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.
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to design and deliver cutting-edge software for datacenter solutions. Take ownership of projects from firmware to validation, collaborating with experts in a fast-paced environment...
Today
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
$103K - $181K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and supporting mission-critical systems globally. Leverage your software engineering expertise to enhance production services and collaborate across teams to...
Yesterday
$112K - $196K *
Elevate your career by transitioning established practices to DevOps delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and delivery for high-profile satellite communica...
Yesterday
$148K - $266K *
Build mission-critical information systems globally by designing, developing, and supporting software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performance w...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading diverse engineering projects, ensuring timely execution, cost management, and collaboration across global teams to drive innovation in mechanical systems and engine develop...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $140K *
Innovate and manage electrical engineering for a major hydroelectric safety upgrade, overseeing subcontractors, ensuring compliance, and leading project execution across multiple facilities for optima...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative embedded software solutions for space exploration, driving design and development of critical systems. Collaborate in a dynamic team, tackling complex engineering challenges to enh...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying non-conformance issues and implementing effective corrective actions. Collaborate closely with engineering teams to enhance production processes...
Reposted today
Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design Team Lead
$94K - $141K *
Champion engineering excellence by leading a dynamic machine design team, driving innovative projects from concept to completion while fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented culture in a fast-p...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
$87K - $119K *
Join us to lead innovative mechanical designs for cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies. Collaborate with a diverse team to develop integrated modules and subsystems, driving advancements in...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative electrical system designs for diverse projects. Oversee the development of construction documents, perform system analyses, and collaborate with multidisciplin...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer - Responsible Systems Engineer
$92K - $110K *
Lead cross-functional teams in developing system-level solutions for missile defense. Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering to analyze architecture impacts and coordinate technical specifications, e...
2 weeks ago
$64K - $96K *
Advance manufacturing processes by providing technical expertise, optimizing production efficiency, and ensuring product quality. Collaborate with teams to implement best practices and support new pro...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Simulation
$165K - $185K *
Advance engineering excellence by developing and executing FEA models for robotic medical devices, ensuring optimal performance and reliability through innovative design and collaboration across multi...
6 days ago
$154K - $204K *
Join us to pioneer aerospace design innovation! Oversee engineering data management and cultivate future talent while ensuring safety and airworthiness in new designs and modifications. Lead cross-fun...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Develop innovative telematics and sensing products, leading designs from concept to production while ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting hardware architecture with cross-functional teams...
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.