaborating closely with teams to optimize cost-effective solutions, ensuring successful...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Design innovative air distribution systems, manage project objectives, and ensure quality in mechanical engineering. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to enhance project delivery, optimize effic...
Reposted 2 days ago
Principal Process Engineer, Additive Manufacturing
$131K - $196K *
Drive innovation in metal additive manufacturing as a technical lead, optimizing processes and scaling solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance capabilities and ensure robust proj...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion project success by leading a multi-disciplinary team to deliver mission-critical electrical equipment, ensuring adherence to quality, cost, and time objectives throughout the project lifecycl...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the design and implementation of advanced building automation systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure support for energy efficiency and compliance with industry standards while mentoring junior...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Elevate the future of autonomy by managing Linux mission computers, integrating high-bandwidth sensors, and optimizing real-time data paths for advanced perception and decision-making in challenging e...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead the charge in developing an AI-driven autonomy stack for challenging environments. Own the Linux mission computer, integrating sensors and optimizing real-time performance while collaborating wit...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of mechanical engineering projects by leveraging your design expertise and project management skills to deliver innovative solutions across various industries, while collaborating wit...
3 weeks ago
Product Manufacturing Engineer - PCBA
$110K - $130K *
Deliver manufacturing excellence by leading product development initiatives from concept to production, ensuring high-quality standards in PCB and PCBa processes while collaborating with diverse teams...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Process Engineer - Life Sciences
$75K - $105K *
Innovate within the life sciences sector by leading process design efforts, developing engineering solutions, and collaborating across disciplines to enhance sophisticated manufacturing and research f...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's responsible for innovative planning and design of complex construction projects, managing compliance and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure successful project executi...
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.