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.
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovation by developing and integrating RF systems for advanced defense technology projects, ensuring flawless functionality from prototype to testing while collaborating across multidisciplina...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $175K *
Elevate your career by applying advanced engineering techniques to design and coordinate mechanical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency while collaborati...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $158K *
Drive innovative mechanical designs for energy and infrastructure projects. Lead project segments, ensuring compliance and efficiency while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-p...
2 weeks ago
$116K - $175K *
Grow your career with us to lead mechanical systems design for energy and infrastructure projects. Collaborate across teams, solve complex challenges, and deliver high-performance, reliable systems wh...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Build robust software solutions by developing application and test code, while steering implementation decisions in a collaborative Agile environment. Contribute to complex architectures using modern...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Help us shape the future of technology by joining our team as a Software Engineer. You'll design, develop, and enhance software systems, ensuring optimal performance and integration while analyzing us...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the engineering team in aerospace manufacturing, driving technical solutions, and fostering talent development in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvem...
4 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Champion engineering solutions in automation controls and power distribution. Leverage 5+ years of experience within the food industry to drive projects, ensuring safe and efficient operation while co...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion the design and development of cutting-edge digital compute and power electronics. Lead a team in creating reliable, scalable systems for high-speed communication, ensuring optimal performance...
2 weeks ago
Staff Manufacturing Engineer, DFM
$110K - $130K *
Drive the transition of innovative reactor designs into scalable production systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturability, assembly, and quality control for complex m...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technical Project Engineer - Avionics Systems
$110K - $130K *
Lead critical avionics development programs by collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of FAA-certified systems, managing risks, and optimizing project execution for safe f...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Transform the future of embedded systems by developing reliable software solutions. Collaborate on diverse projects, ensuring compliance and integration with hardware while driving innovation in therm...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative solutions for optimizing rare earth element processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data architecture and analytical methods, driving advancements in research...
2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Engineer - Electromechanical Systems
$88K - $105K *
Drive the development and improvement of electronic production test systems and processes, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure quality and efficiency in manufacturing and new product introducti...
Reposted 6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead a team of mechanical designers to innovate and develop next-gen Coolant Distribution Units. Oversee product design, CAD standards, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance engineering excell...
2 days ago
$100K - $125K *
Accelerate progress at our innovative facility, leading equipment engineering efforts to enhance safety, reliability, and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues an...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Structures
$90K - $150K *
Join a team that's transforming satellite technology! Drive innovative designs, collaborate across subsystems, and tackle complex challenges in a dynamic environment to revolutionize satellite structu...
3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer, PCB Design (R6075)
$150K - $230K *
Transform designs into reality by creating robust PCB layouts and collaborating across teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance in high-tech applications...
3 weeks ago
$92K - $119K *
Join our team as we apply innovative engineering methods to design, analyze, and enhance mechanical systems while managing projects effectively under general supervision. Your expertise will drive imp...
1 month ago
$101K - $152K *
Unlock potential by applying fundamental engineering principles to design and support mechanical systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on HVAC and energy system projects, ensuring complian...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $152K *
Advance mechanical engineering design and analysis for energy projects, ensuring compliance and performance. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative HVAC and energy systems, while managing projec...
3 weeks ago
$103K - $132K *
Lead design and analysis efforts as a Mechanical Engineer, applying engineering principles to develop, evaluate, and improve systems and products while managing projects under general supervision...
1 month ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer III
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in space exploration by leading complex engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards while mentoring junior engine...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer III
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex engineering projects, ensuring the design and development of innovative Crew system products for commercial space stations. Collaborate across teams to manage sched...
1 week ago
$115K - $133K *
Lead the charge in applying engineering principles and product expertise to support customer integration of advanced RF solutions, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across teams to dr...
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.