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.
$146K - $194K *
Join a team that's optimizing hardware design through innovative engineering software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity and streamline workflows, ensuring cutt...
5 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Elevate software engineering solutions by architecting and integrating advanced testing platforms across diverse semiconductor environments, ensuring high-quality, reliable execution and fostering tec...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$69K - $120K *
Elevate chip manufacturing processes by driving frame engineering improvements, collaborating globally to enhance productivity and quality through innovative solutions and advanced technologies in a d...
Today
$69K - $120K *
Champion innovative solutions in tape out operations, enhancing productivity and quality through collaboration and process improvements in semiconductor manufacturing. Engage with global teams to driv...
Today
$171K - $285K *
Deliver innovative solutions by leading a high-performing engineering team in the development of cloud and mobile applications. Drive excellence and ensure quality while shaping technical strategies t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Elevate your career by managing all phases of commercial construction projects, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among teams while supporting U.S. military projects on active bases...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to drive mechanical engineering efforts across program life cycles, ensuring designs meet requirements and support defense initiatives with direct customer interacti...
4 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Application Engineer
$115K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative mechanical solutions for prefabricated platforms. Leverage your expertise in HVAC to lead the development and ensure alignment with customer and operational goals...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Design Engineer - New Product Development
$75K - $95K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in product development. As a key contributor, you'll transform customer needs into engineering solutions, collaborating across departments to bring new tools and...
Reposted 2 days ago
R&D Software Engineering Manager
$167K - $279K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in software and firmware development. Lead an Agile engineering team, shape product strategy, and enhance customer experiences across IoT, mobile, and desktop app...
2 weeks ago
R&D Software Engineering Manager
$167K - $279K *
Unlock your potential by leading an Agile engineering team to innovate and drive product strategy across software and firmware, ensuring customer-centric solutions in IoT, mobile, and desktop applicat...
2 weeks ago
NDT Physicist / NDT Research Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Support the advancement of NDT technologies through hands-on development, testing, and analysis of inspection techniques. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance equipment and methodologies, ensurin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$175K - $250K *
Champion the development of AI-driven applications that enhance broker workflows, drive revenue growth, and improve member engagement. Collaborate cross-functionally to build innovative, scalable solu...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock automation potential by leading projects from concept to execution, enhancing production efficiency through innovative solutions and hands-on troubleshooting in a dynamic manufacturing environm...
Today
Senior Electrical Test Engineer
$120K - $140K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing RF testing methodologies. Lead the development of test systems, troubleshoot complex RF setups, and mentor engineers to ensure precision in testing operations...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Test Engineer
$120K - $140K *
Lead the testing and development of RF components, ensuring precision and efficiency. Collaborate with engineers, troubleshoot complex systems, and mentor team members while maintaining high-quality s...
2 weeks ago
R&D Senior Mechanical Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Optimize electric motor design and innovation through independent problem-solving, mentoring peers, and leading cross-functional R&D initiatives to deliver high-quality products that meet industry sta...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Lead the planning and implementation of manufacturing processes for new and existing products, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. Collaborate with teams to enhance production methods and provide...
Yesterday
$88K - $105K *
Take ownership of innovative mechanical designs for advanced particle accelerator systems, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to enhance our state-of-the-art production capabilities and ensur...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Drive innovation in electrical engineering by enhancing plant control systems, troubleshooting complex electrical issues, and leading automation projects to optimize production efficiency and reliabil...
2 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of power systems by leading innovative mechanical design projects for AI and datacenter technologies. Drive product development from concept to manufacturing while ensuring performanc...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize manufacturing processes by addressing equipment and component issues, ensuring efficient production of high-quality RF coaxial cable assemblies while collaborating with cross-functional teams...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Join our innovative team as a robotics engineer, where you'll architect and develop cutting-edge software solutions for virtual simulations, collaborating with experts to enhance autonomy and sensor i...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing critical thermal-mechanical components for advanced power plants. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transform thermal performance requirements into manufacturabl...
2 weeks ago
$116K - $175K *
Innovate electrical engineering solutions for energy and infrastructure projects, leading design and coordination efforts. Ensure compliance and efficiency while tackling complex challenges in healthc...
Yesterday
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.