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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$110K - $130K *

Elevate systems engineering practices by leading a multidisciplinary team to drive new product development and modernization initiatives, ensuring technical excellence and cross-functional collaborati...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovation by leading a multidisciplinary team in systems engineering, driving product development and integration while enhancing engineering practices across complex instrumentation project...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving product excellence through technical problem-solving and continuous improvement. Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve customer quality issues and enhance pr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$93K - $130K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with global teams to enhance aerospace product designs, resolve materials obsolescence, and improve supply chain performance for commercial and military aircraft syst...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$102K - $199K *

Engineer innovative solutions in nuclear energy and security by developing modeling techniques and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to enhance safeguards and performance in nuclear facilitie...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Transform prototype development by leading fabrication, assembly, and safety in our lab. Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality mockups and test conformities while ensuring a cultur...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Engage in groundbreaking electrical system design for innovative HVAC products. Collaborate in product development from concept to validation, enhancing reliability and efficiency while adhering to sa...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of semiconductor technology by managing integration processes, defining requirements, and collaborating across teams to enhance manufacturing yield and efficiency...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Contribute to innovative material development in a fast-paced R&D environment, collaborating across teams to enhance existing products and create new solutions for the aluminum, power generation, and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$105K - $200K *

Unlock your potential as a Mechanical Engineer, designing and testing innovative undersea communication systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to solve complex engineering challenges and contribute...

1 week ago

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

$105K - $200K *

Collaborate to design, analyze, and test mechanical systems for undersea applications, tackling complex communication challenges. Engage with diverse teams to innovate solutions and support field test...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Innovate in the design and prototyping of lightweight photovoltaic modules for space applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create, test, and iterate on cutting-edge solar technology...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$87K - $135K *

Invent innovative solutions in surgical technology, driving product development for advanced minimally invasive systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform concepts into reliable, hi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$94K - $140K *

Elevate manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and improving energetics processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Partner with us to innovate and enhance food processing techniques, developing new products and optimizing existing processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive commercialization...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's transforming pilot processes into scalable solutions. Leverage your expertise in process design and hands-on equipment operation while nurturing safety and quality in a dynamic star...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$76K - $95K *

Engage in the design and development of innovative medical devices, utilizing multidisciplinary engineering skills to enhance product quality and patient safety while collaborating across functional a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Empower customer success by providing expert technical support and training. Collaborate with R&D to enhance product development and ensure seamless customer interactions through effective troubleshoo...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$74K - $187K *

Unlock your potential as a technical leader driving innovative solutions in industrial automation. Lead a dynamic R&D team to transform customer needs into validated prototypes, bridging the gap betwe...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$74K - $187K *

Lead a cross-functional team in developing innovative industrial automation solutions. As a technical anchor, you'll shape prototypes from concept to handoff, driving clarity, feasibility, and mentors...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$74K - $187K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional teams in the development of innovative industrial automation solutions, from concept to prototype, while mentoring engineers and managing the innovation pr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative electro-mechanical systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive product development and optimize the design, testing, and evaluation of complex hardware subsyst...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $170K *

Drive innovation by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and integrate advanced metrology solutions, ensuring high performance and reliability in semiconductor production environments...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the development and launch of a new gas strut product line, optimizing manufacturing processes and collaborating across teams to ensure quality and efficiency in production. Drive technical exper...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Transform your career by supporting innovative automotive lighting solutions. Engage in hands-on electrical design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration to drive product development from concep...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

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.