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.
Design Engineer 3 - Chicago, IL - USA
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovation by leading the design and development of complex AV systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure high-quality solutions that meet client needs while mentoring junior engineers and...
1 week ago
$115K - $170K *
Join our team to design and validate innovative mechanical systems for UAS. Collaborate across functions, enhancing product performance while staying informed on cutting-edge engineering advancements...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Chief Engineer (Principal Engineer)
$180K - $220K *
Take ownership of a critical AI domain, architecting systems and directly coding. Collaborate with a shared leadership team, driving impactful outcomes while shaping the technical future of a profitab...
Reposted 1 month ago
$76K - $114K *
Advance your engineering career by developing, validating, and debugging PCIe switches and NVMe controllers while mentoring junior engineers and enhancing laboratory testing capabilities in a collabor...
3 weeks ago
Internal Acceleration, Research Engineer (ASIC)
$150K - $400K *
Shape the future of AI-driven hardware by collaborating with founders and the ASIC team to develop innovative agents and systems that enhance engineering workflows and solve critical challenges in a f...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Deliver innovative test solutions for semiconductor systems, leading technical engagements and ensuring seamless integration. Collaborate with customers to optimize designs and drive successful implem...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Partner with us to ensure high-quality aerospace products through proactive quality assurance, process improvement, and customer collaboration. Drive corrective actions and compliance while supporting...
Reposted 5 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of analog engineering, leading the development of PMIC and mixed-signal products. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive innovation from concept to production, en...
Today
$138K - $165K *
Advance your career by leading the architectural evolution of PMIC and mixed-signal products. Drive the full development lifecycle, mentor engineers, and collaborate with customers to create innovativ...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Grow expertise in advanced BAS applications while mentoring peers, troubleshooting complex systems, and supporting projects throughout their lifecycle to drive success and foster innovation in buildin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$79K - $119K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative packaging solutions, ensuring product protection and compliance with specifications. Collaborate on structural concepts and manage documentation wh...
2 days ago
Hardware Engineer, (Defense & Aerospace, North Reading, MA)
$111K - $178K *
Unlock potential by designing and developing advanced test instrumentation for Defense and Aerospace. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, manufacturable hardware solutions that m...
1 week ago
Hardware Engineer, (Defense & Aerospace, North Reading, MA)
$111K - $178K *
Engineer innovative hardware solutions by leading PCB design and development efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, manufacturable products that meet stringent defens...
1 week ago
Staff Engineer - Manufacturing Engineering
$89K - $148K *
Drive manufacturing excellence by leading engineering projects, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance in a regulated environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product qua...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining product innovation by integrating electromechanical systems. Leverage your expertise to collaborate with engineers and designers, ensuring seamless functionality while ba...
3 weeks ago
$144K - $184K *
Join us to ensure seamless connectivity for satellite vehicles. As an RF Component Engineer, you'll oversee the lifecycle of RF components, collaborating with cross-functional teams to validate and te...
2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Engineer II - PLY Building
$91K - $128K *
Optimize manufacturing processes and support new product launches while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Drive improvements in production efficiency and quality, ensuring alignment with orga...
1 week ago
Product Design Engineer, Thermals
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of thermal architecture for AI-driven consumer devices, balancing performance and comfort. Drive design from concept to production while collaborating across teams to develop innovati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Test/Integration Electrical Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Drive the integration and validation of advanced electronic test systems for semiconductor characterization, collaborating with diverse engineering teams to enhance product performance and ensure qual...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$72K - $96K *
Empower innovation in advanced manufacturing by providing process engineering support, troubleshooting assembly methods, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in a collaborative environment...
Yesterday
$90K - $121K *
Shape the future of infrared detector technology by innovating wafer fab processes. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, automate, and improve fabrication methods while engaging in hands-on pilo...
2 weeks ago
$93K - $124K *
Engineer process development solutions, optimize manufacturing efficiency, and lead cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and innovation while aligning with strategic business goals in a d...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Liquid Cooling Systems
$137K - $171K *
Engineer cutting-edge mechanical cooling and hydraulic systems for modular AI data centers. Drive design, integration, and commissioning of innovative solutions, ensuring efficiency and reliability ac...
2 weeks ago
Senior R&D Engineer - Sequencing Systems
$87K - $137K *
Lead the charge in advancing automated DNA sequencing systems through innovative mechanical design, hands-on prototyping, and rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance and seamless integration in...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Electro-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer
$140K - $175K *
Lead manufacturing development for integrated avionics systems. Collaborate with design engineers on prototyping and production strategy while implementing advanced manufacturing techniques and stream...
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.