Explore R&D Engineer Jobs

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.

What R&D Engineers Do

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.

Industries and Specializations

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Find R&D Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading electrical engineering efforts for facility construction, installation, and commissioning. Drive compliance, oversee power distribution, and ensure safe operations while co...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive electrical engineering excellence by leading facility construction, installation, and commissioning efforts. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, troubleshoot issues, and establish robus...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$65K - $97K *

DJ&A is seeking a Transportation Design Engineer with 1-10 years of relevant experience to support transportation engineering designs for various agencies. The ideal candidate will have strong communi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$65K - $97K *

Develop impactful transportation engineering designs for diverse infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams while utilizing advanced design software. Support clients across var...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic R&D team to lead chemistry initiatives, ensure deliverables, train staff, and enhance projects through innovative method development and client collaboration. Drive significant impact o...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's innovating control systems for cutting-edge enrichment technology. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to develop reliable software solutions that support high-stakes projects...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $149K *

Build advanced testing strategies and analyze data to enhance product reliability. Collaborate with design teams, develop validation plans, and conduct root cause analysis to drive improvements and en...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$85K - $149K *

Drive innovation in product reliability by developing and executing comprehensive testing strategies, analyzing data for actionable insights, and collaborating across teams to enhance hardware durabil...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of supplier performance by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance quality and delivery. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and conduct critical assessments to elev...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovation by designing and developing hydraulic pumps and valves, collaborating with teams to solve fluid power challenges, and managing projects to enhance performance and efficiency in a hand...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Tackle complex mechanical challenges while driving R&D facilities modernization and capital improvements. Collaborate across teams to enhance pilot capabilities for cutting-edge carbon fiber technolog...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your expertise by driving innovation in non-basic refractory products through R&D. Collaborate with global teams to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance product performance, and provide t...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovative product design and development, translating market needs into manufacturable solutions. Collaborate across teams to ensure quality and functionality from concept to production in a fa...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$92K - $174K *

Transform your career by driving innovative mechanical solutions through cutting-edge research and development. Collaborate with a dynamic engineering team to optimize material systems and fabrication...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$92K - $174K *

Lead innovative material system designs and fabrication methods to support cutting-edge research and development within a collaborative engineering team focused on manufacturing and repair processes f...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$85K - $100K *

Lead the charge in designing and manufacturing custom hydraulic and pneumatic components. Manage projects from concept to production, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to engineering standards wh...

Ingersoll, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $160K *

Join a team that's pushing boundaries in AI-driven software development. As a key product engineer, you will lead high-impact projects, collaborate across disciplines, and shape the user experience fr...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$124K - $171K *

Empower your leadership skills by managing a dynamic R&D Mechanical Prototype Lab team. Oversee operations, drive performance, and ensure high-quality prototype delivery while collaborating with cross...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead complex mechanical projects, providing expert guidance and innovative solutions. Oversee design, analysis, and testing of systems while driving continuous improvement and mentoring junior enginee...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$207K - $258K *

Advance your career by leading a diverse team to deliver innovative trapped-ion quantum computer designs and hardware, guiding projects through their lifecycle, and mentoring junior talent in cutting...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design and test cutting-edge avionics systems for aviation. Leverage your mechanical engineering expertise to drive innovative solutions and enhance aircraft performance while c...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $129K *

Elevate your engineering career by joining a dynamic program focused on medical device innovation. Gain hands-on experience through functional rotations, develop technical and leadership skills, and c...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $200K *

Engage in hands-on mechanical design, driving prototypes from concept to reality. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate systems, utilizing CAD tools and rapid prototyping for in...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$69K - $110K *

Build your career in a dynamic engineering program, gaining hands-on experience across multiple functions. Engage with senior leaders and cutting-edge technology while developing essential skills in a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$69K - $110K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence through a dynamic 20-month development program. Gain hands-on experience across multiple functions, enhance your skills, and connect with senior le...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an R&D engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.