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.
$110K - $130K *
Lead the innovation and commercialization of new products, enhancing manufacturing processes and driving improvements in quality, yield, and cost efficiency while collaborating across R&D, Quality, Op...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize product innovation and manufacturing processes from concept to launch, driving quality improvements and cost efficiencies. Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless p...
4 weeks ago
Product Engineering Supervisor
$88K - $105K *
Drive product engineering excellence by leading teams in new product development, optimizing processes, and ensuring alignment across functions to enhance quality, efficiency, and scalability in manuf...
1 week ago
$70K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring accuracy and efficiency while managing resources and timelines effectively...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $95K *
Engineer innovative solutions by managing equipment design and project execution, ensuring quality and accuracy from start to finish. Collaborate effectively with teams and customers to meet project o...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering innovative mechanical solutions for diverse projects, ensuring compliance and client satisfaction while managing schedules and budgets effectively...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that values innovation in design across diverse markets. As a key leader, you'll mentor others, ensure quality, and engage clients while driving projects to successful completion within a...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovation by leading mechanical engineering projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring code compliance for commercial and institutional buildings. Foster client relationships...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer Electrical Engineering
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating electrical engineering solutions. You'll research, design, and develop complex machinery while mentoring junior engineers to optimize equipment utilization a...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential by designing and implementing test methods for fiber optic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and support manufacturing efficiency in...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Analyze program requirements and performance metrics, ensuring effective project evaluation and data management while adhering to government processes and timelines. Join a team focused on optimizing...
1 month ago
Sr. Staff R&D Engineer - Electromagnetic
$145K - $175K *
Drive innovation in electromagnetic extraction and simulation for high-speed SERDES products, leveraging over a decade of expertise in CMOS, FinFET, and GAA technologies to enhance product performance...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative process engineering by integrating expertise into AI-driven design, helping create automated solutions for complex capital projects like natural gas power generation while working...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that shapes innovative structural designs, ensuring compliance with engineering standards while collaborating closely with clients to deliver exceptional projects in a dynamic environment...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Process Engineer - Technology Transfer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in technology transfer, ensuring seamless collaboration between U.S. and China teams. Safeguard design intent while overseeing engineering localization, commissioning, and operational...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer - Customer Focused Team
$94K - $141K *
Partner with us to innovate and design cutting-edge Coolant Distribution Units, collaborating closely with customers and cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle to ensure exceptional p...
Today
$115K - $161K *
Lead and optimize engineering deliverables for defense programs, ensuring compliance with customer requirements. Collaborate cross-functionally to manage documentation and drive initiatives from devel...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer (Systems Engineer)
$119K - $161K *
Pioneer system integration for cutting-edge military tech, overseeing Active Protection System technologies. Drive innovative solutions and collaborate across teams, leading to enhanced military platf...
1 month ago
$140K - $175K *
Advance your career by developing innovative electronic solutions for quantum instruments. Oversee PCB design from concept to production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quali...
5 days ago
$160K - $240K *
Shape the future of autonomous aircraft by driving materials and manufacturing processes from concept to production, ensuring performance, compliance, and manufacturability in a dynamic interdisciplin...
3 weeks ago
Production Manufacturing Engineer -Level II
$83K - $108K *
Champion the optimization of manufacturing processes for advanced radar and avionics products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance safety, quality, and productivity while implementing L...
1 week ago
$177K - $265K *
Lead cybersecurity execution across systems engineering and development programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to identify cybersecurity risks, implement improvements, and support compliance, enhanc...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of passenger rail by leading mechanical systems integration and validation. Collaborate with suppliers and clients to ensure compliance and deliver manufacturable designs for refurbis...
2 weeks ago
$89K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating mechanical designs and testing components. You'll collaborate across disciplines to enhance product development, from concept to manufacturing, while support...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in shaping complex technical solutions by developing operational requirements, translating needs into actionable plans, and coordinating across teams to ensure alignment with mission o...
1 week 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.