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.
$120K - $160K *
Lead the charge in designing and evaluating advanced hardware solutions. This role includes researching, developing, and testing innovative information processing technologies while ensuring their com...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to conduct research and design innovative hardware solutions. Engage in developing and testing advanced information processing hardware while ensuring compliance with technical spe...
3 weeks ago
$84K - $110K *
Champion innovative machine learning solutions in healthcare. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop, validate, and deploy models that enhance clinical workflows and improve patient outco...
Yesterday
R&D Eng SME (SRM Propulsion) (Remote Option Available)
$180K - $235K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in propulsion technologies. Lead advanced R&D for Solid Rocket Motors, guiding projects from feasibility to production while collaborating with cross-functional t...
Today
R&D Eng SME (SRM Propulsion) (Remote Option Available)
$180K - $235K *
Lead advanced R&D initiatives for Solid Rocket Motor technologies, driving feasibility studies, design, and testing. Provide technical leadership across programs and serve as the primary interface for...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Empower innovation by driving product design and development from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create sustainable solutions, ensuring quality and performance while...
1 week ago
Engineer I/II, Research Operations (1st shift)
$75K - $124K *
Drive high-throughput laboratory workflows in a dynamic research environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance automation processes and ensure operational excellence across various b...
Today
$120K - $200K *
Innovate with us to build customer-facing fintech tools that enhance cash flow management. Collaborate across backend systems and product analytics to deliver impactful features and ensure a reliable...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, R&D Test Engineering
$128K - $162K *
Drive innovative R&D testing to enhance hardware and processes, collaborating with engineers and scientists to execute experiments, analyze data, and generate insights for scalable solutions and impac...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive value engineering initiatives for embedded electronic systems, focusing on cost reduction and lifecycle improvements while ensuring product performance and compliance. Collaborate cross-function...
2 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Champion the evolution of electronic architecture across diverse platforms, ensuring seamless integration and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and maintain syst...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $134K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative mechanical designs for mission-critical facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, execute complex projects, and enhance mechanical design expertise i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $115K *
Lead the design and execution of water/wastewater projects, collaborating with municipal clients to enhance infrastructure efficiency while ensuring compliance and delivering results in a team-oriente...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Champion innovation in software architecture and development. Lead a talented team, driving project success and enhancing EDA tools. Your expertise will shape strategic decisions and foster a collabor...
5 days ago
$200K - $250K *
Lead the charge in innovating system architecture focused on hardware and software integration. Drive cross-functional decisions and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure designs meet evolving custo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$70K - $105K *
Optimize manufacturing processes by leveraging engineering expertise and analytical skills. Collaborate across teams to enhance productivity, quality, and safety, driving continuous improvement and co...
2 weeks ago
Simulation & Modeling Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Advance cutting-edge AI hardware modeling and simulation. Collaborate with various teams to enhance simulation environments and integrate estimation tools into frameworks. Engage with external partner...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$114K - $171K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable data ecosystems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative AI solutions and ensuring data governance and qualit...
Today
$72K - $246K *
Advance your career by tackling complex challenges in innovative engineering. Join us to leverage your expertise in functional verification tools to ensure the integrity of cutting-edge digital system...
Reposted 2 days ago
Principal Electro-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer
$175K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining aerospace manufacturing by building cutting-edge satellite structures and integrated systems, ensuring efficient production flows and minimizing risks in a dynamic, high...
1 month ago
$220K - $250K *
Lead the design and development of advanced military electrical systems. Collaborate across teams to create innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with industry standards while driving high-impact...
2 weeks ago
$76K - $95K *
Optimize product safety and quality by leading engineering projects, enhancing manufacturing processes, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate across teams to drive improvements and imp...
2 weeks ago
$83K - $155K *
Develop and enhance software for production automation, integrating PLC/HMI programming with PC applications. Collaborate across teams to deliver reliable systems and support manufacturing processes i...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Innovate in automation by developing software for production equipment and custom test systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes and ensure reliable integrati...
1 week ago
$152K - $229K *
Shape the future by leading complex electrical design for advanced flight control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integration and performance, while mentoring engineers and...
Today
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.