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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$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing complex electrical systems for DoD projects. Collaborate with clients and manage project scopes while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regu...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in developing a cutting-edge software-defined radio platform, overseeing architecture decisions from concept to deployment, while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure h...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Lead innovative mechanical design for AI inference hardware at rack scale. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive mechanical systems from concept through mass production, ensuring reliability and com...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of advanced electro-optical systems by leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions on time and within budget. Drive engineering excellence while mentoring junio...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $180K *

Transform semiconductor device testing by designing automation and test structures. Collaborate with engineers to enhance CMOS characterization processes in a dynamic startup atmosphere, contributing...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$105K - $115K *

Lead the charge in validating and optimizing 3D printing materials, ensuring high performance and compliance in digital dentistry. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish rigorous protoco...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$101K - $145K *

Drive the success of infrastructure projects by managing engineering processes, ensuring compliance with standards, and optimizing collaboration among cross-functional teams to achieve project goals e...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$95K - $115K *

Drive the integration architecture connecting automation systems to Oracle Fusion. Spearhead robust data flow from factory floor to enterprise systems, ensuring seamless vendor collaborations and comp...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading New Product Development initiatives, overseeing projects from conception to execution, and optimizing engineering teams to meet production goals while ensuring compliance a...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$88K - $105K *

Take ownership of semiconductor assembly processes, optimizing and supporting production. Engage in equipment evaluation and process documentation while mentoring team members and driving continuous i...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your structural engineering skills to analyze and design complex tubular steel structures. Collaborate with internal and external teams to deliver high-quality engineeri...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$126K - $167K *

Transform your future by leading a dynamic team of electrical engineers in our Mission Critical Department. Elevate project outcomes while driving accountability, fostering growth, and cultivating inn...

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $210K *

Unlock your potential by leading data-driven sustainment strategies that enhance fleet readiness and optimize maintenance operations. Collaborate across teams to drive actionable insights and recommen...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $200K *

Lead the mechanical design and productization of advanced RF geolocation sensors. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create rugged, manufacturable solutions for outdoor environments, ensuring...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform complex capital projects in the pharmaceutical industry by providing technical leadership in electrical and controls systems, ensuring compliance and innovation across multiple sites while c...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering precise cost estimates for competitive bids, enhancing project efficiency, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships while supporting the overall vision...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$114K - $149K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of space exploration by developing innovative software solutions for lunar and beyond missions. Leverage your experience in aerospace or software engineering...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to drive the design and development of advanced medical devices, managing projects from conception to production while ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory standards...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Design and implement tests for advanced robotic hands, ensuring reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop automated testing solutions that enhance production effi...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join an innovative team to develop cutting-edge traffic products that enhance safety and independence for the visually impaired. Leverage your engineering skills in a collaborative environment to crea...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Champion innovative designs and calculations for tubular steel transmission structures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and project specifications. Collaborate with teams and clients to de...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career as a Mechanical Design Engineer, leveraging 7-8 years of automotive powertrain expertise. Collaborate on engine and transmission systems, manage projects, and ensure supplier coord...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$103K - $155K *

Champion manufacturing excellence by optimizing welding and fabrication processes for marine propulsion systems, collaborating with engineers to enhance production efficiency and sustainability while...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $134K *

Transform manufacturing processes by designing and documenting procedures, enhancing productivity, and ensuring quality for a critical national security program. Collaborate with engineering teams to...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Advance engineering solutions by managing multiple projects, ensuring technical accuracy, and collaborating with suppliers. Utilize your expertise in automotive powertrain to drive innovation and deli...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.