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.
$129K - $171K *
Champion production excellence by swiftly troubleshooting and resolving in-line issues, ensuring seamless operations on the imaging production floor while driving continuous improvement and collaborat...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Elevate user experience by owning product interfaces and roadmaps. Collaborate with engineers to solve complex problems, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction on a critical platform used by t...
1 week ago
Senior Analyst, Engineering - Product Delivery
$88K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading strategic initiatives that drive cost and quality improvements in product development. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure project success from conceptualization to pr...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$89K - $125K *
Elevate efficiency through innovative engineering solutions, leading cross-functional projects that enhance manufacturing processes, optimize resource use, and ensure compliance with industry standard...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Integration - Corsair
$80K - $95K *
Architect the future of autonomous vessels by integrating mechanical and electrical systems for rapid deployment. Own the design of Corsair's interior, ensuring robust performance and serviceability i...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of embedded systems development. Lead firmware design, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across teams to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions while dr...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Reimagine the future of pharmacy automation by designing and building innovative mechanisms. Collaborate with senior engineers to create hardware that impacts real patients, learning through hands-on...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Engineer - Electromechanical Assembly
$72K - $112K *
Transform your career by leading electromechanical assembly initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions, and applying lean manufacturing principles. Collaborate across teams while driving innovation and...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Quality Engineering
$135K - $143K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance quality processes, drive compliance, and lead audits in semiconductor manufacturing. Collaborate across functions to implement effective solutions and mentor engineers i...
Reposted 3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of control systems by leading projects, designing solutions, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure successful implementation and functionality of instrumentation and cont...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Analyze product performance and reliability through comprehensive testing. Develop test plans and fixtures, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure compliance with industry standards for high-q...
3 weeks ago
$115K - $130K *
Contribute to innovative solar product development by leading R&D projects, enhancing designs, and collaborating across teams to create efficient, high-quality solutions for commercial and residential...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your engineering career by joining a dynamic team focused on designing and scaling advanced manufacturing equipment. Contribute your expertise in machine design and automation to solve complex...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative design solutions in semiconductor projects. Leverage your expertise to collaborate with multi-disciplined teams, streamline processes, and deliver high-quality e...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer (Electrical)
$154K - $215K *
Transform supplier quality by leading initiatives for engineering transitions, production scalability, and ongoing improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive quality enhancements a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential on a dynamic AI team, transforming financial data into impactful solutions. Collaborate closely with product and engineering to deliver AI features that enhance efficiency and au...
3 weeks ago
Engineer I, Electrical Engineering
$78K - $85K *
Champion innovative electrical designs for UHP gas purification systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create detailed documentation and ensure product compliance, while enhancing your en...
1 week ago
NPD Project Engineer - Mechanical
$108K - $140K *
Lead the charge in innovative design processes, collaborating across teams to drive product realization, manage project schedules and budgets, and ensure technical specifications are met for successfu...
3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Engineer, Project Engineering (Hybrid)
$132K - $251K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex aerospace engineering projects, driving strategic execution, and ensuring alignment with customer and business objectives while managing cross-functional teams...
6 days ago
Electrical Engineer - Test & QA
$95K - $120K *
Drive quality assurance and testing for electrical systems, troubleshoot failures, and support custom hardware integrations. Collaborate with design teams to enhance product reliability while growing...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape innovative rack-level power systems to enhance data center efficiency, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure high-quality product delivery and long-term scala...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on enhancing welding processes across complex reactor systems, ensuring high quality and compliance at every stage from design to production. Be part of pi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Product Development Engineer III
$97K - $127K *
Drive the design and development of commercial refrigeration systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex engineering challenges and support prod...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of OpenBMC firmware development, driving platform bring-up, feature implementation, and integration to enhance system functionality and reliability. Contribute your...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to leverage your expertise in OpenBMC firmware development, collaborating on platform bring-up and feature innovation. Elevate your career while working closely with cross-functional teams to...
Reposted 1 week 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.