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.
Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE), Brittles
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative mechanical manufacturing processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver exceptional design solutions in a dynamic, hands-on enviro...
1 week ago
$94K - $148K *
Lead engineering efforts to enhance in-flight experiences, overseeing design, development, and certification of complex systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure project success and compliance while m...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance manufacturing processes for electronics, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support product development through inno...
1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Innovate your career by leading complex hardware engineering projects that support mission-critical operations. Drive integration, testing, and deployment of advanced infrastructure solutions across s...
5 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Champion complex hardware solutions in mission-critical environments. Lead integration, testing, and sustainment efforts while providing technical guidance and mentoring to engineers. Drive innovation...
5 days ago
Senior Research Engineer, Safety
$200K - $400K *
Join a team that's advancing AI safety by building reliable, controllable models for conversational agents. Collaborate across functions to transform safety challenges into scalable, production-ready...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Research Engineer, Safety
$200K - $400K *
Drive innovation in AI safety by building robust safeguards for conversational agents. Collaborate across teams to enhance model reliability and mitigate real-world risks, creating impactful solutions...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Product Design Engineer - Copper Solutions
$150K - $200K *
Drive innovation as a Principal Engineer, leading the design of cutting-edge connectors and cable harnesses for data storage and telecom systems. Collaborate across teams to transform ideas into marke...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer the mechanical and thermal design of high-temperature reactors, optimizing for manufacturability and maintenance. Lead a team to innovate solutions for the largest rare earth metallization pla...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of water treatment by leading electrical engineering projects. Leverage your expertise to ensure compliance, enhance quality, and collaborate across disciplines while managing des...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Join our dynamic team to design innovative electrical systems for the biotech and pharma sectors, leveraging your expertise in clean room and laboratory facilities to deliver exceptional engineering s...
3 weeks ago
Sr Electrical Engineer - (Hybrid - Hopkins, MN)
$95K - $149K *
Take ownership of electrical design for embedded and wireless products, guiding projects from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve engineering challenges and mentor...
Today
$80K - $90K *
Join a dynamic team supporting the US Navy by leveraging your expertise in IT and data services. Develop tools and maintain IT infrastructure while ensuring data integrity, security, and system effici...
3 weeks ago
New Product Introduction Manufacturing Engineer-Level II
$83K - $108K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on manufacturing engineering. Collaborate on innovative projects, enhance production processes, and drive efficiency in a fast-paced environment d...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in innovative product development, applying engineering principles to design and launch automotive components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality, cost, and man...
2 weeks ago
Chief Engineer, Electronic Warfare Payload
$220K - $300K *
Transform the future of electronic warfare by leading a multidisciplinary team in developing cutting-edge EW payloads. Oversee all technical aspects from design to field testing, ensuring robust integ...
2 weeks ago
$96K - $153K *
Contribute to quality assurance by leading control initiatives, analyzing data trends, and collaborating with teams to enhance manufacturing processes, ensuring product reliability meets industry stan...
4 weeks ago
$93K - $125K *
Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...
Yesterday
Mid-Career Mechanical Engineer - Machine Design
$99K - $159K *
Advance your career as a Mechanical Engineer, leading design efforts and mentoring teams. Utilize your expertise in machine design and analysis to support critical projects for the U.S. Air Force, ens...
1 week ago
Linux Development Engineer - eLxr Distribution
$75K - $95K *
Join a team that's developing and enhancing a Debian-based Linux distribution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable platform capabilities for mission-critical systems, while con...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovation by designing mechanical components with Catia, collaborating closely with teams to optimize project outcomes. Leverage over 7 years of experience in modeling and design to deliver hig...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Jr. Rocket Propulsion Engineer
$86K - $101K *
Elevate your engineering career by supporting cutting-edge rocket propulsion projects. Collaborate with a talented team to enhance military technology while gaining invaluable experience in testing, a...
3 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer - Satellite Hardware
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of electronics design by leading complex PCB development. Collaborate across disciplines to create innovative solutions tailored for challenging environments, ensuring robust performa...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Unlock your potential as you ensure seamless operation and optimization of advanced manufacturing equipment in a high-tech environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance efficiency, reliabilit...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Development Engineer, Connectivity Systems
$110K - $130K *
Elevate vehicle telematics systems through rigorous testing and validation. Lead technical problem resolution, mentor junior staff, and enhance automation for TCU projects while collaborating across t...
2 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.