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.
Principal Process/Device Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in defining and optimizing semiconductor process technologies, collaborating with foundries and product teams to ensure reliable manufacturing and innovative solutions for advanced pow...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative product experiences through design and code. Collaborate with designers and engineers to enhance Aaru's visual identity and deliver polished, user-centric solutio...
5 days ago
$180K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading engineering test operations, ensuring rigorous testing and compliance in a dynamic environment. Drive quality assurance and support engineering decisions through effective...
1 week ago
Early Career Electrical Design Engineer
$73K - $109K *
Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to design and sustain electrical systems for national defense, ensuring reliable operations and compliance with engineering standards in a dynamic environmen...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower project success by managing capital projects from inception to completion. Collaborate across teams to deliver compliant, cost-effective solutions while ensuring safety and operational readine...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of operational performance by partnering with a key supplier to enhance processes, implement improvements, and foster sustainable growth through hands-on engagement and continuous impro...
1 week ago
Engineer II, Integration (R6202)
$92K - $130K *
Drive innovation by developing and testing HIL infrastructure for mission autonomy and vision systems, collaborating across disciplines to ensure reliable integration and performance in real aircraft...
1 week ago
Senior Electrical Engineer-Hybrid
$96K - $125K *
Join a dynamic team as you design innovative automotive systems, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance driver safety and functionality. Your expertise will drive product development and sup...
4 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer-Hybrid
$96K - $125K *
Develop innovative electromechanical systems for automotive applications, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. Lead product designs and ensure seamless integration of components while dr...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Execute design and analysis of mechanical systems, ensuring compliance with specifications and industry standards. Lead testing and fabrication efforts while optimizing project budgets and schedules f...
Yesterday
$75K - $112K *
Lead a quality team to ensure safety, quality, and production metrics in a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment, supervising staff and managing calibration processes to meet compliance and oper...
5 days ago
$75K - $112K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance by supervising a dynamic team, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced aerospace production environment...
5 days ago
Internal Acceleration, Research Engineer (Kernels)
$150K - $400K *
Transform the future of AI by building innovative agentic systems. Collaborate with founders and engineers to tackle complex challenges, driving impactful solutions in a fast-paced environment. Embrac...
5 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of networking by designing optimized solutions and collaborating across teams. Leverage your expertise to support RFP responses and enhance network planning, ensuring cutting-edge imp...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by designing optimized network solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting RFP responses. Leverage your expertise in carrier networking to drive strategic...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by designing optimized network solutions, collaborating across teams to enhance carrier environments, and supporting strategic decisions with your expertise in system design and engin...
2 weeks ago
Product Development Engineer II
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your engineering career by executing product development activities, applying analytical expertise, and ensuring compliance in the medical device industry. Collaborate cross-functionally to de...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $106K *
Elevate your career as you support the design of modular buildings and power systems. Collaborate with engineers to create 3D models and detailed drawings, ensuring compliance and quality in a dynamic...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $106K *
Contribute to the design and documentation of modular power systems, assisting senior engineers in creating 3D models and detailed drawings while ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhanc...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Explore a pivotal role in R&D, driving innovation in Medium-Voltage solutions. Collaborate with global teams to enhance product quality and compliance while contributing to IP development and project...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineering Design Lead
$200K - $260K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of transit infrastructure by leading mechanical design for HVAC and vertical transportation systems. This senior role involves project management and technical lea...
Today
Mechanical Engineering Design Lead
$200K - $260K *
Partner with us to lead mechanical design for complex transit infrastructure projects. This senior role focuses on HVAC and vertical transportation systems, ensuring excellence in engineering and proj...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Lead the development of innovative test solutions, enhancing the semiconductor testing landscape with cutting-edge technologies and strategic customer collaboration across global teams, delivering hig...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform the semiconductor testing landscape by leading the development of innovative test solutions. Collaborate with global teams to architect, debug, and implement high-performance testing strateg...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Tackle complex product development projects by leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and engineering standards while fostering collaboration and maintaining pr...
3 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.